January 2016… I went to the Doctor after 1 year and a half of extreme muscle and joint pain. A couple of weeks after having my exam I was diagnosed with Mixed Connective Tissue Disorder (A lupus like), auto-immune disease that causes extreme muscle weakness, fatigue and joint pain. Its incurable (So, I thought)! I was scared but I made up my mind that if this was something I was going to live with for the rest of my life, Lord I want you to get the glory. I was taking medicine that had me sicker than before. Some days I would wake up with pain shooting in my body. Again, Lord whatever is my lot, it is well with my soul.
I heard instructions from the Lord to fast from eating meat for 3 months. I stopped taking my medicine and prayed for those who were suffering in their sickness. I started working out 2-3x a week and got control over my MIND (My biggest battlefield!). I tell you in those months was the first time in over a year I wasn’t experiencing any pain. I truly believe I am HEALED!
Hear me, I am NOT saying for those who are facing any internal sickness to do what I did. My lesson is about obedience in the valley. God pursued me even in my hard season to keep praying, keep believing and keep reading my bible. The sickness in your body, hardship in your marriage, loss of your career, depleted finances is NOT an excuse for you to give up on God! As children who are purposed to live for the glory of God, some seasons we are called to walk through the darkest valley but He is with us (Psalm 23:4). Hard times come to reveal what’s in your heart. God uses suffering to cause our hearts to become detached from things that are less than God—from people, goods, pleasures, things that can only satisfy us to a limited extent. It was in that valley season where I made up my mind that I will NEVER live for anyone but God (Something that took me most of my 20’s to get!).
My assignment, destiny, purpose, valleys, mountaintops and struggles ALL belong to God. 2016 turned out to be one of the best years of my life!
Habakkuk 3:18 “Yet, I will rejoice in the LORD; I will take joy in the God of my salvation.”
Written By:
Ashley Joy Sutton
ABOUT ASHLEY:
Ashley Joy is an extraordinary, well-rounded woman living her life by design. As a sought after speaker, author, coach, entrepreneur, and women’s empowerment advocate she joyfully moves throughout the world passionately fulfilling her God ordained purpose and calling in life- inspiring people to live and operate in their full purpose and potential.
Ashley is the founder and creative director of She Laughs LLC, a coaching and empowerment firm that is dedicated to helping women become global influencers and cultural changers. As a non-profit and communications professional, Ashley has a deep rooted passion for civic engagement and social responsibility. Prior to becoming an entrepreneur, Ashley taught business communication skills to youth in Oakland, California. She also facilitated workshops within the corporate, nonprofit, education, and faith based sectors. Additionally, Ashley lived and traveled throughout Europe for several years working as a sales and communication manager. Her innate passion for social, cultural and community issues along with her dynamic personality have enabled her to blaze new trails and emerge as a well-respected leader.
Ashley Joy’s mission in empowering women has opened doors of opportunity for her to travel to other countries, including West and South Africa and throughout the US, creating a global platform to dialogueand inspire women maximize their potential and live a fulfilled life. Her unique presence and creative flair, expressed through her writing and speaking, are captivating and make her relatable to young ladies and seasoned women alike. She is a woman whose wisdom, faith, and compassion are evident in all she does and she unselfishly use the platforms God has given her to positively influence and impact those placed in her path.
Learn more about Ashley at AshleyJoyspeaks.com