Colliding with My Destiny from God

Joanie Shawhan's ministry reflects who she is—an optimist, wise, secure in her relationship with God, and reaching out to others in need. In this Discernment UPGRADE, she shares about her health crisis and offers encouraging words for those who wonder how to go forward in their own tough circumstance."A crisis of any kind," Joanie says, "is an unwelcome intrusion upon my very well-orchestrated plans."

Oh, I (Dawn) identify with that! But I also identify with what Joanie discovered: the "intrusion" is often God's "motivation" for fresh and meaningful ministry.

Joanie continues . . .

When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, little did I know how cancer would change the course of my life. I searched for other survivors. But there were no support groups or Gilda's clubs.

Were there any survivors?

A friend gave me a journal to write about my cancer experience. Eventually, I wrote the book In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer which includes my story and the stories of eleven other women with cancer diagnoses. My hope was that other women would be encouraged by our stories.

But destiny didn't begin with a published book.

A friend invited me to a writing conference where the Lord connected me with other Christian writers and provided a place where I could hone my skills since I had no previous writing experience.

My friend also started a writing group where we critiqued and encouraged one another on our writing journeys.

During this season of writing and learning, I discovered an ovarian cancer camp in Missoula, Montana. There I met other survivors who connected me with the Wisconsin Ovarian Cancer Alliance (WOCA).

Through WOCA, other survivor and I shared our ovarian cancer stories with medical students in a program called Survivors Teaching Students. We hope the students will recognize the symptoms of ovarian cancer so they can diagnose it in the earlier stages.

We also started a local ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. We meet monthly, sponsor speakers of interest, and participate in fundraisers.

Writing a book and sharing my story opened doors to radio, television, and podcast interviews. I have also contributed to numerous Christian compilations and devotional books.

I never planned on being an author or speaker.

I never anticipated that a cancer diagnosis would be my collision with God's destiny for me.

Discernment in Our Unexpected Circumstances

How can we discern if our unexpected circumstances are leading us into God's destiny for us?

1. Pray.

When I was told I had cancer, I didn't know what to do. I cried out, God, I need your help.

I'm reminded of Jehoshaphat when he ws surrounded by powerful armies. He prayed, "We do not know what to do, but we are looking to ou for help" (2 Chronicles 20:12 NLT). Jehoshaphat knew only God could help him.

Cancer was too big for me, and only God could help me too.

2. Obey God.

As a nurse, I had watched my patients suffer the devastating side effects of chemotherapy. I vowed I would never take those drugs. But I sensed the Lord telling me, Go through the process. That meant chemotherapy.

I recall the Lord's words to Jehoshaphat,

"Do not be afraid or discouraged. . . for the Lord is with you!" (2 Chronicles 20:17 NLT).

If I had refused to obey God and not go through chemotherapy, I would not have written a book, spoken to medical students, or advocated for the amazing women I've met along this journey.

3. Praise God.

I may have been blindsided by cancer, but God was not. Jesus is still Lord.

Even in the messy middle, Jehoshaphat appointed the singers to go before the army singing, "Give thanks to the Lord; his faithful love endures forever!" (2 Chronicles 20:21 NLT)

Jehoshaphat didn't know how the Lord would bring about the victory, but he believed in God's promises and faithfulness. The battle was too big.

My battle was too big for me too. But God would be faithful to me just like he was for Jehoshaphat.

4. Trust God.

I was helpless to change my situation. I had no idea how God oculd bring anything good out of something so destructive.

As I reflect on the path God chose for me, I see the steppingstones that led me to my destiny. Each step could stand alone, but together they led me along a path to being a published author and an avocate for ovarian cancer survivors.

Like Jehoshaphat, I need to watch how God's plan unfolds. Then I will see how God brings about His purposes and plans for my life.

"God is faithful [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on]" (1 Corinthians 1:9 AMP).

Sometimes it's the unexpected circumstances in our lives that lead us into our destiny in Christ.

"For we are His workmanshipo, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them" (Ephesians 2:10 NKJV).

In what ways has God used the circumstances of your life to direct you into His plans and purposes?

