Tag: Never Give Up

Still Standing and Thankful

Today’s a new day! I don’t like being in pain and I don’t like having multiple health issues that will probably shorten my life. I would love to grow old with my bride. But I realize that may not be the plans God has for my life. But I know and I trust that He is faithful. God’s plans are the best and do not revolve around me. Acts 13:36 says, “when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep”. When God has done what he wants through me, I will step into heaven in his perfect timing.

Why has God allowed me to walk this health journey? Maybe it is to help me be a better husband and friend. Maybe it’s an opportunity to share the love of Jesus with more people. Maybe it’s for reasons way beyond my understanding. All I know is that God has given me this gift of health issues to use for his glory. All I know is that I will continue to trust and serve him.

Sometimes it is still hard to comprehend that my life could end at any moment. But isn’t that the case for all of us? As the Bible teaches,

All men are like grass,
and all their glory is like the flowers of the field;
the grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of the Lord stands forever. (1 Peter 1:24)

When I received my first diagnosis in August 2002, it was a total shock. I knew I didn’t feel great, but I had no idea how I was so sick. My life at that time involved being a husband, a social worker and volunteer at multiple ministries.

Back then, some doctors shared I might only have five years to live. However, God had other ideas and even though my health journey has been full of twist and turns and multiple life threatening illnesses, I am still standing. Some days my life has felt like a ticking time bomb. My bride has become an expert in dealing with multiple infections,various types of devices being surgically implanted into my body and various treatments to just keep me alive.

As the multiple health issues continue to weaken my body, I am thankfully aware that Jesus is my Lord and Savior in whom I can depend, and that all other ground is sinking sand. I am so grateful to God for everything. I am thankful for who God is, his majesty, his splendour, and his promises. I am thankful for my bride, family, friends and life. I am so thankful to God for the resurrection of Jesus which means I will have victory over death and do not need to fear what my future holds. It is such a comfort to read,

“Death has been swallowed up in victory”
  “Where, O death, is your victory?
  Where, O death, is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God. He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:54-56)

As my body grows weaker, I am thankful God continues to allow me to truly embrace life. To continue making beautiful memories with my bride. Some dear friends even bought me an electric trike to get around town. Watch out world! I will enjoy the new bike in between my many naps. After years of not being able to sleep, most of my days now involve sleeping most of the day.

What can be hard is coping with chronic pain and deteriorating health while still navigating the physical and emotional challenges of trying to live a “normal life.” Another challenge is not knowing what each day might bring. It is impossible to make plans. Between multiple medical appointments and hospitalizations, it can be difficult to make any plans.

However, I am just so thankful for God’s guidance through his word. The Bible is so clear about what God wants me to do now, even as I grow weaker: “Be joyful always; pray continuously; give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thess 5:16). God is so clear. This is what God wants me to do now. I am thankful he continues to allow me to live an amazing life.

So, I will continue to thank God for this gift of health issues because he is good and he is using it for his purposes. The plans of the Lord are perfect, even if I do not always know the reasons I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey. All I know is that someday, I will be in the loving presence of Jesus. But until then, I will continue to live life and embrace every moment. If you see me out and about on my trike, stop and say hello. Oh, and wake me up if I happen to be asleep. ~OC

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Deep Roots

Today’s a new day! I shall not be moved; I shall not be shaken. How many times have I repeated these familiar Bible verses in my mind, thinking that as long as I am truly rooted in God, nothing will ever rock my world.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

But this world can be like a roller coaster, full of twist and turns. And sometimes no matter how hard we cling to the grace of God, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by the storms of life.

There are times we still shake when life throws us a curveball. No one is immune to the unsteady waves of this broken world.

So how do we stay rooted?

Having been born and raised in South Florida, I have lived through many storms and hurricanes. Life can be a little unpredictable during hurricane season. As I reflect on all the hurricanes I have lived through, I realize that I had it all wrong just asking the question above.

