Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Yesterday, my boss called to let me know I had the next two days off. I had worked 13.5 hours the day before and my brain was fried. I had no mental energy left for the remainder of the week. Little did she know, I’d already planned on calling off because this was the day that my doctor would give me my long-awaited and final diagnosis. Having had a few diagnoses prior, I needed confirmation.
I was sitting in my office reading when the doctor called, an hour before my scheduled appointment.
She reported that I have Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD). Treatment can help, but this condition can’t be cured, and the chronic pain is lifelong. What’s more, she said that I should expect to be unable to walk in the very near future.
This was not the news I wanted. After the initial shock wore off, I began to ask so many questions. “What do I do now?” I cried. I told my doctor, “I’m too young for this!” I want to take more walks with my husband, I want to go to Disney with my 6 kisses, I want to ride my expensive bike. She listed my options, apologized for having to share such devastating news, and wished me the best.
This was definitely devastating, but I’m a fighter! I do not give up!
I remember many years ago when I was diagnosed with trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Later that same day, I googled the condition and became extremely discouraged. It was described as “one of the most painful afflictions known to the medical community, for which there is no cure.” But God healed me, and I beat that diagnosis! Then to turn around and be diagnosed with DDD felt like another huge blow – but I know my God can heal me again!
David says that God is with us in the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23:4) and this experience has taught – and continues to teach – me that same truth. I’ve had many extremely difficult days along the journey, but I am never alone or abandoned by God.
In all the ups and downs of this health issue, my church has been there. And, as you can imagine, this hasn’t been an easy road for me and my family to travel. Even with the assurance that God would see us through this, as He always has and will continue to do, I often have extremely painful days. I also recognize that not everyone who gets a difficult diagnosis is able to trace the ways that God is moving in their situation.
Nevertheless, I pray that my story will assure you that God is still working!
57 thoughts on “Choosing Victory in the Valley”
Oh, sweet Sister. It’s a diagnosis, not a sentence!!! We’ll continue to pray healing over you, rejoice with you on your good days, and lift you up on your not-so-good days. Jesus is the great heler and divine master of our bodies. I have seen the medical miracles of His Holy Hand, and I will not allow this to stop our praise of him. You are NEVER ALONE.
Amen Sis Kerri❤️
Wow! What an encouraging testimony. Many believers only see God on the mountain and can’t recognize His hand in the valley. I believe the Lord is bringing you out!
Yes He is First Lady! Thank you!
This story is very inspirational to myself and others. Sometimes people are diagnosed and just give up. Other times we’re going through this thing call life (good or bad).Letting us know this real life story it gives others hope in what they maybe going through. Most importantly in so many words you’re telling us to never give up. Have more faith that God will handle everything in our favor. Hand everything to The Lord and have no fear!
I’m so sorry that you received that news. Deuteronomy 31:8 nlt “Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.” Thank you for sharing and know that God will always be with you and he has already been where your going. I am waiting on news myself and I told myself today is Good Friday so however that news goes I will dwell in the good news of Jesus Christ!❤️🤗
God is a healer! Standing on his promises!
Amen sis!
God’s gonna use your story, and it’s resulting turnaround, to show off His Glory!!
He is definitely a healer!
My Sister, My Friend,
I stand/pray/believe in agreement with you. The doctors have to communicate to you what they see. However, they do NOT have the final say. GOD has the final say. Just as you have been healed before, you will be healed again. Our walk is a faith walk. You know there is power in the praise and we are overcome by the words of our testimony. Continue to share your testimonies as they are encouragement to SOOOOOOOOO many. I Love You.
I love you too Sarah!!
The Doctors are doing their job to get paid but God is the healer, 2Kings 19:14-36, After King Hezekiah read the letter from the Assyrian King he did not panic, he took it before God. Who’s report should we believe, God is you healer, Luke 18:27, what is impossible with man is possible with God. You faith has healed you in Jesus name Amen.
I am healed! My body needs to just stop playing games and line up!
God reigns. In heaven and on earth, we trust the report of The Lord. He is with us during a valley experience and shines bright, he is with us on the mountain and shines bright. God is with you sister and I’m praying for you. Colossians 3:2 continue to look to the Lord.
