Tag: Serve

Facing Your Giants

Today’s a new day! 

Every morning on this crazy, beautiful health journey, I’m faced with a decision. I can wake up and allow the giants called my health issues to define me and dictate the direction of my day, or I can choose something greater. I can face those giants head on by placing them in God’s hands and trusting that His plan is bigger than my fears, my pain, and my uncertainty. Some days the giants feel loud and overwhelming, but faith reminds me that they are never bigger than the God who walks beside me.

So today, I choose to fight. I choose to be the warrior Jesus created me to be. I refuse to live like a person who is dying when God has filled me with life, purpose, and strength. I am a person very much alive, with a lot of fight left in me. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a declaration that hope is still winning. God didn’t create us to surrender to fear; He created us to stand firm in faith and trust Him in the battle.

As you face your own giants today—whether they are health struggles, fear, loss, or uncertainty—I pray you will place them in God’s hands and let Him fight for you. You don’t have to carry every burden alone. When we release our battles to Him, we find strength we didn’t know we had and peace that only He can provide. Stay focused on His promises. Stay strong in your faith. And keep running your race knowing that through Him, you are running in victory. ~OC

***You can listen to the Spoken Word of post on my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Reflect Jesus

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

Jesus can use broken people. If you truly study scripture, you will read that God often chose the weary, the wounded, and the overlooked to display His glory. From the suffering faith of Job to the thorn that humbled Paul the Apostle,  we are reminded that God’s power is not limited to perfect circumstances or pain-free lives. Some receive miraculous healing on this side of Heaven. Others pray with the same faith, the same tears, and the same surrender—and continue walking through illness or hardship. And there are those who once experienced a miracle,  only to find themselves facing another battle.This does not mean they lost their miracle.  It does not mean they have unresolved sin.  It does not mean they lack faith. It means they are human, living in a fallen world where suffering is still part of the journey.

We must stop spreading false doctrine that wounds the already hurting. When we imply that someone’s continued struggle is the result of weak faith or hidden sin, we misrepresent the heart of Christ. God never shamed the suffering;  He drew near to them.  He wept with them.  He touched the untouchable and sat with the rejected. The same Savior who healed bodies also carried a cross. He understands both deliverance and endurance. Jesus loves those who receive beautiful healings on earth just as much as He loves those who will receive their ultimate healing in Heaven. Our calling is not to judge or diagnose someone else’s spiritual condition, but to reflect God’s love, kindness, and compassion. Let us be people who comfort rather than condemn, who encourage rather than accuse, and who walk alongside the suffering with grace that looks like Jesus. ~OC

***You can check out the Spoken Word version at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Even In The ICU

As I sit here in ICU, my body is struggling. It’s tired from such a long battle. Every breath feels heavier than it used to. The steady rhythm of the beeping machines reminds me just how fragile this earthly body can be. And yet, in the middle of all of it, I feel a peace — a peace that surpasses all understanding, like the kind described in Philippians 4:6–7. 

My journey doesn’t make sense by human standards. Circumstances say fear. The monitors say concern. The weakness says exhaustion. But my spirit says peace. Jesus is here in this room, and that changes everything.

I do not totally understand why God chose me to walk this crazy, beautiful health journey… but He did. And because He did, I can trust that He has purpose in it. In my weakness, I turn to Him for strength. In my uncertainty, I turn to Him for guidance. If He can use these words written from an ICU bed to encourage even one person, then it’s worth it. 

My desire is simply to be a humble servant. I don’t crave a platform. I have no desire to be a social influencer. I’m not chasing fame or recognition. My only desire is to serve Jesus and to love and serve others well. If that service happens from a hospital room in Intensive Care, then I humbly accept the assignment. 

Whether standing on a stage or lying in a hospital bed, my calling remains the same: to reflect His love. This body may be weary, but my spirit is willing. And as long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to point people to the One who gives true hope and peace — even in the ICU. ~OC

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Where’s The Iron?

Today’s a new day. And before I say anything else, I want to say thank you to the very few friends who have stayed by my side during this crazy, beautiful health journey. You know who you are. You are definitely in the minority. Your texts, your calls, your presence — not just your emojis — have meant more than you’ll ever know. It’s both funny and heartbreaking how someone can be celebrated as the “flavor of the month” for a season in the Christian community, applauded, platformed, and praised… yet the moment that same person enters a difficult health season, many quietly disappear. Some walk away from the responsibility to love and care as quickly as you can say, “Bless your heart, I’ll be praying for you.”