During a hurricane, the trees can violently sway back and forth. I think to myself, there is no way those trees can withstand the strong winds. At any moment, they are going to fly away in the storm. But I marvel as the trees sway and rock, but are not uprooted.

Steady they hold on, anchored in the ground by an invisible root system designed to protect them from life’s raging storms.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. (Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬)

Life will shake us. It will move our earthly bodies and minds in ways that feel almost impossible to recover from. But when we anchor ourselves in the love and salvation of God, we find that our eternal soul and spirit can never be moved.

Just like those trees, we have an invisible root system that anchors us in the Kingdom of God. This allows us to walk confidently through the storms of life, knowing that God is always holding onto us.

Though the earth give way and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea, we remain rooted in God. Although life and the choices we make may move us, God always has us right where He wants us.

I want to encourage you to remember that we always have an anchor in the unsteady waves of this world.  I pray you remember how all that we are is secured in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. ~OC

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Keep Pressing Forward

Today’s a new day! Life is full of hard times. I do not think that is breaking news to anyone. The nightly news point to it. Our neighbors and coworkers talk about it. Our hearts feel it. So many people are going through hard times right now. Let’s face it: Life is hard, even in the best of times. Disappointments, illnesses, loss, broken relationships, dashed dreams. As we walk through these difficult moments, what does the Bible say about getting through adversity?

Plenty, actually! God knows we’re living in a broken world, but He has not left us to suffer alone.

First, when we’re in the midst of hard times, it can be difficult to remember that nothing happens without the knowledge of God, who “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). You are not victim of random occurrences; you are a child of a Heavenly Father who wants to turn adversity into opportunity.

We also need to keep uppermost in our minds that hardships don’t last forever—but the things we learn from them do. The Apostle Paul writes the following words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,

“Therefore we do not lose heart. . . . For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Adversity in God’s hands can help us refrain from our self-dependency and pride. It can push us into deeper intimacy with Jesus. It can redirect our paths toward our greater good, and toward God’s greater glory.

Tough times also can reshape us. Think about Romans 5:1-5, in which Paul says that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope… Or 1 Peter 5:10, in which the apostle Peter teaches that “the God of all grace … after you have suffered a little, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

Who doesn’t want to be a person of character, full of hope, strong and steadfast?

It’s all in how we react to those tough moments in life isn’t it? A good place to start is to discern the source of the adversity. Is it just circumstances? Maybe you’ve lost your job due to the budget cuts, or your chronic illness is currently getting the best of you. You could be suffering from physical, mental or emotional exhaustion from the current trials you’re facing. Life is hard!

As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey and study God’s word the overall message I continue to hear is to turn to Him and trust Him. Persevere! That’s what Hebrews says: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Don’t opt out! Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

You aren’t going through hard times alone.  No matter what, remember to Keep Pressing Forward. Stay Focused. Finish Strong. ~OC

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Life With Chronic Illness

Today’s a new day! What do you do when you don’t get better?”

I became chronically sick twenty-three years ago, after being diagnosed with several types of crippling arthritis. It would be a year later after taking many experimental medications, that I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. Then over the years, I would be be diagnosed with the following: Young Onset Parkinson’s, Myasthenia Gravis, Gastroparesis, Covid Long-Hauler, Complex Headaches, and recently Early Onset Dementia. Oh, and a stroke several years ago. It truly has been a crazy beautiful health journey.

I became a Christian when I was ten years old. I will be the first to admit, I did not always live the Christian life in my early teenage years. When I first became ill, some people in the Christian community began to weaponize their faith against me. They would say that I wasn’t faithful enough, or that I must have some type of unresolved sin in my life. Sadly all these years later, I still have some Christians screaming that in my ear on a weekly basis. At times over the years, I felt judged and disliked by many in the Christian community. That is never how Christianity, or any faith, should be. For me, it wasn’t just what conversations were being had—but also how.

