Recently, I had the privilege to watch clips of Pastor Joel Osteen's Night of  Hope event, which he held at the Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California. During the event he called one of the worship leaders of his church, Da'dra Crawford Greathouse, to share an experience she had which showed how God helped her out of a trying situation.

Ms. Greathouse mentioned that a few years ago she was diagnosed with a condition called goiter. This condition occurs as a result of the swelling of the thyroid gland. This was devastating news, as this condition led to two huge growths on either side of her neck, close to her larynx or voice box. The prognosis was that the condition could cause her not to be able to sing. And even if she could still sing, she wouldn't be able to sing as high and as low, within her normal vocal range. Worse still, the condition could lead to death.

Distraught about this discouraging news, she sought out the help of a doctor. She was hoping this doctor would be able to perform the surgery necessary to remove the growths in such a way that she could still sing; and sing within her normal range. The doctor told her that there was nothing he could do for her and walked away. Disheartened, she went after the doctor, and asked if there was anyone he knew that could perform the surgery for her. The doctor told her that there was no one…and he walked away.

Ms. Greathouse was devastated. Nevertheless, she strengthened her resolve. She kept her head up, looking on to God for help. She pressed on. She did more research, and eventually found another doctor. She related her plight to this new doctor, who assured her that not only could he perform the surgery, but he could do it in such a way that she would be able to sing as high and as low as she normally did. The success of the surgery was very evident by the way she sang in the Dodger Stadium.

It turns out that the new doctor was experienced and successful with the kind of surgery that Ms. Greathouse needed to resolve her condition. If I'm not mistaken, the doctor was also the one who devised the surgical technique required for the kind of operation she needed. He had been carrying out this procedure in developing countries, where he served as a medical missionary. Ms. Greathouse's experience reinforces a truth about how God uses rejection to help us.

God allows the wrong people to walk away from our lives, in order to make room for the right people to walk into our lives. With this in mind, I want to encourage you by letting you know that God will allow someone to turn you down in order to allow someone else to turn you on. Someone may have walked out on you. You may have lost on an opportunity. Your employment, house, spouse, significant other, connection, friend or family member may have "walked" away; but keep your head up. Have faith in God and expect Him to walk the right person, project, promotion, or property into your life.

O.J Toks
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