Here on this earth you WILL have MANY trials and sorrows. BUT take heart, because I HAVE overcome the world- Jesus (Jn. 16:33). Boy does that say it all! In this present moment of crisis it is such a comfort to know that Jesus told us to expect such and left us with the solution for all that would come our way.
Yesterday was one of the most difficult days of my life. Between Amy’s first chemotherapy treatment and a rough day at the dialysis unit for me (simultaneously) it all seemed to surreal. Even now, speaking about the situation with my darling wife seems like another person’s story or a book of someone else’s life. The emotional side of all this is too much to even try and handle and that is why we must not be led or controlled by emotions but allow our spirit man to take the lead. In my emotions there is anxiety, fear, and shock, but in my spirit there is peace, faith, and a calm assurance that Jesus Christ is at the right hand of the Father interceding for me day and night. What a grand thought!
All this leads me to the point I started with in my title that in the midst of tremendous crisis and battle you must take the stance of one day at a time. If you get to thinking about all that is happening, has happened, or may happen then you will go crazy. The only thing you can do is trust the Word of God and hold on to the Lord with all your mind, soul, and strength. I have found tremendous comfort in the Word of God as I have been preparing my spirit to preach and impart this next week. Digging into the Word and seeking the Lord has been a haven for me in this moment of distress. I can’t wait to see the victory that will come forth as thousands of young people and hundreds of youth pastors flood into Bethany North and receive things that will carry them for a lifetime in God. The devil will be depressed and demoralized as he has sent his best and we are not only standing but on the offense against him. Truly God’s grace is suffecient!
The Scripture the Lord has put in my spirit comes from Heb. 6:18b-19,20– Therefore, we who have fled to Him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold on to His promise with confidence. This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the line of Melchizedek.
No matter what the storm may be all you have to do is throw out the anchor of His promise and hold on to the rope of His supernatural peace. Soon all will be over and the voyage of life can go on.
wow! as i have been reading your blogs i have been weeping before the Lord on your behalf. You and your wife are truly warriors and an inspiration. I do know that the Lord is going to comfort and help you through this hard time.. but also know that the victory is already yours! You and Amy are in the thoughts and prayers of many including myself… and we will continue to pray for strength, peace, and joy .. we look forward to the powerful word the Lord has given you for the conference.
Joel, you have received a double portion of a double portion through the faithfulness of your dad and Bro. Roy… that makes you and Amy a quadruple threat to the enemy! We are standing with you both in prayer. The battle belongs to the LORD! The same resurrection power that brought Jesus back to life is flowing through your bodies to accomplish total and complete healing for His glory and in His name.
I am inspired by your faith and strength in the midst of battle. Stay strong in the Lord in the power of His might!
Joel, I am shocked, saddened, and sympathetic for all you and Amy are having to deal with right now. I also admire your faith and godly stance in the face of such adversity, standing so strongly on God’s holy Word and His promises. I’m glad you are sharing your personal trials with those of us who love you and are standing with you. Your strong faith in such devastating trials, is and will be a great witness to so many. Know that I am much in prayer for you and Amy. If there’s anything that I personally can do for you please let me know. God bless and heal you both.
Wanda Mattson (774-1364) cell-978-1296
Dear Joel,
I am so blessed everytime I read your blog. I know it has taken much courage and strength from the Lord to not only to have a situation in your life as this but to describe your own emotions while in such a battle! I am taken back to the moments when we knew Amy would be your wife and I am at peace to know that God sent her and she was the perfect puzzle piece. Amy has blessed my heart as I know she has so many others. You know years ago I would never have imagined the road I am on and the dearest friendship in you and Amy that I hold so close to my heart! We will keep pressing on no matter the difficulty for we are called to be the servants of Christ! Bless you both!
My dear Pastor Joel, I do not know what to say. My heart and my eyes are full. Each day I pray, “Father, I give my emotions to You, and I choose Your will not mine. Help me.” Be confident of this very truth, He who has begun a good work in you and Amy, will complete that work in the day of Christ Jesus (Phil. 1:6 paraphrased). There are more with you. All the work of the crucifixion, all the work of the resurrection, and all the work of the ascension of our Lord Jesus belong to you, Amy, and all of us. The Blood will never lose It’s power.
I may not be able to communicate for several days because of a situation the Lord will bring me through on Monday. Healing is ours through Jesus, the Healer. Love and Joy in Jesus.
Joel, I know that we don’t talk anymore but through word of mouth I was told about your wife. While I have no idea why your family is suffering…I wanted you to know that I do pray for your health daily and now I will pray for Amy. I know that God will heal you and your wife because of the emmaculate faith you have. Know that people you don’t even know are thinking about you are praying. I will check back to see the updates on your health but I know it will all be a praise report.
By Faith, The Blind See
By Faith I am now set Free
By Faith I have perfect liberty
By Faith I am set Free
By Faith!