The sad part is that the people who wanted me to not lose faith tried to make it harder to connect with God and other Christians. Some people over the years have made the excuses, “Well they mean well.” I truly do not believe that. I believe it actually shows their true heart. I am thankful that during this crazy beautiful health journey, God has surrounded me with some amazing people who have helped me through this difficult season. I am also thankful I have never lost my faith during this journey.

As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, my goal is to not allow those negative voices to have any influence on my life. I also decided early on in my health journey to help others walking through their own health journey.

I share all this because I know that I’m not alone, and I want others to know that they aren’t either. When you’re feeling attacked, beaten up, remember that God loves and is with you. I am sorry if anyone has made you feel like that isn’t the case. What people believe is their choice, but no one has the right to weaponize their faith. That sort of human hurt harms those in the disabled/chronically ill community that may be struggling with their faith.

In Isaiah 54:10 we read, “Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Being chronically ill can very much feel as if everything is being shaken up and changed—at least that’s how I have felt at times over the years.

I no longer know what each day will feel like, physically, let alone have a clue about what I may be able to do in the future. But God’s love doesn’t change when we are in tough situations (or any situation.) He is still with us. He knows the truth of our situation and still loves us.

Some passages that resonated with me, and may be appreciated by those reading this post, are those about us being fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139: 13- 14), Psalm 86-15, and Ephesians 1:5-6. That is about YOU. You are loved beyond words. Think about John 3:16. That’s not just for the able bodied and minded, it’s for ALL of us.

If you can relate to anything I have written, the following are a few things that have helped me. Just remember this journey is different for everyone.

*Don’t bottle things up. I encourage everyone to find a trusted friend, pastor, counselor or support group to share your feelings with. It may be difficult at first, but I promise you’ll be glad you did.

*Take this current season of life slowly. Remember, life is a marathon not a sprint.

*Do not give up on the Christian community or the Church based on some misguided people. Remember, there are no perfect people or churches.

*Find out what works for you in your journey with health issues and your walk with God. One size doesn’t fit us all.

*Spend time in the Bible and listening to worship music. Both have helped bring peace and clarity to my life during my health journey.

* Remember, sometimes God does not give us quick answers to our prayer request. I encourage you to embrace the lessons God is trying to teach you during this difficult season. All of us whether healthy or chronically ill have a different journey. If chronic illness is currently part of journey, you are just as worthy as anyone else. Please embrace that truth today.

I hope and pray this post will encourage and challenge everyone who has taken the time to read it. Thank you! ~OC

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Run Your Race!

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2018.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. ~Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭3‬ ‭

My feet hit the ground in a slow, steady rhythm. I am not fast. But I like how stress rolls off me along with the sweat from my forehead, the way my favorite songs match the beat of my heart and the satisfaction of discovering I am capable of more than I first thought.

The sky is a beautiful blue, filled with sunshine and I am content…until I see another runner out of the corner of my eye with a smooth, speedy stride I can hardly fathom. And suddenly I feel like I am not doing anything right. Have you ever experienced those feelings?

You love the social media post or blog post you wrote until you see someone else’s got more likes for their post.

You think your life is just fine until everyone flocks around the new, cool kid in town.

We can so quickly shift from focusing on “the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 11:1) to comparing ourselves with someone else. And as every runner knows, where your eyes go your feet (and heart and life) will follow.

The cure to comparing is considering. We’re to fix our eyes on Jesus and “consider” all He went through for us (Hebrews 12:3). In other words, if we’re going to focus on a path besides our own then we’re to think about the one that led to the cross. Because that changes everything.

Instead of what we don’t have, it reminds us of all we have been given.

Instead of how we do not measure up, it reminds us of the limitless grace that’s ours.

Instead of self-pity, it gives us a reason to lift our hands and hearts in praise and worship.

So today, make the choice to run the race designed just for you. Embrace it and boldly live it out. ~OC

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My Covid Story

On March 13, 2020, America shut down because of Covid. Five years later, Covid still plays a major part in my life. Here is my story.

