In His Shadow-In The Valley

07/29/2020 • View profile •

"Unless you have walked in the valley of Death and darkness--you have no ideal of another's pain and struggle---and that is why all who Follow Jesus must be willing to take up whatever cross that comes into their life and allow Jesus to help you carry it into His Kingdom."

It is 9 pm, and asking my Lord what He wants me to do before laying down to sleep: I was led to those words, typed some time this past spring. My Lord led me to those words after experiencing three very TRYING STRESSFUL days that ended with all my strength gone from me this morning. It left me thinking, CANCER loomed on the horizon of my life. This led me to start to think about what would happen if I went first and left my husband behind.

It would not be until after getting the phone call from the Doctor reporting that nothing was found on the CT. The Abdominal CT just showed "I am full of it." :)

I was perplexed and confused, for I had been having strong symptoms that convinced me something was wrong. That was when I googled the effects of stress in a person's life and realized---not cancer but stress is slowly killing my body. So, My Lord in His love for me, allowed nature to take it's course, so my eyes could be opened and changes made or else!

Coincidently, my neighbor is dealing with cancer. Cancer she has been told is not curable. Checking for Covid as the culprit of her shortness of breath, the cancer was not checked for until the third visit and an x-ray confirmed the cancer. I have been going to pray for her two or three times a week. Today when I went, I told her of how my day had gone and what I had experienced. "Me too," and we shared common symptoms of the extreme weakness. As I prayed for her today, I asked God to protect her from stress, and being anxious and worried about leaving the family and how they would get on without her.

She looked up at me and said, "You really hit the head of the nail today for those thoughts had been heavy on my heart and mind."

I laughed and said--"See how much God loves you that He 'gifted' me with illness, fears, and concerns about dying. Just so I could pray for you from the heart." Then I thanked God for sending that gift of Wisdom and Insight by allowing the Cross to come the way it did.

Now at the end of a very illuminating day---I come and find those words given to me in April 2020. A message we all need as this as been one year of BIG CROSSES for all.

There is still 5 more months to come this year, and the journey continues. A journey we all must take, as we take up our Crosses and follow Jesus to Calvary. Remember though, after the Resurrection, came the Ascension. Also He said while He walked this earth--"The Kingdom of God is a hand."

So, NO MATTER WHAT, as we walk, we walk with Jesus in His Kingdom every moment of every day. Peace be with you, and it will as you breath in the Holy Spirit of God.

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About the Author

Elizabeth Thomas

Born the youngest of nine children, raised VERY Catholic across the street from Immaculate Heart of Mary church and school—Mom and Dad led by example and word their FAITH in God and saw to it that I was given 12 years of Catholic Education. (Mount St. Mary’s Academy/1965)

But, most importantly, because of my parents’ spiritual renewal after attending Cursillo Weekends, I too went on a retreat at our beloved Subiaco Abbey in Arkansas and there, at age 20, gave my life totally, surrendering all to my Lord and best Friend. This was my “Pentecostal” event that left me, like all the early Christians, on fire with God’s love and forever changed.

My husband Robert and I have been married for 54 this year in a marriage arranged by God. We have 8 children, two in heaven, 24 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren. The story of our life together can be found in a book titled “My Journey, My Cross-As the Journals End,” published by Westbow Press . Our life together has been one awesome up and down roller coaster ride which enriched my heart with so many of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I have found that the only way, Wisdom, Understanding, Words of Knowledge, Discernment, and Healing can be received is first by experiencing in your life the hurts of others. (and you yourself a sword will pierce)^* so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” Luke 2 v 35.

God has blessed me also many other talents and skills--but sometimes, blessings/gifts can and have caused problems or conflict in my life, as I am human and all too quickly that part of me shows up. Thank You God that You also show up!

Because of the many ways that He has rescued me, and taught me through my trials and tribulations and continuous cries for “Help”--- a weekly podcast radio show called “It’s Me, God” can still be found on www.radiotitans.com

In His Shadow-In The Valley

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