I’ve seen this especially in Christian men’s circles. Brotherhood is preached. Loyalty is applauded. Accountability is emphasized. But when things get uncomfortable — when illness lingers, when strength looks like weakness, when there’s nothing flashy or impressive to celebrate — friendships often fade. A thumbs up on a post. Prayer hands in a text. Maybe an occasional visit to check a box. And while those gestures aren’t meaningless, they’re not the fullness of brotherhood either. I’m not writing this from a place of anger. I’m writing from disappointment. There’s a difference. Disappointment comes from believing we can do better — that we’re called to do better.

Over the years, I’ve sat in countless men’s Bible studies where words like “iron sharpens iron” and “we’re in this together” are boldly proclaimed. Yet consistent, sacrificial friendship — the kind that shows up over and over again — is rare. And I share this not just for myself, but for the many brothers silently carrying their own battles. Health struggles. Mental strain. Financial pressure. Family heartbreak. So many men are walking through something and feel like they’re walking alone. That shouldn’t be the testimony of the Church.

I truly pray no one ever has to walk the specific health road I’m on. But if you ever do face your own long night, I pray you don’t just receive words — I pray you feel presence. I pray you’re surrounded by brothers who stay. Brothers who check in consistently. Brothers who sit in silence when needed. Brothers who don’t vanish when the spotlight fades.

Today’s a new day. And maybe this is a call for all of us — myself included — to love deeper, stay longer, and live out the brotherhood we so easily preach about.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. May the love and peace of God rest upon each of you. ~OC

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Get Up!

Today’s a new day! There’s a quiet battle that happens before the day even begins — the one between the comfort of staying down and the courage to rise up. For many, especially those walking through sickness or hardship, that battle starts the moment the alarm rings. The temptation to stay in bed all day is real. But the truth is simple: you can’t win the battle lying down. 

Getting up each day — physically, mentally, and spiritually — is an act of faith. It’s a declaration that says, “God’s not done with me yet.” Whether your body feels weak or your spirit feels weary, rising is your way of saying, “I’m still in the game.” It’s less about strength and more about surrender — surrendering to purpose over comfort, hope over helplessness, and faith over fear. 

Every morning is another opportunity to complete another lap in this marathon called life. The running shoes are staring at you, and you have a choice: stay down or put on the shoes and head out the door. Some days, “getting up” might mean physically moving out of bed. Other days, it might mean simply lifting your thoughts toward heaven and whispering, “Lord, help me through this day.” 

Don’t underestimate the power of those small victories. God sees every effort, every struggle, every push against the weight of the day. And in those moments when you rise anyway — even trembling, even tired — heaven applauds, because faith just took another step forward. 

So today, no matter how heavy the storms of life may feel, answer the call. Rise up, not because it’s easy, but because your story isn’t finished. You are still in the race, and the fight is still worth it. 

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16

****If you would like to hear this post in Spoken Word, please check out my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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A Crazy Beautiful Health Journey: Finding Intimacy With Jesus In The Midst of Suffering

Today’s a new day! I want to share the following with you. I may share some more in the future.

As I continue on this unpredictable, yet beautiful health journey, I’m compelled to share the incredible ways Jesus is revealing Himself to me. Despite the increasing challenges, I’ve never felt closer to Him. His love is surrounding me in ways I never thought possible, and His sovereignty is a constant reminder that He’s in control. The pain and suffering may be intensifying, but I’m experiencing a peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a peace that’s hard to put into words, but it’s a peace that’s anchored in the hope of eternity.

In the midst of this journey, Jesus is teaching me to see people beyond their masks and facades. He’s opening my eyes to the beauty of Scripture in ways I never thought possible. He’s giving me the privilege of sharing the Gospel with thousands of people, and He’s allowing me to have meaningful conversations with loved ones. These moments are priceless, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything. Yes, there have been sleepless nights, hospital stays, and surgeries, but Jesus has been with me every step of the way. He’s never forsaken me, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Him and others. If I’m honest, I wouldn’t want a “do over” in life. The moments Jesus has allowed me to experience have been too precious, and I’m confident that everything I’m enduring is temporary. I’ll continue to fight the good fight, serve Him, and push forward, trusting that He’ll allow me to encourage at least one more person along the way.