For most, the year 2020 was one to forget. The Covid Pandemic turned most of the world upside down. We watched in horror as we witnessed so many people and families suffer tremendous suffering and lose. As my wife and I watched all this unfold, we were thankful that Covid19 had not touched us. Until it did.

On Super Bowl Sunday 2021, I woke up a little tired. It had been a long week so I did not think much of it. I took my temperature and thankfully it was normal. I headed off to church excited for the day. You see, I am a life long Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan and they were playing in the Super Bowl. After church, I headed home and took a little pregame nap. When I woke up everything had changed. I woke up with my shirt soaked in sweat. I took my temperature and it was at 103.6. I immediately went and had a Covid test. Of course this was on a Sunday, so my results would take a few days. I went home and basically slept through the Bucs winning the Super Bowl. Go Bucs!

On that Monday morning, I woke up feeling much worse. My temperature was now at 104.2. I also had a terrible headache, body aches, terrible cough and did not want to move. Later in the day, it was determined I needed to make my way to the ER. Once inside the ER, test revealed I did indeed have Covid and double pneumonia. I was headed to the Covid floor.

During my stay at the hospital, I received Blood Plasma, Steroids and Remdesivir. Being isolated on the Covid floor was tough. When I had been hospitalized in the past, I was used to having visitors and walking the halls. This hospital stay was filled with staff in protective covering and closed doors. Complete Isolation. After more than a week on the Covid floor, I was released. Time to recover from Covid and double pneumonia.

After being released from the hospital, I had to spend a week isolated away from my wonderful bride, since she continued to test negative for Covid. But unfortunately, my wife would soon experience the effects of Covid. Thankfully, her symptoms were a little milder and she does not suffer from any longtime effects. After finally arriving home, I waited to feel better. Surely I would feel better in a few days. But that was not the case. After two months my symptoms had not gotten much better. My CT Scan showed my lungs were still filled with Covid. I was still dealing with headaches, breathing issues, cough, no appetite, hoarse voice, fatigue and brain fog. Most of my days felt like the movie Groundhogs Day.

My medical team officially classified me as a Covid Long Hauler almost six months after my original diagnosis. Not a club anyone wants to be part of. Everything was wait and see. So, what do you do with that news? When you cannot rely on anything that was once reliable. When you have taken every step you know how to take-what then? You Hope. You Never Give Up.

My life is totally different than it was on that morning in February 2021. In 2025, I still stand up having no idea where I am going. Trying to process new information is still a challenge. Breathing continues to be a struggle. Constant fatigue. I could go on and on about the different symptoms I still deal with on a daily basis.

So as I continue to walk this journey, I still lean into Hope. I still do my research. I continue to try to encourage others walking through their own Long Hauler’s battle. I will continue to pray with great expectancy to wake up one morning with no Covid symptoms. That day when I am renewed physically. But until that day, I will live in Hope. ~OC

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Overcoming the Storms

Good Morning! Here is another “Lost Writings from OC.” This was written in May 2019.

Today’s a new day! As we walk through this journey called life, we will experience different storms. As I have walked through my own crazy beautiful health journey, I have learned a thing or two about overcoming the challenges of life. Here are a few of those lessons.

1. Spend time in God’s Word daily.

The Psalms offer great comfort for storms. Consider reading one Psalm per day the next time you face a storm.

2. Keep worshiping God.

Keep a worship playlist going while you drive, work or exercise. I often have worship music playing in my hospital room.

You might feel tempted to neglect corporate worship with others as you navigate through the storms. If possible, try to stay plugged into your local church or life group. Keep worshiping with others. This can unleash your faith and give you strength.

3. Spend time with encouraging people who will point you to God and give you hope.

We were not meant to navigate life’s storms alone.  One of the most powerful secrets for overcoming the storms of life is finding support from other people. You will be amazed at the people God might use to help you through your season of challenges.

4. Make time for life-giving activities.

We often neglect our hobbies and passions in difficult times. More than ever, you need time to decompress during life’s storms.