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of "Your story plus my story become our stories." An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions; Snapshots of Hope & Heart; Sage, Salt & Sunshine; Life Repurposed; and We May Be Done But We're Not Finished. Follow Joanie at joanieshawhan.com.

Graphic adapted, from an ad on Amazon for an ovarian cancer decal.

Does Jesus Still Heal Today?

Debbie W. Wilson, a Bible teacher and former counselor, has helped many women find victory in life's battles. But what happens when the battle is health? Is there anything the believer can do? In this Practical Theology UPGRADE, Debbie answers the question with two examples and solid scriptural counsel.  "Have you ever wondered," she asks, "if Jesus heals today?"

This is a question I (Dawn) considered early in my cancer diagnosis. My conclusions, like Debbie's, brought me greater understanding, peace, and abiding joy. 

Debbie continues . . . 

In the Gospels, Jesus initiated healing for some and healed others because they asked. Some were healed with just a word; others had to participate in their healing, such as wash in a pool or pick up their mat and walk.

But what about today? Does Jesus heal today?

God healed my father-in-law from chronic back problems in an instant.

He was working late in his small grocery store one night when an inexplicable current zinged down his spine. His back pain vanished. He bent and twisted without the usual pain. For the ultimate test, he strode over to the meat lock

Ed Wilson’s healing didn’t come in response to a healing service, but it did follow an extraordinary act of obedience.

Grocery stores make more profit from non-perishable items than from perishable food. Cigarette sales generated significant income for his small store and took up relatively little space. Before the FDA warning on cigarettes, a conviction grew in him not to sell cigarettes anymore.

People thought he was crazy. But he couldn’t shake the conviction.

Instead of letting the cigarettes run out, one night he loaded his store’s supply and took them out into the Arizona desert to burn them.

My husband never forgot how sick the family was the next day—or his father’s sacrificial act of obedience.

The next week God healed Ed’s back.

Should We Ask for Healing?

The Bible tells us to pray for healing.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. 

"And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 

"Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:14-16 NIV). 

Last week, our Bible study gathered around our sister to pray.

Before we prayed, I read and discussed James’s instructions.

1. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call.”

The sick person had asked for prayer.

2. “Call the elders of the church to pray over them.”

The church is not a building but a body of believers—“the called-out ones.” The Bible calls believers a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).

We have the authority to pray for one another.

Paul reminds us there is neither Jew or Greek (not based on ethnicity or physical birth); nor slave or free (not based on socio-economic standing); nor male or female (not based on gender) (Galatians 3:28). We are one in Christ Jesus.

3. “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

Righteous means we have right standing before God. This is based on what Christ has done, not on our worthiness.

Faith in Jesus make us righteous and produces a desire to please Him in our actions.

4. “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.”

We bowed our heads quietly and asked the Lord to search our hearts so that we could come before Him with clean hearts (1 John 1:9).

5. “Pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
.
Oil, in the Bible, often symbolizes the Holy Spirit.

“Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty” (Zechariah 4:6 NIV).

Humans don’t have the power to heal, but nothing is impossible with God.

I anointed our sister with a small amount of Frankincense oil on her forehead and wrists, and quoted Isaiah 53:5: “by his wounds we are healed” (NIV).

6. “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”

We gathered around her and prayed over her in Jesus’ name.

Our sister prayed too. She thanked God for her healing.

Whether here or in heaven, she WOULD be healed.

We ended singing, “Amen, amen….”

None of us will forget that holy moment when our prayers and tears mingled as the presence of the Holy Spirit poured over our sister.

Jesus heard us, and we trust Him to do more than we can ask or imagine.

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20 NIV).

If Jesus didn’t still heal today, would the Bible tell the sick person to ask for prayers?

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. Learn more about her books, connect with Debbie, and find free resources at debbieWwilson.com.

Graphic adapted, original photo courtesy of Canva.

Preparing for the Holidays

Kathy Carlton Willis is a mentoring master, helping people achieve their goals through a practical, biblical focus, and challenging them to embrace good choices for their wellbeing. In this Christmas UPGRAGE, she offers helpful strategies for health and weight control.

“I love the holidays," Kathy says, "and unfortunately, I inherited the food-as-a-love-language gene from both sides of my family."

