DETROIT – I am thankful to God for the challenging days as they have shown me that I can rely on him in every situation. In the past, I felt confident in my abilities to handle any circumstance and make things happen until a dark storm overshadowed my life. This storm was overwhelming, and beyond my control. Despite my upbringing in church and attending catholic schools from kindergarten to twelfth grade, I had never truly experienced God's power until He intervened in this storm for me.
Marrying my first boyfriend in a church ceremony, I mistakenly believed this alone would ensure a happy marriage. I was mistaken. Relying on our own wisdom and advice from people with unsuccessful relationships, led us to a divorce court. Around the same time, my father passed away, and my only daughter discovered a lump in her breast. My husband's family has ahistory of breast cancer, including his mother and niece passing away from the complications of cancer, and his sister battling the disease. Doubts crept in, fueled by the devil whispering I had made a mistake in marrying my husband, and my daughter’s story would include cancer.
I vividly recall the moment when my daughter and I visited her pediatrician about the lump. After an examination and x-ray, we were informed of two lumps. Overwhelmed, I ran out crying, questioning God, why? She was a devoted child serving in various church ministries and didn't deserve this. She was my only daughter, I hadn’t gained victory over my other trials and tribulations, and now this. I was convinced that the devil was destroying everything I hoped and prayed for.
Upon returning home, I turned to God, seeking his Word (Malachi 6:33). I confessed my sins to him and made a covenant to surrender my will to His will. Realizing my lack of control and the need for his power in my life, I began earnestly seeking God (Psalms 107:13-14), and true to his promise, God intervened.
Through seeking his word, I found peace in the passing of my father because he accepted Christ before he died, relief as my daughter's lumps were benign, and the cancellation of the divorce court date. On celebrating 30 years of marriage, we now run a marriage ministry, helping couples mend their relationships through God's teachings. Recently, I have taken the steps to further my education in marriage counseling.
Relying on the guidance of God's instruction (the Bible) is crucial for navigating life's challenges. Without following his guidance, we are bound to fail.
Grateful for God's countless blessings, I strive to lead others to Christ, acknowledging him as the solution to every situation and the purpose of our existence. As the director of Sisters Who Care of Michigan (WMU), I work with churches to spread the message of God. It is my heartfelt desire to see souls saved, emphasizing the importance of continuous evangelism such as the WMU emphasis on Making disciples of Jesus who live on mission.
Remember, God's Word never returns empty, so it is our duty to sow the seeds of his Word. I echo God's desire for all souls to be saved, so that they may gain peace, a love like no other and have eternal life.
Isaiah 55:11 “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.”
Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
I can never repay God for all that he has done for me, and I will continue to do all that I can to help bring others to Christ.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Celise Tillery has been married 30 years to Pastor William Tillery III of Cass Park Baptist Church. They have 4 children and 3 grandchildren. She serves as the Director of Sisters Who Care in Michigan, and GDBA WMU Director.
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