By Faith the Blind do see
By Faith I have Joy in Me
By Faith I have been set free
By Faith
By Faith it’s all clear to me
My husband and I attend Hosanna First Assembly here in Baton Rouge. My cousins attend Bethany and gave us this site to read. In Dec. 2005 George, my husband, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. We have been on a journey to say the least. But the truth that you communicated in your words was communicated to me by the Holy Spirit eighteen months ago. HE said, “My grace can only be found in TODAY, if you allow yourself to think and dwell on all of the what if’s of the future you will be out from under the grace I have supplied for TODAY. He said there would be grace for every decision that had to be made and grace to see us through the journey. He also promised us that He would be the FOURTH MAN IN THE FIRE. And oh how he has proven HIMSELF. We will be praying for you and the body of CHRIST at BETHANY. I believe it is time for the BODY to take an all our assault against the spirit of infirmity that has been unleashed against the BODY of CHRIST. In HIM we are overcomers and the ressurection power is alive in us. Be blessed brother I know you will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD, be strong and take heart and wait on the LORD.
Robin Waites
Haggai 2:4
ROCK…SCISSORS…PAPER. ROCK…SCISSORS…PAPER. ROCK…SCISSORS…PAPER. ROCK..SCISSORS…PAPER.
The ‘ROCK’ always wins — especially now!
Isaiah 41:10
Fear not for I am with Joel and Amy;
Be not dismayed, for I am Joel and Amy’s God.
I will strengthen Joel and Amy,
Yes I will help Joel and Amy,
I will uphold Joel and Amy with My righteous right hand.
Just remember the POWER of AGREEMENT! Yes we stand in agreement with you and Sister Amy and we Win!
SHOCKED is what I felt when Nicole called me from work to tell me of the doctor’s report. Amy, VICTORY, is the word now. I know that God has a mighty plan for you and Joel. I see Satan fighting desparately to snuff out your ministry together. You and Joel will both have such a testimony of healing at the end. Stand strong! I love you and my prayers are with you both.
Pastor Joel,
I am in utter amazement. Daily I look at my struggles and wonder if any good will come out of my pain and after reading of the battle that you and Sis. Amy are facing, I can’t complain. In the midst of what the enemy is trying to do, you still have joy and faith and that is like WOW! Seriously, you are the man that you present yourself to be. I’m not silly, I know that you struggle as we all do and become discouraged but right now you’re confessing the Word and I pray that God honors your faithfulness and your zeal for Him and souls. The end shall be great. Great, says the Lord.
I just thank God in advance for the double portion that is already on the way in fruitfulness, finances, family, HEALING, RESTORATION, protection and deliverance in Jesus name.
So be it unto you and Sis. Amy, all the promises in God’s Word.
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;
And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace.
Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:13-17)
Put on the whole Armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. (Ephesians 6:11)
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the Armor of light. (Romans 13:12)
Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth… (Ephesians 6:14)
What is the truth?
-Jesus said, “I am the truth.” John 14:6
-The Holy Spirit is the “Spirit of truth.” John 14:17
-God is truth. Romans 3:4
-God’s Word is truth. Psalms 119:151
-The Gospel is truth. Colossians 1:5
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!!
Joel and Amy your words mirror my own with the lost of my younger brother. While the EMT’s performed CPR on him I was on the cell phone with my sister in law and The Word came to me and said Trust in the Lord with ALL your heart and lean not to your own understanding but in all your ways acknowledge him and he will direct your path. Having heard of your circumstances made me even more mad at the devil. I will stand and NEVER STOP. I am praying for you guys and know that all things are possible to those who believe. God’s word is our very substance and life. I love you guys and have lifted you up to the Father many times and will continue.
Sincerely Tracy D. Marquette
And Word of Life Church
Donaldsonville
Dear Pastor Joel Stockstill, this story really inspires us because we really really have been going through a lot of things we believe we got sent to the wilderness a lot has been going on,we really miss our home out there our lovely church Bethany,but its gonna be worth it all. We can not wait to see our brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus…you have taught us a lot while listening to your wonderful word,we thank God for you….continue to bless the souls of many as you preach the Gospel!God bless
Pastor Joel,
This morning I read in Acts where Paul and Silas were floged and put in prison. But you always say in church sermons “SUDDENLY” in the mist of thanksgiving and prayer, the doors of the jail and all chains were taken off by the Lord. Don’t be discouraged. The church is praying everyday and waiting to see what the Lord is going to do because he can not lie. All things work together for the good of those who love the Lord.
My heart goes out to both of you. My heart AND my prayers, all the time. I’m looking forward to the good reports that are coming ya’lls way VERY soon. God bless you both!
Hello Amy and Joel,
Thanks so much for sharing blog touched our hearts melt.
(of course crying we thank God for His Covering you both stand for Him). Our prayers are with you and your families.
We decided to share with you both with our prayers are with you both now. We care and love you both very much so do others too! What is family for? Smile!
Let’s tramploine with Our Father now!
Let’s excited for Jesus!
Let’s excited for Jesus!
Let’s excited for Jesus!
Let’s clap so hard making Satan more nuts worse than bolts ha ha ha! Too bad!
Turn all “clappin’ praisin’ hard” volume overcome evil with good!
Let’s fire fire fire fire fire fire fire for Jesus!!!