Hmmm. I (Dawn) think we must be related, because I have that gene too. But Kathy doesn't stop at acknowledging a problem; she's determined to offer creative solutions!

Kathy continues . . .

While others are gaining the holiday five to ten pounds, my goal is to hold my own.

In Kathy-math, that’s like losing during other times of the year. That way, when I dive into “getting back on track” on January 2, I don’t have that extra holiday weight to lose as others do.

See? It’s a win! I’ll be ahead of the game.

What is YOUR holiday strategy?

I’m finding a variety of methods to enjoy the holidays without setting back my health and weight-loss progress. Sometimes, implementing what I know goes better than at other times!

Accountability helps. And keeping close touch of my WHY.

Let’s savor the flavors for our holiday meal, but not for weeks on end. Be mindful to eat well when we’re celebrating, but eat for being well the other meals.

One of my holiday meal plans is to allow myself to eat what we don’t commonly have throughout the year.

• I can forego the mashed potatoes on my plate, knowing I can have them next time we have roast or meatloaf.
• We seldom have homemade yeast rolls, so it’s worth not eating other carbs to enjoy those fluffy orbs of goodness.
• When it comes to dessert I choose the pumpkin pie option and don’t eat the pie crust.

Here Are Some More Tips

1. If you’re going to a buffet or potluck, look over the whole food line before choosing which ones you’ll put on your plate.

Better to savor some of the food than be miserable after eating all of the food.

2. Eat slowly, enjoying conversation as much as the food.

Ask others questions and invest in truly listening. Reminisce favorite family memories. Tell younger generations stories of their ancestors.

3. After you finish your plate of food, offer to serve others.

Refill glasses. Delay seconds or dessert.

Let your food have time to catch up with you so your brain starts to register that you are getting full.

4. When you decide you are finished, pop a mint or piece of gum to freshen your breath.

Put on some lipstick. You’re less likely to want to mess that up with more food!

5. Choose extra activity to offset the extra food intake.

Make group activities a new family or friend tradition.

Go to an area known for Christmas lights. Park the car and walk as a group to see the decorations.

Be sure to have on light colors or reflective gear so you don’t get hit, and carry a flashlight. Or think ahead and give everyone in the group a glow necklace to wear. (Or even some twinkly Christmas light necklaces!)

6. Bring a healthy recipe option to carry-in dinners.

Make it so good, others can’t believe it’s healthy. They’ll start asking for it at future gatherings.

7. Make the non-food parts of the holiday shine more.

Focus on the love. Make new memories.

8. Have a plan for the day before and after a holiday to eat more produce and proteins.

Clean eating helps offset one day of savoring special foods.

9. Make an extra effort to get more sleep.

We need it more than ever during the holidays, and it truly is the one thing that affects wellbeing of body, soul, and spirit.

Let’s focus on being good caregivers of our bodies this season of worship and turn down what doesn’t help us live well for God.

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. (Romans 12:1–2 NLT)

At a time of year when we have a lot on our plates, we need to make sure we don’t pile a lot on our dinner plates!

And for that matter, we need to reduce what we have on our life plates too—so we can truly SAVOR the SEASON.

What will you have on your holiday plate?

Kathy Carlton Willis is God’s Grin Gal. She writes and speaks with a balance of funny and faith—whimsy and wisdom. Over a thousand of Kathy’s articles have been published and she has several books in her Grin Gal brand. Her latest books are The Grin Gal’s Guide for Wellbeing: Being Well in Body, Soul & Spirit, and the ancillary product, The Grin Gal’s Planner for Wellbeing. Set yourself up for success by joining one of Kathy’s wellbeing groups, which will start in January. More information at www.kathycarltonwillis.com, or contact her for details at kathy@kathycarltonwillis.com.

Article content adapted from The Grin Gal’s Guide for Wellbeing: Being Well in Body, Soul & Spirit ©2021.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Cara Crobbelaar at Unsplash.

Battling Fear in a Health Crisis

Joanie Shawhan doesn't just observe problem situations, she jumps into the thick of them to offer godly solutions in a practical, non-threatening way. In this Health UPGRADE, Joanie touches on a specific problem—COVID-19—but also applies it to other health battles. In the process, she helps us see there are battles beyond the physical."I checked my texts for the umpteenth time," Joanie said. "Finally! — 'You have a new test result.”

