My shoulders slumped when I remembered my upcoming appointment with the oncologist. How I wished my doctor’s appointment and my “speak and sign” at Barnes and Noble weren’t on the same day.
I straightened and said out loud, “I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done” (Ps. 118:17 NIV).
Lord, it sure would be nice if we got some good news before I have to speak, I prayed.
I realized no matter what news I got, it wouldn’t change who God is. I would still tell what my Big God had done for me. But good news would make it more fun.
Only two women joined us in the dimly lit waiting room at the cancer center. After learning my height had shrunk an inch and a quarter, I met the oncologist. “What are you doing here?” he said. “You look too healthy to be here.”
I agreed and got up to leave.
“I don’t think you have cancer,” he began. “I’ve been surprised before, but based on what I see, I think we’re looking at simple surgery.”
After hearing the various options, Larry and I walked out smiling. I think I’d even gained my lost height back!
At a stop on the way home, a pair of shoes caught my eye. Strolling arm and arm to the car, I decided I could consider the shoes better at home and jetted back to get them.
I grabbed my red wallet and a bookmark poked up. I handed it to the clerk and explained, “I’ll be talking about this book tonight. I thought I might want to wear these shoes.”
He read the title out loud, “Little Women, Big God: It’s not the size of your problems, but the size of your God.”
I told him how I was living that right now. I added how the story of David and Goliath had reminded me it’s not the name of my giant but the name of my God that matters.
“God is bigger even than death. He is the resurrection and the life.” Share on XHis eyes softened, “My pastor died unexpectedly last weekend. Our whole church is shaken.” He told me about his pastor and then stared at the bookmark again. Looking back at me he said, “Isn’t it something how God sends people by just when you need them?”
I had no idea of this man’s loss when I said Jesus was bigger than death.
I returned to the car and told Larry what had happened. We marveled at God’s goodness.
Paul wrote God “comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Cor. 1:4 NIV). When I passed on the comfort God had given me, not only was this man comforted, but I was encouraged again. God doesn’t waste our trials.
Declaring Psalm 118:17 renewed my hope. It also surprised me with another benefit—the desire to proclaim what the Lord has done.
In spite of the hail storm, many friends came out to Barnes and Noble. We had a wonderful evening celebrating our Big God!
Ingrid introducing me.
Some of the women, who braved the hail, having fun while we wait for the rest to arrive.
Twins?
Thanks to all who’ve prayed for my health. My surgery is scheduled for May 25th. Trusting my Big God to show up and shine!
Click here to comment.
Blessings,
Debbie W. Wilson
Sometimes I link up with these great sites:
#TestimonyTuesday, #IntentialTuesday, #TuesTalk, #w2wwordfilledwednesday, #Wedded Wednesday, #Women with Intention, #LivefreeThursday, #Thankful Thursdays, #Grace and Truth, #Reflect linkup, #Us, Coffee, & Jesus
Will continue to pray for more good news! Speedy recovery from surgery, my friend. I love you!
Love you, Gwen!
He has already shown up and made His Provision for you with His Son. Believing with you and for you, mighty woman of God. We enforce with faith the promise of healing for you.
Love you dearly,
Ann
Yes! In Jesus we have all we need. Thank you, Ann!
Oh Debbie! I am so happy for you and rejoicing with you! Praise the Lord! I will continue to pray for your surgery and health. Take care,
Thank you, Brenda!
Praise Him!!!!! So so so thankful! My prayers continue.
Thank you, Andy!
What a beautiful, encouraging story Debbie. I just love how God gives us those divine encounters just when someone needs to hear an encouraging word and also how He uses it to lift us up as well. I have absolutely no doubt He will show up and shine on the 25th and all involved in your surgery will be blessed and He will get the glory! I continue praying and believing my friend.
Thank you, Ann! And yes, it is amazing how He uses those encounters to encourage both parties.
Debbie, I’m celebrating with you!! What awesome news! God is bigger. I love your message and am enjoying your book. I love how you move forward in the face of the unknown, confessing God is bigger, even in the midst of the unknown! Praying for you as you go to surgery. God has great things in store! Linking up with you at Testimony Tuesday.
Thank you, Alisa!
Hi Debbie! I always enjoy reading your post and the poignant ways you point us to our Big God. Thanks for sharing the awesome way He is moving in your life. I’m praying for you! 🙂 #IntentionalTuesday
Bless you, Joy!
Thank you for this special message today. I am praying for all to go well with the surgery. God loves you.
Thanks, Melissa. I know He hears our prayers, and it means a lot to me to have them!
Thanks, I need that today
Thank you, Sandi!
Hi Debbie!