God is in full control over your situation too sis!
Amen, my sister! Thank you for sharing your faith, and using it to bless us. I love you, appreciate you and praying the Lord will minister to you and your family abundantly during this time.
Thanks sis!
Wow, U know who orders our steps. Stay encouraged and focused on Him. Sending prayers and love to you!
Remembering your words…Why not me! Love you Uncle V❤️
You know who orders our steps. Stay encouraged and focused on Him. Sending prayers and love to you!
I really hate that you’re dealing with this. I wish we as believers didn’t have to experience pain physically or emotionally. It’s ok to cry, it’s ok to express those disappointments. Doesn’t make you any less faithful. You have so many testimonies that have helped, are helping and will help people in the future including myself! You are Gods daughter and He’ll never leave you nor forsake you. I pray for your strength and that the Lord will fully heal you. If anybody has the faith to believe that it’s you! You believe for others when others have given up on themselves. Love you and again praying for you.
I love you too! Thank you sweetheart❤️
Such a beautiful strong testimony Lady Patrice. Praise God for you for sharing this. I praise God and stand in agreement with you for your total healing! God has little you in the palm of His big hand. Hallelujah!!
Amen Sis. Chrissy
Faith continues to look up, even in the dark. Life is not always fair but God is always good. Thank you for the reminder that we walk by faith, not by a diagnosis or a prediction. We will believe the report of the Lord! God bless you my Sister as you hold to God’s unchanging hand.
Thank you Sis. I am encouraged in this moment. I will continue to walk by faith! Love you ❤️
Consider how a pearl is formed.
A grain of sand makes its way inside an oyster’s shell through a crack. In response to the irritation, the secretions and coatings produce a pearl. All oysters don’t produce pearls — only the ones who recover from the irritation and the wound.
So, then, a pearl is basically a healed wound. No wound … No treasure.
“Trials show that our faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though our faith is far more precious than mere gold. When our faith remains strong through our trials, it will brings praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.”
(1 Peter 1:7)
God through His Spirit will reveal to us where He is turning wounds into treasure. We may not ever fully understand; but, in His grace, we get a glimpse of how far He’s brought us.
In fact, one day we just might look back and thank God for the journey. Not that we’d ever want to go through it again or wish it on anyone else; but, we’ll look back and realize we’re in a better place because we went through the valley.
The word is through — through the valley. The place of shadows is not a permanent home. When the darkness closes in and you don’t know what else to do, just take the next step. Do the next thing. Hold on for a little longer. Keep walking, even if it is with a limp.
Keep walking by faith, not by sight. We can’t afford to stop and analyze why we had to enter. But, “Faith” chooses to survive what it cannot explain. God wouldn’t lead us anywhere if it couldn’t bring Him glory and us good.”
We ALL have valley experiences. BUT, “… the God of all comfort, comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
Once we’re in a valley, the only way out is THROUGH it and the best place to be is BESIDE our shepherd-Savior.
Psalm 23 doesn’t promise
the absence of shadows.
It promises the continuing presence of the shepherd in the midst of them.
I love you; but, there is no greater love than the love God has for you. You’re HIS girl — He’s got you!! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 ♥️💯
Thanks Darlene❤️
!Philippians 1:6
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion(A) until the day of Christ Jesus. ”
Be Confident God is not finished with you yet, Sis,
God is still a healer and at the end of the day, he has the last say.
Jesus loves you and he will give you the desires of your heart.! Live! ♥
Amen! Thanks Minister Charmelle
You are amazing and your faith is being increased as you inspire so many people, so sorry to hear your diagnosis, but God is able to do all things! I stand in faith with you that God is going to bless you with long life and good health. Continue serving him. Thank you for inspiring us to look to the hills from which cometh our help knowing that God has you in his hands.
Thanks Mom Mable ❤️ Love you dearly
Psalms 34:19 The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all;
We don’t know how and when God may ease the pain and suffering but we do know that our God is so strong and so mighty and there’s Nothing our God cannot do! He’s your Deliverer and your Healer. We love you so much Sis Treasy and we continue in prayer for you. Thanks so much for sharing this with us, I am always amazed at your daily walk through it all.
