Good is manifested from every experience

Marilyn Moody was diagnosed with cancer. When she received the news she cried for about 24 hours, then chose to take as much control of this new situation as she could.

She says the cancer was a wake-up call to her to become more motivated -- to go after goals and to accomplish long-thought dreams. Marilyn says, "Since I was a child I wanted to be a published author. A desire burned deep inside me to write and to see my words in print. It was my dream, one I suppressed because I lacked self-confidence."

As Marilyn went through surgery, chemotherapy, and reconstructive surgery, she wrote almost daily letters to her best friend of 30 years. A couple of months into the cancer experience, she realized that her letters to Rita could be a book. She completed the manuscript and her first book "A Journey from Cancer to Cure" was published in October 1997. Yet there remained in Marilyn some self-doubt regarding her ability to write. She had put together a book of prose almost 16 years ago.

To prove to herself whether the book on cancer was a fluke or not, she sent a copy of the prose book to her new publisher. She was amazed when she received a contract for the prose book as well. In less than a year, Marilyn Moody had sold three books for publication and had two more manuscripts out for review.

"I would never have consciously asked for the disease of cancer, but I am grateful that it has helped me to fulfill my dreams," she says. "I believe that good is manifested from every experience that comes into our lives. I also believe that there is a purpose for everything, whether we know what it is or not."

The Bible says in Romans 8:28 that God will work all things for the good for those who follow Him and in Genesis chapter 50, Joseph revealed something amazing after going through his difficulties. He told his brothers who betrayed him...What you meant for harm, God meant for good. That scripture is for you today. Cancer and betrayal are not desirable experiences, but we know that through it all God will work things for our good if we'll just let Him. God bless you and have a great day.

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Jonathan Watson is pastor of the Bella Vista Assembly of God. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Religion on 07/12/2017