I am so blessed by continuing to follow the story beyond the book that God is writing in your life. Certainly the title of your book is something He is decidedly weaving into the fabric of your life in a very special and powerful way. What an honor to share the journey with you, my friend!
Love and hugs,
Pam
Thank you, Pam. He certainly is challenging me to remember what I wrote and experience Him in my story as the women in Jesus’ genealogy did! I’m quipped that my next book will be called “The Gardens and Art of Europe”!
Debbie, I love your walk of faith with Jesus!
Your love for Him, devotion, and obedience to care for God’s people is amazing! So grateful for your example of being used by him….always refreshing others! Lifting up your needs before our Heavenly Father…
Ellen, you are such an encourager! Bless you, dear sister.
I don’t believe in consequences. God is strategic. I think he plans while we are sleep, LOL. I “accidentally” came across your website the other day at work when I was looking for a resource to help a client. But the blog was just what I needed when I needed it. God is so faithful. I bookmarked and emailed the site to myself so I could check it out later. Ever been at a melting point? 17 year marriage in shambles, constant friction in the home, teenagers gone arwry….but God is a keeper. He sends light in dark tunnels…thus your website. I am believing he has much more work for you to do. How can you tell someone he is a healer if you have never been sick? He’s got you. You will write that book, and I am going to read it. Take care until we meet.
Your Sister in Christ
I don’t believe in coincedencces is what I meant to type.
I understood what you were saying. That old spell check sometimes reinterprets my words. I’m thankful God encouraged you. Thanks for encouraging me! On the upper right is a box to sign up to receive the weekly blogs if you’re interested. Blessings, my friend.
Writing surgery date on my planner so I’ll be sure to pray. So thankful for all the wonderful “bonus blessings” that came to you on that day! Looks as if the book signing was amazing! Trusting you will have many more opportunities to share your amazing book.
Thank you, Michele. What a blessing to have God’s people holding me up! May He bless you in return!
Wow….thank you for sharing your heart with us as you go through this difficult process Debbie. The story with the salesman is a reminder to always follow God’s prompting to share what He puts on your heart. He knew what you both needed at that exact moment. God never forgets about us. I am truly encouraged and inspired as you share your faith and God’s working in your life. I will be praying for God’s hand upon you as you have the surgery next week my friend. Blessings to you and yours …and a speedy recovery too!
Horace, you are a wonderful encourager. Thank you so much for you prayers and encouragement. I know your own journey has equipped you to minister to others.
These are beautiful blessings, Debbie. It’s amazing how God uses situations we are in to encourage others. I’m still praying for your health and I will be next Wednesday. Thank you for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
Lori, isn’t it wonderful how the Lord knows how to encourage us along the way! Thanks so much for your prayers!
Debbie, I love how God continues to remind you how big He is and gives you glimpses in how He’s using the message He placed on your heart. Praying for a successful surgery and speedy recovery.
Thank you, Crystal. It is awesome how He speaks to us in just the way we need to hear.
Debbie,
This is such a great big God story! I can almost envision the wink and a smile Jesus gave you as he aligned that whole series of events. Yes, he said, I am an even bigger God! 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing this precious moment! Prayers for your surgery and may your beautiful book find its way into the hands of many many people who need to know the hope of Jesus!
Blessings and smiles,
Lori
Thank you, Lori! I do love how God continues to expand my understanding and awe of Him. Blessings.
I’m so excited to hear this good “hunch” from your doctor, Debbie! I’d be walking a little taller too after that good news! And I’m so glad that God prompted you to share about your book, passion and good God to that clerk. We all need to be declaring these truths because who knows who might need to hear them! I’m also glad you had a great turnout and time at your book signing. God is so very good! Praying that you get confirmation of what the doc thinks. 😉
Thanks, Beth. Three more days!
Will be praying for your surgery Wed. Love and hugs. Meade
Thank you, Meade. Blessing to you.
Praying for you and your health. Thanks for the encouragement. You’re such an inspiration.
Thank you, Lux!
Debbie, congratulations on your new book. I’m praying that the doctors feeling is confirmed on the 25th. As you said, either way we have a BIG, trustworthy, and loving God! Blessings!
Amen, Donna! Thanks so much.
“God doesn’t waste our trials.” Amen!
Such peace from this comforting thought!
Hope your surgery went well and that you are on the mend. 🙂
Thank you, Ruth! I’m home and mending well.
I am currently doing your Bible study-Give Yourself A Break- I love it! Thank you for doing the work and listening to God and believing it.
I am praying for you and wondering how you are doing by now. Hope
to hear what our Big God is doing!
Thank you, Debbie! I’m practicing giving myself a break! I’m doing very well. Learning to be patient and thanking God for an amazing body that heals itself with rest. Bless you!