Carve out time to pursue your passions and hobbies. Make time to take a walk, or pursue your favorite activities.  These creative diversions are essential for calming your limbic system and overcoming the storms of life.

5. Take care of your body.

As much as you can, aim to eat well, drink plenty of water, keep your body moving, and rest as much as you can.

6. Ask other people to pray for you.

Those prayers can help you overcome the battles surrounding you.

7. Keep talking to God.

He is with you. Talk to him all day.  Ask for his help. He wants to carry you through your storm.

8. Find refuge in the shadow of the Lord’s wings.

Imagine a baby bird curled up in the shelter of its mother’s wings. There is no fear in this place.

Psalm 57:1 reads, “Be gracious to me, O God, be gracious to me, For my soul takes refuge in You; And in the shadow of Your wings I will take refuge until destruction passes by.”

Every time you feel battered by the storms of life, imagine the Lord’s arms holding you.  As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I often imagine God holding me close. This can give you strength, peace, comfort, and courage.

Remind yourself that God is your hiding place. Ask him to care for you and comfort you.  He wants to be your source of comfort.

9. Watch for God’s movement in your life.

Psalm 36:7 reads, “How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! And the children of men take refuge in the shadow of Your wings.”

Ask God to help you become more aware of his movement in your life.  Instead of looking only at the storms surrounding you, look to the Lord.  Watch for what he is doing. He is with you. He will not abandon you during the storms of life.

When life is tough, I often take a few moments before falling asleep at night to reflect on the ways God worked in my life throughout the day. I reflect on the entire day, from the moment I woke up until the moment I lay my head down. Often, during those times, God shows me where he was working. These moments encourage me and remind me that God is with me during every storm.

10. Soak in the truth about God’s love for you.

Overcoming the storms of life begins by recognizing that God is always good, and his love for us is unending.  Resist the urge to take offense or believe that God does not love you.  Instead, soak in the truth about God’s love for you daily.

You are the apple of God’s eye. You are his beloved child. He is a good Father, and he wants to care for you as you navigate through the storms of life.

I pray as you continue to walk through the storms of life, you will continue to lean into the amazing promises of God. ~OC

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Write Your Book!

Today’s a new day! Since I have had the honor of writing two books, people often seek my advice about writing a book. Well here’s my advice.

Writing has been a major part of my crazy beautiful health journey. From writing for my eyes only, to sharing with a few friends, to starting a blog and finally writing books and having then published. Writing has been an amazing experiences part of my life.

Over the past two decades, the journey and advice for becoming an author have changed a little. Back in the day, you needed to find an agent and find a big publishing company to get your book out there. Twenty plus years later, while having an agent and publishing deals can still be important, it is not the only path to the call God put on your heart. 

If you are considering writing a book and having it published, I would love to encourage you to take your next steps toward your dream. I pray this post brings encouragement to all writers to finally pursue their God-given dream of becoming a published author. 

1. Write the Book You Want to Read:

My first piece of encouragement may seem fairly obvious, but I want to encourage you to write a book you would be excited to read yourself. If you’re a writer, you are probably a reader too. You know just as well as I do that there are books that get the point across, that you connect with, have your emotions moved, learn from, grow from and want to share with a friend or loved one. 

Is there a topic that you are passionate about that you feel has been brushed aside? Do you have a special and unique story that God is working out in you that you feel confident enough to share with the world even if you are still in that season of life? I am a 50 plus year-old, married man with a heart focused on God and hopeful for what He continues to have in store for me. There have been books that have encouraged me over the years and then books I just could not get into.

People identify with struggles. The main goal of my blog, The Blessed Overcomer, is to encourage others as they walk through this journey called life. People that are in seasons of waiting, that are grateful for day-to-day blessings and staying hopeful for the future. If you feel prompted by God to share your story but feel your struggle isn’t “finished” yet, rely on Him to be your book’s happily-ever-after ending, and you can’t go wrong.

