My Testimony of Peace and Healing.

Through faith in Christ Jesus, I have peace in every situation I am in. Regardless of the pain, hurt, confusion, anxiety, and fear, I have an overarching sense of peace that overcomes all negative feelings. The peace is in knowing that God will protect me in every situation and that I have life eternally with Him in heaven.

In 2020, my mental heath deteriorated. I was full of anxiety, and I felt no hope in life. I didn't feel connected to God, nor did I attempt to pray, read the Bible, or watch church online. I was alone with no peace or really hope. In the summer, my family decided to rent a RV and going on a long road trip, something that felt like a nightmare to me. While we were on this roadtrip, we received a call that no one wants to get. One from a doctor confirming a form of stomach cancer in my dad. No emotion. I was just empty. I had nothing left to give. I just sat there mad at God that he would do that to my dad. Why him, why my family, why cancer, why now? I remember talking to God in anger and confusion, asking why such a good God was making me feel empty and alone, on top of a cancer diagnosis. Throughout the coming months, a surgery was scheduled and a cancer plan was laid out. Everyone around me was praying for God to move and heal, meanwhile I just wanted God to show me the hope and peace again. I still was full of depression and anxiety with no true hope in life. The day of my father's surgery came. A day full of joy, caution, hope, stress, and pure faith on God for many, but a day I dreaded. I didn't have much faith that God would heal my dad, I didn't have peace in the situation as much as I wished I did. The surgery ended and we got the all clear from the surgeon that it went well. Joy flooded my whole family. I was happy, of course, but I had still yet to feel God. A few hours later we heard from the surgeon something extraordinary...the tumor had shrunk. Not like 1-2%, but by a vast 13% smaller. This was the exact moment I felt God again. He was there the whole time. Even though I had left Him and almost forgotten Him, God had His hand over my family the whole time. Looking back on this time in my life, I ultimately had peace the whole time. I knew way deep down that the Lord does not forsake His people. Although God hasn't healed every time, I know that His plan is so much greater than mine, and I have peace that He is in full control.

The same God of peace that was there for me in 2020 is the same God of peace today. God is consistent in a life of inconsistencies. He is the provider of peace in every situation, whether you notice it right away or not.