I (Dawn) understand this waiting for test results so well, and the temptation to fear during the wait. I'm glad Joanie addresses this both biblically and practically.

Joanie continues . . .

My heart pounded as I opened my online medical chart. The word “positive” jumped off the page.

COVID.

Fear threatened to swallow me.

I echoed David’s cries:

The cords of death entangled me; the torrents of destruction overwhelmed me (Psalm 18:4 NIV).

I had gone into urgent care the day before with a fever, a whopping headache, and ear pressure. I thought I had a sinus infection and swimmer’s ear. The doctor would prescribe an antibiotic and I’d quickly recover.

My first inkling I may have misdiagnosed myself arrived in the form of a staff member in full protective gear leading me down a back hallway to an isolated area of the clinic.

Was the swab really necessary? After all, it was just a sinus infection.

My wall of denial crumbled when I received a call from the medical staff.

Even more disconcerting, the medical profession offered little helpful instruction: rest, hydrate, and come to the ER for shortness of breath.

I received no comforting words, treatment, or benign reassurances.

Even though most people survived, the fear of death proved staggering. An atmosphere of fear formed a thick cloud over my reasoning.

I was on my own. I had to navigate this disease with few resources, little personal experience, and an unknown outcome. Would I survive?

I had faced the shadow of death once before when diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Now I sought comfort again from Psalm 23.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me (Psalm 23:4 ESV).

As the battle raged in my body, an even GREATER BATTLE raged against my soul.

I felt the Lord whisper, “I will not have my people living in fear.”

My real battle was FEAR, not COVID.

How would I navigate through fear and survive this dreaded disease? I needed to recognize the battle belonged to the Lord. He would provide me with a strategy.

My Battle Strategy

1. Call the Prayer Warriors.

I needed prayer, not only for healing from COVID, but to fight the fear that engulfed me. Especially since I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself.

Like a looped recording, the enemy hissed in my ear, “You could die.”

But I needed to hear a different word from my prayer warriors:

• You shall not die, but live.
• God is not finished with you yet.

These words and others pushed back the fear that I, too, would become a COVID casualty.

2. Worship.

A prayer warrior friend counselled me to immerse myself in worship.

The presence of God changed the atmosphere of fear and pushed back the darkness that obscured my thinking.

As I worshipped, I listened to a new looped recording:

God is a waymaker, he is for me, he surrounds me and fights for me.

My strength was weak, but the Lord surrounded me with his presence and pushed back the fear.

3. Replace Fear with the Word of God.

I needed to replace the voice of fear with the Word of the Lord.

These scriptures provided a lifeline for me to cling to in the midst of the fray.

• The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid? (Psalm 27:1 NKJV).
• So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you (Isaiah 41:10 NIV).

4. Trust God.

While I was battling the symptoms of the disease, trusting God in the face of an unknown outcome proved challenging.

Healing from COVID could take time. Probably more time than I had patience.

But I read:

See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory (Isaiah 12:2 NLT).

5. Thank Him.

No matter the outcome, Jesus is my only hope. I desperately needed His presence and His perspective.

Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again—my Savior and my God! (Psalm 42:11 NLT).

I am grateful not only for the Lord healing me, but for freeing me from the bondage of fear.

I cried to God in my distress and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears! (Psalm 34:4 TPT).

You too can battle fear in a health crisis!

What strategies has the Lord given you to fight fear when you feel overwhelmed by your circumstances?

Joanie Shawhan shares true-life stories, offering her reader an eyewitness view of the action. Her Selah Awards Finalist book, In Her Shoes: Dancing in the Shadow of Cancer, reflects the value of “your story plus my story become our stories.” An ovarian cancer survivor and registered nurse, Joanie speaks to medical students in the Survivors Teaching Students program. She co-founded an ovarian cancer social group: The Fried Eggs—Sunny-Side Up. Publishing credits include: Guideposts Divine Interventions, Wit, Whimsy & Wisdom, Life Repurposed, We May Be Done But We’re Not Finished and The Upper Room. Visit Joanie at www.joanieshawhan.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Fernando Zhiminaicela at Pixabay.

