Lesson #2 From Heaven

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. – Proverbs 3:5-6

My sweet friend Jane passed away a few weeks ago but her life lives on as we learn from her wisdom.  She was a modern day woman of faith whose sincere trust in God made her paths straight even when the valleys were deep and the storms long.

Lesson #2 – Trust God even when life doesn’t work out like you hoped or planned. 

Jane and I became friends when she was in her late seventies.  More than thirty years separate us in age but I have a strong feeling God had planned for us to meet at Ascent Church in Louisville, CO so many years ago.  (If you missed Lesson #1, go back and learn how God uniquely intertwined my college journey with Jane’s. It’s quite amazing!)

I thank God all the time that He has placed “Wise Ones” in my life.  These people have walked with Jesus many more years than I and frequently guide my spiritual journey.  A question I love to ask them is, What have you learned about faith in God along the way?

When I asked Jane this question, she answered with one word, TRUST.  Yes, I could see Jane’s steadfast trust in God even while she lived in chronic pain as cancer consumed her body. I had to know more.  How had her trust in God been built up over the years?

Jane laughed as if I was asking for a secret family recipe.  She simply explained that when it came to pain and loss, this was certainly not her first rodeo. She had already battled cancer three times before.  She had also experienced deep rejection, hurt, and despair.  

Jane was first diagnosed with cancer in her late forties. Several surgeries later, when her medical team suggested chemotherapy, Jane declined and asked God, her “Great Physician” to heal her body completely.  Jane walked by faith and trusted God’s still small voice when He said no chemicals were needed.  Thankfully, He was right! 

The joy of this victory was short lived, though, because soon after, her life exploded when her husband walked out.  Divorce papers in hand and raising two children alone, she cried out to God for His help, strength, courage, and plans. With her hopes and dreams burned up, she invited God to sit beside her in the ashes.

Instead of asking, “Why me?” Jane asked, “What are you teaching me?  How can I learn to trust you more now?”  Jane’s broken heart drew closer to God during those dark days.  She asked God to guide her through the mess and relied on His daily presence and provisions.  Sure enough, her trust in God grew.

So many tragic events could have left Jane’s heart bitter, resentful, angry, and fearful.  Instead she chose to trust God and kept walking with Jesus, through the storms, the sadness and the loss.  Her faith and trust allowed God to create a beautiful life.

God promises to comfort all who mourn, provide for those who grieve, and bestow a crown of beauty on us instead of ashes (Isaiah 61:3).  

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

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3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement