**This is the final post in the God Story series. Shared from the heart and life of Deb Gilmer, her story has a theme that everyone can relate to – finding joy in any situation. I have left the story untouched. The words are Deb’s. I’m confident they’ll bless you richly today.**
Have you ever trained so hard for something, only to look back and realize that God was preparing you for an entirely different race—one designed for His purpose and glory? Or have you ever seen your life change in an instant because of one seemingly small detail?
In January 2022, I began training for a half marathon by completing a 75-day challenge. I thought I was preparing my body for race day, but in reality, God was strengthening me for a much greater battle.
Fast forward to August 2022—just three weeks before the half marathon—I started a daily Bible reading plan called The Bible Recap.
If you’re familiar with it, you know that Tara-Leigh Cobble always ends each recap with six simple yet profound words: He’s where the joy is. Little did I know that those words, spoken daily, were etching themselves into my heart in preparation for what was to come.
I successfully completed the half marathon, but a month later, in September 2022, a single moment changed my life.
One afternoon, I stepped outside into the intense Georgia heat to take a phone call. Normally, I would have stayed inside, but my husband was in the kitchen, and I didn’t want to disturb him.
As I stood outside, casually playing with my necklace, I felt the heat pressing down on me, sweat forming on my skin. A single bead of sweat rolled down my chest and as I wiped it away, my finger grazed something—a lump.
Surely, I didn’t just feel that. My mammogram had been clear only eight months prior.
I sat with the thought for a few days until I finally mentioned it to a coworker. She immediately urged me to call the doctor.
What should have taken weeks happened in mere days. In one single afternoon, my doctor confirmed the lump; I had a mammogram and biopsy; and less than 24 hours later, I received the diagnosis: cancer.
I remember scrambling to jot down information as the nurse spoke. Before we hung up, I asked, “What did you say your name was?”
She replied, “Joy.”
In the weeks that followed, God continued to reveal His presence in the smallest details.
My appointments lined up quickly, leading me to one of the best surgeons available. Through chemotherapy and radiation, I encountered two more nurses—both named Joy. Coincidence? No. Proof of God’s hand in every moment. Reminders of His presence.
Now, nearly two years post-treatment, I can say with absolute certainty: God is in the details. He orchestrates even the smallest moments for our good and His glory.
Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
I am living proof of that truth.
No matter what we face, no matter how uncertain the road ahead seems—He is there.
And He’s where the joy is.
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Remember, your life is a gift to the world and your God story matters.
Someone needs to hear it.
Until next time, Grace and Glory!