Dear Jesus…continue to use me in this journey. ~OC

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New Year’s Prayer

Dear God,

As we start a brand new year, we come before you with hearts full of hope and minds full of dreams. We pray for a world where love conquers fear, kindness triumphs over cruelty, and compassion heals the wounds of division.

May this year bring us closer to your vision of peace, justice, and harmony. May we strive to be the change we wish to see, to lift each other up, and to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

May our leaders be guided by wisdom, integrity, and a deep commitment to the common good. May our communities be strengthened by diversity, and a spirit of belonging.

May this year bring us joy, laughter, and adventure. May we find happiness in the simple things, and may our hearts be filled with gratitude for the blessings we enjoy.

And when the road ahead seems uncertain, may we draw strength from your promise to be with us always. May we trust in your goodness, your mercy, and your love.

In the spirit of hope and renewal, we offer this prayer, dear God. May your will be done, and may your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven….Amen ~OC

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The Week Ahead

Good morning family and friends.The next few weeks are busy.

Monday: Two Medical Appointments

Tuesday: Having a new port put in.

Thursday: Traveling to Plains, GA for my birthday celebration.

Thursday 12/11: Starting outpatient treatments.

Continuing to pray for each of you. ~OC

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Finding Purpose in the Storm

Today’s a new day! As I sit in this hospital room, surrounded by beeping machines and the business of staff, I am reminded that my purpose extends far beyond my physical body. In the midst of uncertainty and pain, I pray: Dear God, use me for your purpose during this hospital stay and every day as I continue to fight through this crazy beautiful health journey.

For me it’s a prayer of surrender, of trust, and of faith. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God’s love and patience remain unfailing.

Embracing the Unknown:

When we’re faced with the challenges of life, it’s easy to feel like our lives are spinning out of control. But what if we flipped that perspective? What if this season of uncertainty is an opportunity to discover a deeper sense of God’s purpose for our lives?

For those walking through their own “crazy beautiful journey,” I encourage you to pray the following: Dear God, use me for your purpose… I am thankful for your unfailing love and patience with me.

Practical Ways to Find Purpose:

1. Prayer and Reflection: Take time each day to connect with God. Reflect on your experiences, and ask Him to reveal His purpose for your life.

2. Support Loved Ones:Reach out to family and friends, and let them know you’re thinking of them. Sometimes, a simple text, handwritten note or phone call can bring joy to someone’s day.

3. Share Your Story: Consider sharing your journey on social media, a blog or write a book. Your story might encourage others who are facing similar challenges.

4. Find Ways to Serve: Even in a hospital room, you can serve others. Share words of encouragement with the staff, pray for the staff and others walking down the hall. Show kindness and respect to everyone you encounter today.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving:

As I continue to navigate through this health journey, I am grateful for God’s unfailing love and patience. I’m thankful for a loving and supportive bride, I am thankful for my medical team that’s been taking care of me for many years, I am blessed by the the loved ones who pray and support me, and for the opportunities to grow in my faith.

If you happen to be reading this post and are facing your own challenges, know that you’re not alone. You’re loved, you’re valued, and you’re part of a larger story.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Jesus, use us for your purpose during the stressful times of life and every day as we continue to navigate through this journey called life. We’re thankful for your unfailing love and patience with us. Amen

Challenge of the Day:

How can you use your life experiences, past and present to bless and help others today? ~OC

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Seasons of Life

Today’s a new day! When I started this blog many years ago, I never realized the places that God would take me. The good times and the not so good times. The blessings and hard times that come to us in this journey called life. But over the years, I have learned that even in those difficult seasons of life, that God is always there. Always ready to listen. To lend a helping hand. To love us and comfort us. I have learned that yes, we can be thankful ….. even when our heart and mind tells us that there is no reason to be. I have leaned that in everything to be grateful. So as I continue to walk through these health challenges, I am blessed to have a bride that is willing to walk with me through this crazy beautiful health journey. It is my prayer that the Lord will use our journey to help encourage people and that they will find hope……. In Jesus. So I will continue to embrace new opportunities and be renewed by God’s Hope, Peace and His Word. I will continue to walk this journey with… a thankful and willing heart to serve. ~OC

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