What is more important to you, friend?

If I had given up, I would not be alive today.

Yes, that's right, friend. As a teenager, I had lost 66 pounds, and had just heard the doctor say to my mother, "Your daughter will die in the next few weeks."

Honestly, friend? I cared less about what the doctor said than what God said! Or would say if I had given up here. Thank goodness! Because I knew God wanted me to live, and He wants you to live too: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV) 

One phrase—"I wonder how you can even run with so much fat!"—had gotten me into this situation in the first place. I had believed this phrase. Now another dangerous sentence followed, that of my doctor, and I had a choice. Would I believe this sentence too, knowing where the last, similar-sounding sentence had already taken me? Or would I believe that Jesus—despite everything—could give me life?

friend, I was physically and emotionally at the end. I had absolutely no strength left. But I believe that we still have enough strength—or God gives it to us at the right time—to decide what and whom we believe! And I wanted to believe Jesus! Always believe the One who brings life and not the one who takes it away!

Destructive words will always come to us, friend. That's why it's so important that you spend time with God every day. Read the Bible, pray, keep connected to the One who wants you to live! And maybe end some connections or relationships that are robbing you of life. 

friend, what is more important to you? What others have said or are saying about you? The bad news you just heard? Or the words of the One who came so you could live a life of abundance? 

Live, friend! Live!

You are a miracle!