God is definitely a deliverer! I stand on His promises and I’m confident that He will bring me through! Thanks Sis Judy! Love you dearly❤️
What a testimony! How encouraging to know that the same God who touched and healed you in the past, can and will do it again! Thanks for allowing your faith to speak. As I look at the faithfulness of God in your life, it encourages me to trust him more. I’m standing in faith with you, and covering you in prayer.
Thanks Lady C for your love & prayers❤️
Praise God for giving you the authority to reclaim healing in His Name, yet again by your faith. You don’t look like what you’re going through. Your strength and trust show in the way you continue to praise and power through each day without veering from your routines. He makes right your paths. Honored to stand in faith with you as we watch the Miracle Worker turn this around. Love you Sis.
He is the God of miracles for sure! Thanks Sis Pam ❤️
Praying for you Aunt Treasy. God is FAITHFUL and GOOD. He will take care of you no matter what happens. I love you!!
Thanks Maria! I love you too!
First lady thank you for your testimony, this just helps me to remember that we serve an awesome God cuz if he did it before he can do it again, just sitting here thinking about how much pain I was in the first part of March and then realize how prayer warriors are so important, when prayer warriors get to praying all over the world for you there’s nothing that our God won’t do! My body was in pain and my eyesight was trying to go but God is a healer so like I said if he can do it for me He can do it for you again and again God’s girl, God touch her body Lord, heal her from the top of her head to the bottom of her feet Lord Jesus because no weapon formed against her shall prosper have your way Lord have your way. Remember it’s only a test that you’re going through it’s going to be over real real soon. I love you First Lady in Jesus name I pray amen.
Amen! I receive this Deaconess! I love you!
God is indeed working Sis! And the devil is still a liar! Standing in prayer with you, your family, your church that God will show Himself strong again, and heal you completely, in the mighty name of Jesus!!
Thanks for your sentiments First Lady! God will see me through this! Love you!
Praying for you and your family!!! The victory is already His!
Thank your for sharing . I am standing in agreement with you for your total healing. I’ve seen Him do it and you have a personal testimony. Love ya Sis
Thanks Maria❤️ Love you too sis.
You make pain look good. No one wants to go through. I have asked the question of why as well, not for me, but for you and your family. But we know that being a child of God does not exempt us from going through. I realize in dealing with people, my issues are small compared to what other people go through. We sister’s of yours stand with you and we pray for you. Your pain is our pain, your joy our joy. You will be healed and set free. Continue to endure for you miracle is on the way. I love sis.ps, put a praise on it!!!!!
Oh Patrice, I’m sorry to hear of the diagnosis. I believe He will direct you to someone else that can help you or He will heal you for He is the Great Physician. Until then, if you need anything, please do not hesitate to call. You are one amazing woman and I will keep you in my prayers!
Thank you friend. I fully trust God!
A diagnosis is just that! A diagnosis! It does not define what you are and what you’ll become. God has the final say! Clear your thoughts and focus on what God has defined for your life! We love you! Thank you for sharing. Now we can be specific in our prayers!
Amen sis! Thank you for your words of encouragement & your prayers! Love you dearly!!
My dear Sister Patrice. I am so sorry you did not get the news you wanted. But I know that God has the last word. God will give you the strength to go through whatever comes your way. Remember you are God’s girl. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Asking God to heal you physically and increase your faith spirituality. Love you and want nothing but the best for you.
I read this and immediately remember all the years we have known one another. I know you. I also know your love and belief in God.
These two knowns lead me to say this…. You are strong! You are a Believer! You have a STRONG support system!! You are more than a diagnosis!
You WILL beat this!….. Why? Because our God is …..!!!
He will see you through this. Your family will be there every step of the way.
Love you…my friend
Woow…..
You are amazing in so many ways..God is showing out with you! I promise I see it First Lady!
From the walking in truth, sharing THE Truth, and letting us in, sharing your story… God is sooooooooooooo Good. He’s going to do Just that! Amen First Lady! I’m always praying for you’re always on my prayer list <3!
Thank you beautiful! I pray for you often as well! Love you to infinity and beyond!!!
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