2. Don’t Compare Your Platform to Others’:

There are so many wonderful authors and writers out there and, if you went digging long enough, I am sure you would find someone else in a similar life season as you. I want to encourage you to keep writing, keep sharing your stories, and staying true to yourself. Every time a twinge of comparison starts to creep up, I remind myself of Psalm 139:14, which states that I am “… fearfully and wonderfully made….” You have a unique voice, platform, and group of friends and supporters, so be proud of that!  

While I don’t have a “huge” following if you compared me to a seasoned author with a big publishing deal, I still am very honored and proud of the hundreds and now thousands of people who have chosen to follow along, receive my text, and interact with my social media posts over the years.

Think of it this way: You may not feel like 500 followers are a lot on Instagram, but if 500 people all decided to come to your house tomorrow…it would be a big deal! 

Engage with people choosing to receive your updates and posts on their social feeds. You know how many people and organizations are vying for our attention every second we are on the internet, so don’t take it for granted when a kind person comments or likes something you have posted. Believe me, when you write your book, those people are going to be your biggest cheerleaders.

3. It’s Never Too Late:

If you’re reading this post and feel that it’s just too late for you to write a book, let me stop you right now from going down that negative mindset. I promise you, especially in this age of technology, becoming an author has never been more doable. I did not have my first book published until I was in my 50’s. And while I could have tried to write and have it published earlier, I truly believe in God’s perfect plan and timing, so when I felt Him prompting me to begin writing my book in January 2018, I said “yes!”

Looking back on it now, it was the perfect time because it was the season God wanted my story to be shared with the world. It was the perfect moment to allow all of my emotions, feelings and life experiences to be shared in writing.

4. Write for the One:

I hope that my experience has a published author has encouraged you to take the step to writing your story and having it published. I am so excited that you are considering sharing a part of your heart for the world to read. It’s not easy being vulnerable and sharing our hearts, experiences, and personal stories with others. You may feel anxious about all of the steps it takes to write that book and have it published, I want to encourage you to not allow any obstacles to keep you from sharing your story. To realizing your dream of becoming a published author.

When we write, we are only one part of the equation. I believe we are called to be faithful to use our gifts while shining our focus on God’s love. Don’t forget that God is all-powerful and will take our offering and multiply it as He sees fit. He will put your story, your book in the right hands at the right time. 

Write for the one person who may read your book when they are close to giving up. To quote a small part of one of my past blog post, “Have you ever thought that your life could be helping to save someone else’s in how you live it?” Your book may be an integral piece of the big puzzle that God uses to help someone walking through a tough season of life. So do not worry about the rankings, the sales, and the followers. Just remember the one person that needs to hear what you have to say and the One we owe everything to, and it will be all worth it. So go write that book!

If you need any help, advice or encouragement, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. It would be my honor to help you realize your dream. ~OC

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Dear Friend,

Today’s a new day! Here is another “Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2019. Sorry it’s a little long. ~OC

Dear Friends,

Several people have reached out to me who are dealing with their own crazy beautiful health journey. So I thought I would share some words that will hopefully bring some encouragement. In the last couple of weeks, my doctors have shared I probably only have months to live. I say this to you, not to discourage you, but to let you know that I am in the trenches with you. These words don’t come from distant memories but from present realities.

The following is a “Battle Plan” of how I am walking through this battle.

1. Recognizing that most of our battles are waged in the mind, I chose to focus on God who is all-powerful and compassionate. The Bible tells us that God’s Name is El Elyon, God Most High, and that nothing can come into our lives that is not first filtered through the fingers of God’s love. God knew before the foundation of the world that we would face different challenges in life and has already provided the resources we need to face them. God’s plan for us in every trial of every size is that we experience victory, never defeat.

2. I chose to view this illness as a gift. Granted, it’s like expecting a new ten-speed bike for Christmas and getting socks, but it is a gift. It is a time to draw near to God, to experience God more fully, to enjoy the simple joys of life, to focus on those things that are truly important. I will thank God every day for this particular gift of health issues.

