How Troubles Can Be Transformed Into Testimony – Armed By Joy

“He knows how to take your troubles and turn them into trophies, how to take the test and make it your testimony.” ~ Joel Osteen
Troubles are a staple of life on this earth.  Some folks seem to thrive on looking for it, while others simply expect it on a daily basis. Most times those expectations are met.  I like to think I am not in that crowd, but even when we don’t go looking for trouble, it does come.  Jesus, wisdom personified, said, “The rain falls on the just and the unjust…”.
In the fall of 2018, I had utterly unexpected trouble invade my world in the form of a breast cancer diagnosis.  While sorting out what actions I would take, an outline for a storybook emerged.  The rate at which the initial idea flowed indicated a complete draft within the year.
troubles
Photo by Swapnil Sharma from Pexels

Its’ initial focus was to chronicle my journey through this trouble.  However, over time I realized the focus would be a battle strategy transferable to any kind of trouble including those that linger.  So as I have walked out of my version of trouble, the story ended up on the back burner.

In the cancer treatment world, I just passed a significant milestone of being cancer free.  Now is the time to:
  • complete the story
  • put this version of troubles behind me
  • share it with others.
Over the next few weeks, I will share excerpts from the book as I work to complete it.  I welcome your comments, input, observations, and yes, encouragement.  Following is a piece of the introduction:

Armed By Joy – A Strategy And Story Of Joy, Faith and Overcoming

“It has been said that our testimonies are trophies of grace.  Trophies are symbols of victory, of winning some kind of contest or battle.  I write this book as just that, to testify of the grace of God, not just in the specific battle won, but of the years of His grace working prior to this particular skirmish.
Yes, there was radical faith involved, but radical in that it was a deeply rooted faith in the love of the Gracious Heavenly Father.  The one who knew this battle would come my way and prepared me in ways unseen until the moment the provision was needed.
I also write to outline a strategy for any battle my readers may be facing.  This life throws stuff at us.  Even for those of us who endeavor to be alert, prepare, and protect, the reality is, in this world “ye shall have tribulation”.  Yet, in the face of this truth, the rest of that verse says,  “BUT, be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world”.
That is truth.  Having that as our known outcome does not mean we will not be required to walk in the midst of challenge.  I do not go looking for a battle, but when it comes, I hit it from every angle I know: spirit, soul, and body.  This is one more story of winning.”
Perhaps you have your own story of troubles becoming a testimony?  Have you made notes to share with others?  You never know who may need the wisdom gained!  

I am a former air traffic controller, pilot, Aircoupe owner, married 42 years to a great guy. We live in a 125+ year old historic Victorian, enjoy cats, vintage anything, precious friends. My passion is Giving Lost Stories A Voice – Giving Found Materials Fresh Form and Purpose!

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