Smile at the Storm

By Daniel-James Ogle

There was no warning it was coming. It came out of nowhere. A pleasant day in the life of Daniel-James Ogle quickly turned into a dark, raging storm. An all healthy, fit young man, with the ambition to know God, excel in ministry and progress to having a strong, independent life, was suddenly come upon by a violent, chronic illness: Multiple Sclerosis. "Where are you Lord?" "What did I do wrong?"

What do you do in a situation like this? Allow the waves to overcome you? Frantically fight for your life? Be overtaken with fear and drown?

"Smile At The Storm" is an autobiographic account of diagnosis events with inspirational articles forged in the midst of total uncertainty, loneliness and pain.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Legend Press
• Release date: Dec 14, 2015
• ISBN: 9781785075933

Book preview

Conclusion

FOREWARD

Daniel-James Ogle is committed, faithful and full of zeal for the Kingdom of God. He has vision, passion and desire to excel in his walk with God and the purpose God has for his life. DJ (as he is commonly called) loves God, family and life.

In the past several years, Daniel has been walking through a storm. This trial has made him stronger in the Lord – not bitter, but better.

Daniel has opened doors for others to effectively minister in other parts of the United Kingdom and Ireland through the birth of his vision for AIM UK. Even though he has been unable to work in various places throughout the UK due to health limitations, he has unselfishly inspired others to do so.

This book is full of faith and instruction. Anyone facing a ‘storm’ in his or her life will be inspired by DJ’s writing.

Robert Kelley

Missionary to the UK, founding pastor of New Life Church, Glasgow and founder and principal of Harvest Bible College.

DEDICATION

To my parents who have been there for me every step of the way with love, support and spiritual guidance. For taking me to the numerous medical appointments at any time, in any weather! For listening to me when nobody else would. For your prayers, encouragement and patience. There is so much more that you do, I just want to say thank you, I love you.

To Jonathan & Family

Thank you for coming to sit with me and always being there to listen to my heartaches and frustrations. For letting me just be open and for encouraging me to keep reaching. For your love and open invitation to your home. To the girls, for bringing joy and much laughter! For helping me walk and transition around the house. Finally, thank you for carrying my things and always having an outstretched hand ready to help. I love you all.

To Theon,

You always see more in me than I can see. You remind me that anything is possible and that if I can see it then it’s worth reaching for. When I call, you’re always there to listen. Love you bro.

PREFACE

It cannot be denied that sickness and disease are everywhere. They make no distinction between whom they affect. They have no age, gender, social, ethnic or religious preferences.

They affect many Spirit filled individuals and many times despite many heart filled and fervent prayers sickness still persists. Did you sin or do something terrible? ‘Is there something wrong with me?’ you ask. You find yourself fighting a battle you didn’t expect, want or choose. During this fight it can feel as though you are constantly battling to keep your head above water even to keep up with Christian living. There are many days that you are failing in this and you feel so guilty!

You still believe and continue to do your best for the Lord, yet all the while you are left asking, ‘God, where are you in this? I didn’t go out of my way to sin or act out. In fact, quite the opposite’, you desperately reason. ‘Surely it must be unknowing or un-confessed sin?’

With all your heart you love the Lord but this crisis has left you even questioning your own salvation! ‘This cannot be happening to me’

Days turn into weeks, weeks into months and months into years. This crisis has brought the feeling that your life is over but although you can’t explain it, you have hope. A hope that one-day things will be different.

This book is for people who are facing a storm; a crisis that threatens to wipe them out. It is my hope and desire that you will find strength and motivation from within these pages, and come to the realisation that there is a purpose to what you are experiencing. The storm will not destroy you.

INTRODUCTION

So, there I was, sitting at another desk. It would be totally reasonable for you to think that I was at a college desk, the desk of my boss or even my future employer.