We need YOUR FIRE
We need YOUR RAIN
We need YOUR LOVE
We need YOUR BLOOD
We need YOUR NAME – JESUS! Amen?!
Thank you, Sweet Blood Jesus we need You!
Sweet Jesus we need His Blood cover you both hold together for Our Father we all pray in wheel circling hold hands let Sweet Rain Blood heal you both we believe you both shall be doing fine and clap clap for Our Father we thank You Jesus We all agree and pray Amen?!
We believe you both are royal son and daughter sightseeing with Our Father is with you both in Isaiah 8:10 – Hold with His Hands. Behold to Our Powerful Calvary Cross – Jesus reminds us all hold our faith very tight while the OCEAN ROAR us anytime can fall but Still hold hands to Our Powerful Cross – Father is with you both use the SWORD BLAZE zzzzzzz to “mountains” cast into the sea we believe you both are doing fine and God uses you both for His Purpose and Plan – on earth to preach the Gospel for Jesus still is alive Amen?! We are with you both and march for Jesus and banner for Him. Ride on horse like soldier – blaze very fiery for Our Father. Hold to the Calvary Cross – Blood of Jesus and nail mountains on it…Cruify it and Nail it. Behold to Our Father smile you both now. Keep praising hands make Satan coward in the Name of Jesus Amen?! Our Father promote you both new level of new faith more than blessing we believe He reveal you both and Honor Him. Sweet Savor of Our Father. Walk on holy grounds like Moses took his sandals off crying bowing honoring talking with Father held him. Love story Amen?! Enjoy reading daily. God bless you both and our prayers are with you thru the trails and tribulation – be cheerful and joy not surprisin’ we all are generation of old ancients prophets had same experience in the Sweet Blood of Jesus’ mighty Name in Matthew 5:12.
Keep preachin’ w/smilin’!
We love you both,
Artist Tamra and Eve
(Deaf Cell Leader for Jesus)
Dear Pastor Joel and Sister Amy,
I’m a new member of the South campus. I’ve always loved Bethany and dreamed of the day I could attend. (We have moved here from Mandeville.)
I want you to know I am standing in the gap for you and Amy. God is up to something awesome and I know the enemy is MAD.
My son has a brain tumor, so I know what kind of battle Amy is fighting. Please know God will bring you through, VICTORIOUSLY!
The scripture we stand on for our son is Jeremiah 29:11.
Another scripture God gave me was:
“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
I know the Lord is right there beside you both. You are covered in prayer, and will be going to church to pray for you both.
Always remember “Experiencing His sufficiency today equips
us to believe He’ll be sufficient for us tomorrow, whatever the day may bring.”
Praying you through,
Susan
http://www.caringbridge.org/la/jordanamato/
Pastors Joel and Amy you guys are a lot stronger than you know. Even in the darkest times you guys are still preaching without words. This encourages many. all i can say is HA HA HA HA HAHA HA HA HA. The Devil Is Defeated AGAIN HAHAHAHAHAHA. Rolling on the floor now HA HA HA. I think i’m gonna go laugh for an hour. The Liar has Been hit with the TRUTH once again. ha! keep laughing.
Joel, Charlene and I are praying for you and Amy. You know that God has given us many victories in the area of healing. Never give up no matter how impossible it looks. Jesus has the last and eternal word.
We love you both,
Billy Hornsby
Joel and Amy as I have been praying for you both the Holy Spirit brought me to Ps. 91. I began to read it and verses 14 through 16 leap in my heart. The Lord says, ” I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will resue and honor them. I will reward them with LONG LIFE and give them my salvation. We hold you both up before the Lord and will not give up until the finished work of Calvary is accomplished in both of your lives. You are both loved very much and be assured Steve and I are in agreement with you both.
God bless you both,
Brenda Moots
Dear Pastor Joel and Pastor Amy,
You are the head and not the tail (leading, not retreating), above and not beneath (overcomers, not defeated), you are blessed coming in and blessed going out (of therapy, conferences, appointments, etc).
Katy and Revo Youth are interceding for you 24/7, be prepared to have an amazing conference. :)
…”AND WHEN THE LORD STEPS IN!!! HE BRINGS EVERYTHING YOU NEED…HEALING, POWER AND VICTORY!!!” Haayaa…shalabo!!! Thank God He stepped in 2000 years ago at CALVARY with HEALING BLOOD!!! We are in the war with you and are PRAISING GOD FOR YOUR COMPLETE HEALING!! We love you guys.
Mk. 11:22-24
Pastor Joel,
A little over a year ago, a young girl in our youth ministry was diagnosed with the same type of cancer. In all my life, I have never seen a 14 year old so full of faith and courage. She spent many of her days between treatments listening to your teaching tapes and dvds. She proclaimed to her doctors day after day that she would be a missionary and that one day she would go to Africa. Just days ago we returned from Rustenburg, South Africa. She was among the 27 young people that reached a nation. In villages, in homes, and even on the streets, she told her story and honored her God. Today she is in remission and becomes a more beautiful young woman by the moment. We all love you and Amy. We are praying for you and we will see you both at the conference this month. Be encouraged…we are fighting with you.