Stay Calm: Trusting God Through Every Storm

Even in the hardest moments, God’s peace can carry you.

I want to remind us to STAY CALM when facing difficulties in life. It’s easier said than done, I know—but I can tell you from experience that it is possible.

I had my annual mammogram in January and needed a biopsy the following week. On January 13, I was calm. I didn’t need to take medication for anxiety like I did in November 2022.

I remained calm when the Nurse Practitioner called at 3:56 p.m. on January 14 and told me I had cancer again.

(I would have been 11 years cancer-free on January 31.)

Immediately after that call, I had to be available for a phone appointment with a patient. With God’s help, I was able to provide the mental health care that he needed.

Holding Onto Peace

I’ve learned to stay calm on the days I cannot attend Celebrate Recovery because I know the leaders are very competent and are walking by faith.

I was calm on the day of surgery—Wednesday, March 12. As soon as I felt the least bit of anxiety, I got up from the chair in the lobby and began praying in the Spirit as I walked around. With the prayers of my pastors, loved ones, family members, and friends, God brought me through a few hours of surgery and more hours of recovery.

Right now, I’m outside, and the sunshine mixed with the cool breeze feels just amazing! The blue sky looks like a perfectly colored canvas—God’s handiwork!

A Bee and a Reminder

What prompted this writing was sitting on my front porch this afternoon. The bees love the wood out there. I was sitting as still as possible when a huge bee decided to stop and check me out. Because of my physical condition, I couldn’t get up and quickly move out of the way.

All I heard was, “Stay calm.”

Well—staring at a bee just inches from my face was NOT helping! I had to close my eyes, and that helped me focus less on the stressor. Not even a minute later, the bee was on its way. I decided to take my books and journal inside and leave the porch to them.

Later, I walked around the backyard—a kind of prayer walk. While thanking God for keeping me calm, He reminded me of all the other times He had done the same. For many weeks, I’ve felt drained. The diagnosis confirmed how I had been feeling physically. Now, God has separated me from my normal responsibilities so I can rest, heal, and reconnect with Him.

Grateful for the Support

Thank you so much to everyone who has prayed, reached out, assisted, offered to help, called, and visited—if you’ve supported me in any way, I GREATLY appreciate it. I didn’t intend to announce my diagnosis on social media. I just knew that one day, on this side of Heaven, God would release me to share it.

So now you know—I’ve had to start over. I’m 12 days cancer-free, and I’ve been able to stay calm because God has been my Jehovah Jireh, my Provider! He used the doctors, but He’s the Great Physician!

Jesus Calms Storms—Then and Now

I just remembered the story in Mark 4:37–41, when Jesus was asleep on the boat while His disciples were frantic, thinking they were going to die. Jesus had to calm the storm before the disciples could calm down.

I’m so grateful for the peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We can hear God so much more clearly when we’re calm and not frazzled. I stayed calm because I had been telling myself, “I shall not die but live to declare the works of the Lord.”

There is so much more I’m called to do for the Kingdom—by keeping God first and foremost in my life, and by sharing how good He’s been to me.

Final Encouragement

If you’re facing a challenge—or many challenges—just know that there’s nothing too hard for my God! Stay calm and trust Him. You’ll be amazed at what He can bring you through.

Hey, by the way, join our Celebrate Recovery group on Mondays at 7 pm. 296 Live Oak Church Rd, Hinesville GA.

About the Author: Charlene Stevens Jenkins is a woman of deep faith, a mental health professional, and a passionate encourager. She serves as the leader for Celebrate Recovery at Live Oak Church in Hinesville, GA, where she helps others find healing through Christ-centered recovery. Through life’s challenges—including multiple battles with cancer—Charlene continues to walk in peace, purpose, and unwavering trust in God. She shares her journey to inspire others to remain calm and anchored in faith in the storm. Visit www.charlenestevensjenkins.com.