3. Although my health issues wants to be an all-consuming issue in my life, I refuse to sink within myself. I will reach out to someone else each day with a text, phone call, word of encouragement, act of service or prayer.

4. I will not ignore my emotions (which are currently like a roller coaster on steroids) I will allow myself to experience all the emotions this health journey brings my way, but I will NOT be ruled by them.

5. I will share what is happening to me with others and enlist their support and prayers. I cannot do this alone, and I will not rob others of the blessing they can receive in ministering to me.

6. I will make both short-term and long-term goals in order to have something in the future to look forward to. For example, I plan on continuing to make beautiful memories with my bride through trips and other amazing adventures.

7. I will find some reason to laugh every day.

8. I will remind myself that, in some inexplicable way, the manner in which I conduct myself during this time of struggle does, indeed, impact the spiritual world. The book of Job tells us that humans sometimes get caught up in a cosmic battle between God and Satan, and my actions are key to that struggle. (Jesus Himself told His disciples upon their completion of a missionary journey that God had seen Satan fall from heaven as a result of their actions).

9. I will endeavor to keep my life as “normal” as possible. I will continue my every-day activities and responsibilities as long as I am physically able. This will afford me the comfort of the predictable and common aspects of life as well as helping me not to slide into introspection and self-pity.

Dear friend, who is walking through your own battle, I am praying for you. I am asking that you will be “sincere and blameless” (Philippians 1:10). The word “sincere” is a Greek word that grew out of a poor practice in the marketplace of the day. Everyone in the culture used pottery for many tasks like we use plastic today. It was important that the pots be well made. Most were, but there were some unscrupulous pottery makers who would find a pot with cracks in it. Rather than discarding it, they would fill the crack with wax to cover it up. This would work as long as the pot sold early in the day. But after a longer time of sitting out in the hot Middle Eastern sun, the wax would melt and the cracks would show. Paul prayed that the Philippians would avoid this by being sincere or “sun-tested.” May you, as you face the heat and pressures of this time, find yourself to be, by His grace, without wax.

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Do Not Limit God

Good Morning! I hope you take the time to read and reflect on these words today. I wrote this back in 2010. It does not appear I ever posted it. “Lost Writings from OC.”

Today’s a new day! Welcome to a new week. I pray that everyone had a wonderful and memorable weekend. My challenge for you this week is to Not Limit God!

I must admit there have been times in my spiritual journey that I have limited God.  Yes, me. I did not always do this intentionally, but subconsciously I would begin stuffing God into a little box. I was putting limits on Him and not even realizing that I was doing so.

I would go to God with a prayer request and step out on faith that He would see it through.  Now when things in the natural didn’t work out according to my plan, I would assume they were not going to work out and move on. But how many people actually realize that God is more than capable of doing exceedingly and wonderful things in every area of our lives? He can do more than we could ever imagine, hope for or ask for… in God’s timing. Not our timing. Did you catch that?

Another way we limit God is by thinking that in order for a blessing to manifest that He has to operate the way we think things should be done.  We sometimes forget that our thinking is limited, but God’s is not.  We forget how powerful He really is.  The scripture says, He is ALMIGHTY GOD.  There are no limits on what God can and will do in our lives. 

How many of us are guilty of limiting God? Well do not beat yourself up, God is not finished with you yet. We need to remind ourselves daily of who God is. When we spend time studying God’s word, we can be confident that God is able to do all things.  But we must acknowledge that we do not have everything under control, but that God is always in control. We must stop limiting God to what we can see in the natural and trust that He can move mountains in the supernatural.  Today, let’s live out our faith and know that God is able to blow our minds.

As you face challenges this week, I encourage you to not limit God.  I know the medical scan shows one thing, but I double dog dare you to not limit God.  I know it looks like your money is gone before the month has ended, but I triple dog dare you to stop limiting God. When we take God out of that box we stuffed Him in, He will expand our faith and take us to new and beautiful heights.

So this week, stop limiting God and watch Him do new and exciting things in your life. Have a great week! ~OC

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