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Conference attendee experiences the wisdom of youth.
by Mary Kay Puza –
I recently attended a workshop at The Salvation Army Southwest Division’s annual Women’s Ministries Conference entitled “God and the Tough Times.”
In the past six months my husband had undergone two major back surgeries followed by unexpected gall bladder surgery. I constantly worried, “What next?”
That answer came the week before the conference when a life-long friend unexpectedly died. Doctors discovered a brain tumor on Monday and he was gone the following Sunday. This brought me to my knees. So I was more than ready to hear how God would help me in the tough times.
I was surprised to learn that two girls in their early 20s were leading the workshop. What could they possibly know about tough times? I later realized that these two “kids” knew quite a bit about hardship.
Hannah Danielson shared her illness that took two hospitals months to diagnose and required extended recuperation. While this trial was difficult, she trusted God and he restored her health.
Aleen Bradley recently lost her mother, Major Sheila Bradley, who had fought cancer for a long time. Aleen was angry when she had to say good-bye to her “best friend.” Because of her deep faith, though, she accepted God’s will and moved forward.
It is easy to ask, “Why me?” or “Why now?” But in the most trying times we must stand on God’s promises and place our trust in him even when we don’t agree with or understand him.
I like the Bible verse the girls shared found in Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you! Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
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