By Faith Joy...

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Twenty-One

How does one begin to wrap up a lifetime of longings fulfilled? Although this will be the final writing in this series, it is only the beginning of a new chapter that God is writing in my life.

If you have been following this journey from the beginning you saw how I was welcomed home with the visual testimony proclaiming God’s goodness written across my garage doors. The perfect exclamation mark!



I spent the Monday morning I arrived home with my friend Carol who had been such a part of this journey with me. Outside of my husband and son she was the first to hear all my God-stories. Excitement has punctuated each re-telling. I earnestly pray that the Lord will never, NEVER let me forget one second of this journey. I pray that with each remembrance the feeling will only grow stronger, propelling me forward and energizing my walk with the Lord.

There are those who know truth and there are those who know The Truth. Some spend life learning, others living. I’ve spent years studying His Word. Seminars are great, but God desires surrender. More than research He wants response. More than intellect He longs for intimacy. Fear took a step of faith. It was a big step into the arms of a BIG God.

Where are you in your walk with God? Just earlier this year my heart was longing for an over-the-top God story. I was disappointed with choices I had made that had allowed my life to be too safe. I wanted the courage to free-fall and know His arms would catch me. I wanted Him to step into my life, not quietly, but loudly. I wanted God to do something so amazingly miraculous that there would be no other explanation and no denying Him. Instead of longing for the experiences of others, I wanted a fresh taste of God. The God who parted waters, turned water into wine, resurrected life, slayed giants. I didn’t want to read about others adventures I wanted to write my own. Not a fiction tale of the seemingly impossible, but a legacy of truth to pass on to my family that would offer hope when trials come. Like Peter, I ‘walked on water’ to be with Jesus.

Now I don’t want to go back. I don’t want to be satisfied with lesser things. I want to walk paths that are so far beyond my abilities that I will fail without God’s intervention. Safety is over-rated. Could this new lifestyle bring difficulties? Yes. It will demand the intentional choosing of truth over feeling. I’ve heard Truths heartbeat. It’s unchanging and unconditional. It beats for me and it beats for you.

By faith many before me have walked this road. Since the recording of God’s Word their stories have been written to offer hope and encouragement as generation after generation have come to a moment of decision. Even as Christ followers we can sadly be living apart from Christ, resting in our own strength and capabilities. Decide today to jump into faith and then please send me your God-story.

By faith, Joy, when she was called to obey by going to “She Speaks” where she would experience God’s surpassing goodness, went, not knowing exactly what God would have in store. By faith she booked a flight and traveled to a foreign land, dwelling with Lorie, Elaine, Melissa, Holly, Lysa, Renee, Lynn, Kelley, Susan, Zoe, Charlene, Cheri and other fellow heirs of the same promise, for she was looking for God. By faith Joy, when she was tested by an uncertain flight, offered up her fears. She considered that God was able to watch over her coming and going both now and forevermore. By faith she chose to endure the uncertainties rather than enjoying the passing pleasures of momentary contentment and security. By faith the walls of captivity fell down after she abandoned her fears under the shadow of His cross.

And what more can I say? For time will fail me if I told of all the ways God has sustained my life moment by moment. All along His hand has guided. Therefore, I will now lay aside every encumbrance and the anxiety that so easily entangles me, and run with endurance the race before me, fixing my eyes on Jesus, that author and perfecter of my faith.

I ask you now to consider Him.

By faith what is God asking of you today? God wants to write a Bible story of your life.

By faith___________......

Fill in the blank with your name and then share your story. I found Joy in a BIG God and you can too!



Blessings, hugs, love and prayers to you all.