It was a phone call I will never forget as long as I live.

I had just jumped out of the shower and was getting ready to teach a weekly Bible study in a city about an hour from where I live. I was home alone that November afternoon when my phone rang.

"Carol, it's cancer," said the nurse, Sue, who had been with me during the biopsy. "Call your husband and have him come home to be with you. Then call me back, and I will let you know what is next."

If you can believe it, I was in shock yet had total peace. I was numb, yet I was rejoicing. I was in disbelief but had complete trust in my healer. While I continued to process this very unexpected news, I continued to get ready for Bible study.

My daughter and my husband arrived at our house within 20 minutes, and we called Sue right back. We all listened in as she told me about my appointment the next day at the oncologist, the appointment for a PET scan and another with a surgeon.

We thanked her for her help and her kindness and hung up the phone. Then we prayed together as a family. After we finished a faith-filled, heaven-meets-earth kind of prayer, I said to Craig, "Would you take me to Bible study tonight? I am not sure I want to drive alone."

He was incredulous!

"Are you sure?" was the response of my handsome, Southern husband. "You don't have to go teach Bible study, you know. It's OK to cancel it tonight."

"Are you kidding me?! I refuse to let the enemy steal my calling! There will be over 100 women waiting for me! I am going!"

Craig went with me, and it was a powerful, wonderful evening. I didn't tell the women what had happened until after Bible study was over. I knew I would likely be missing some sessions in the weeks ahead, and they needed to be prepared. Also—I wanted them to pray!

However, my destiny was set. I would not be moved from my calling or from my Christ-ordained destiny. I was convinced that my life was not over and that there was still kingdom work for me to do.

Has the enemy interrupted your life? Has there been a distraction that has come your way? I want to challenge you today to set your course and then refuse to be moved from the calling of Christ.

The apostle Paul said it best: "Now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what shall befall me there, except that the Holy Spirit testifies to me in every city that imprisonment and afflictions await me. But none of these things deter me. Nor do I count my life of value to myself, so that I may joyfully finish my course and the ministry which I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God" (Acts 20:22-24).

My friend, don't be moved by the afflictions that come your way. Finish your course with joy!

Carol McLeod is an author and popular speaker at women's conferences and retreats, where she teaches the Word of God with great joy and enthusiasm. Carol encourages and empowers women with passionate and practical biblical messages mixed with her own special brand of hope and humor. She has written eight books, including The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, Defiant Joy!, Holy Estrogen!, No More Ordinary, Refined, Joy For All Seasons, Let There Be Joy! and Pass the Joy, Please! which releases on February 1, 2018.Her teaching DVD, The Rooms of a Woman's Heart, won the Telly Award, a prestigious industry award for excellence in religious programming. You can also listen to Carol's "Jolt of Joy" program daily on the Charisma Podcast Network. Connect with Carol or inquire about her speaking to your group at justjoyministries.com.

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