Taken to the Brink of Death

Yvonne Ortega has survived many tough circumstances in her life, and the Lord taught her powerful lessons through each trial. In this Prayer UPGRADE, she shares a personal story of desperation, and how God answered her prayers.

“After the remediation and restoration of my home, I expected to feel better," Yvonne says. "Instead, I became sicker and sicker. I couldn’t eat or sleep. I felt nauseated, dizzy, and worn out.”

When I (Dawn) read that, I thought, "Wow! What was wrong?" Does that make you curious too?

Yvonne continues . . .

For two and a half years, the mystery continued. Some strange smell overpowered me. No one seemed to smell it but me.

I needed help and couldn’t wait much longer.

So what did I do?

1. I prayed day and night.

I prayed and claimed God’s promise in the Bible:

“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5, NASB 1995).

"God, I’m not making this up! Please tell me what’s wrong with my house.

"I’m on the brink of death. I’ve lost twenty-five pounds. My clothes hang on my body. I’m doubled over in pain. I can hardly stand up, much less walk. I need your wisdom!"

2. I called my primary care physician.

When the receptionist answered, I managed—between sobs—to get the words out:  “No more virtual appointments. Somebody has to see me.” I described all of my symptoms.

It was just before Christmas. Nothing was available except for a virtual appointment on January 5, 2021, and an in-person one on January 25, 2021.

I took both.

Meanwhile, I continued to pray that God would bring me answers.

The first answer from God came through the man who came over to rake leaves before Christmas. He found two gas leaks in the gas line to the generator.

The gas company couldn’t fix the two leaks because they were on a private line. A qualified technician fixed them immediately.

When the doctor heard my story, he believed me and ordered a thorough check of my home. That check revealed that every single valve on the gas line was loose.

I was being slowly poisoned to death in my own home.

No wonder I couldn’t stand the smell of any food preparation on my gas stove.

I also had gas heat and couldn’t tolerate the smell from the vents. That odor kept me from turning on the gas fireplace. During that cold winter, I bundled up, kept the stove and heat off as much as possible, and prayed for a miracle in my home.

It should have been my refuge.

3. I thanked God.

I thanked Him for every single person He brought to encourage, support, and lead me back to health.

He used many.

• A friend sent me a link to symptoms of gas poisoning. I had all of them but one and took the information to my specialists.
• The doctor asked about a mammogram, which I had already scheduled. He referred me to the lab and radiology for several blood tests, a stomach CT scan, a bone scan, and an appointment with the gastroenterologist for a complete examination. After all the tests, the preparation for a colonoscopy and an endoscopy, and then the two procedures, I felt wiped out for a week.
• The gastroenterologist sent tissue to the lab for three biopsies. The nurse was to call me if everything was okay. The doctor would call if a serious health problem showed up.

A week later, my phone rang. It was the doctor. My legs felt like Jell-O®.

However, he said, “I’ve called with good and bad news."

I expected the effects of the gas leaks to be, at the least, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Crohn’s disease. I burst into words of gratitude and praise to God that it was neither one.

“I was looking for cancer," he said. "You didn’t have it. You had one polyp, which I removed. It was aggressive and would have turned to cancer. You’re a miracle.”

He talked to me about diet, rest, and slowing down my pace.

My church, prayer partners, and others have surrounded me with reminders of another promise in God’s word:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness” (Jeremiah 31:3 NIV).

Without God’s wisdom and love poured into me, and those God used to help me, I would have died in my home.

I'm so glad I prayed.

What will you pray for this week?

Yvonne Ortega is a licensed professional counselor, a bilingual professional speaker, and the author of Moving from Broken to Beautiful: 9 Life Lessons to Help You Move Forward (paperback, Kindle) and Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer (Kindle), both available here. She not only survived but thrived after a domestic violence marriage, breast cancer and the loss of her only child. With honesty and humor, Yvonne uses personal examples and truths of the Bible to help women move from broken to beautiful. Find out more about Yvonne on her writing page.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Isabella and Zsa Fischer at Unsplash.