Faith in Hard Seasons

Bald and beautiful!

Life often throws challenges our way that test our strength and resolve. These moments can leave us questioning our beliefs and values. For me, there was no greater test than my battle with cancer at age 29. This journey, filled with uncertainty and fear, ultimately deepened my faith in Jesus, offering me the strength to persevere.

The Crumbling World

Picture a world where everything you once relied on feels shaky and unstable. That’s exactly how my cancer diagnosis felt. All of a sudden, the solid ground I stood on became uncertain, and fear gripped my heart.

Yet within that chaos, I faced a crucial decision: should I seek comfort in Scripture and lean into my faith, or should I drift away from it? As I confronted this adversity, I realized that such difficult times reveal the true depth of our convictions and beliefs.

Finding Strength

In choosing to embrace my faith, I uncovered a reservoir of strength I never knew I had. It was like discovering a guiding light in the darkest of times. Verses from the Bible resonated with me powerfully, assuring me I was not alone. For instance, I found hope in Romans 8:28, which states, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.” Each time despair threatened to overwhelm me, I would cling to this promise.

As a cancer survivor, my perspective shifted. Life became about thriving, not just surviving from day to day. I learned that joy can coexist with sorrow. Finding solace in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me,” became a daily mantra. Each mention of this verse fueled my spirit and reminded me of my resilience.

The Power of Community

During my treatment, the support from my community was invaluable. Friends and family prepared meals, offered prayers, and provided a shoulder to lean on when times got tough. It wasn't just my inner circle; I also found support in online communities of cancer survivors and fellow women of faith sharing their stories.

The encouragement I received showed me just how powerful community can be in healing. I was diagnosed before the social media era, 2005, so my support from friends and family across the country was strictly through email distribution lists. I had over 200 people, which was significant at that time, who walked through the book of Job with me week after week through my treatment. My community carried me through my darkest moments, reminding me that every struggle has a purpose, and God can turn hardships into triumphant stories.

Running Towards Jesus

Embracing my relationship with Jesus was a daily commitment, grounded in the belief that I could lean on Him for comfort and guidance. Each step I took in faith was met with His grace. I discovered prayer as a powerful tool to shift my perspective and strengthen my spirit.

In long, painful nights, I turned my anxieties into prayers. I drew reassurance from Psalm 34:18. It provided the hope I craved, reminding me that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Knowing my pain was recognized by God brought the comfort I needed in those challenging moments.

Moments of Joy

Cancer brought forth some of the toughest challenges I had ever faced, but it also revealed unexpected moments of joy. I learned to treasure simple experiences: a beautiful sunset, the warmth of a shared cup of tea, or deep laughter with friends.

These moments often popped up when I least expected them. For example, during a particularly tough week, my best friend just sat with me as I moaned through the pain. The power of presence transformed my day, reminding me to appreciate life’s small gifts...being present in times of need. I learned to appreciate even the simplest joys, understanding that happiness and pain can exist together.

Lessons of Hope

My journey through cancer imparted powerful lessons about hope during difficult times. Hope isn't something that just happens; it requires action. Every morning, I chose to affirm the promises in Scripture, believing in a brighter future despite the shadows that at times loomed over me.

As a Christian speaker today, I feel compelled to share my story to inspire others facing challenges. I want them to know that even in the darkest moments, God is at work—refining, strengthening, and drawing us closer to Him. In my books, Silver Lining: Cancer Was the Best Worst Thing That Ever Happened to Me and String of Pearls: Seeking God's Intentionality in Our Lives, I reflect on how personal pain became a pathway to deeper faith and how God threads purpose through every season of our lives.

The journey through suffering can be tough, but it often leads to growth and resilience. God uses these trials to refine us and turn our adversities into sources of strength.

Final Thoughts

Looking back on my cancer journey, I am grateful that I chose to turn towards Jesus. In my darkest hours, I found strength, hope, and joy through my faith. That relationship proved to be everything I needed and more.

If you are navigating a hard season, lean into your faith. Remember that you are never alone. Seek community, embrace the process, and let God’s love surround you. Your story can also serve as a beacon of hope to others.

It is often in the hardest seasons that our faith shines the brightest, illuminating a path for ourselves and others searching for hope.