There’s a scripture I keep coming back to: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8, CSB)

When I first received my diagnosis, I thought that meant the end of everything I knew. But instead of pulling me away from God, it pulled me closer. Illness has a way of stripping away all the noise, all the false comforts, all the things we once thought mattered most—and leaving us face-to-face with what truly lasts.

For me, that was God. His presence. His love. His peace.

And here’s the best part: He didn’t wait for me to get it all together. He met me right where I was—confused, hurting, and overwhelmed—and slowly began changing me from the inside out.

With grace,
Stacy

✨ Sneak Peek from Chapter 5: Seeking His Presence – Drawing Closer to God

📖 “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8, CSB)

“The diagnosis, though initially a crushing blow, became an unexpected catalyst for profound spiritual awakening. Mortality—once an abstract concept—suddenly became real, something I could feel pressing in on every breath. And yet, rather than spiraling into despair, I found myself hungering for something deeper, something eternal. I began seeking meaning beyond my diagnosis—beyond the pain, the prognosis, and the fear… As my world became smaller, my prayers became larger. Prayer became less about pleading for answers and more about opening my heart. It wasn’t an escape from my reality but a way to more fully dwell in it. Prayer became my lifeline—not because it changed my circumstances, but because it changed me.”

🌿 Why Closeness to God Changes Everything

What I’ve learned is that closeness to God doesn’t mean all your problems vanish. It means your perspective shifts. You start noticing blessings in places you once overlooked—like sunlight through the window, a quiet moment of rest, or laughter with your family.

Closeness to God teaches you that you are not defined by your illness, your weakness, or your limitations. You are defined by His presence and His promises.

And you don’t need to wait for a crisis to draw near. Every whisper of prayer, every note of worship, every moment of gratitude—it’s all a step closer to Him.

💡 A Thought for You

Maybe you feel distant from God today. Maybe you’ve been carrying the weight of your struggles and wondering if He still hears you. Let me encourage you: take one small step. Whisper one prayer. Write one line of gratitude. Put on one worship song.

God isn’t waiting on your perfection—He’s waiting on your presence.

🙏🏽 A Simple Prayer

Lord, thank You for never being far from me. Thank You for no matter how weak I feel. You draw near when I call. Teach me to slow down, to notice You, and to seek You above all else. Fill my heart with gratitude, my lips with worship, and my soul with peace that only You can give. I don’t just want to know about You—I want to know You. In Jesus name, amen.