Covered in His Dust

"I Found Joy in a BIG God" Part Seven

Several years ago I purchased a little book that would forever have major impact on my life. It wasn't long after acquiring this little gem that I was seated at a Women's Conference, waiting with eager anticipation, for the author who penned those treasured words to walk out on the platform and share her heart. I was so excited; my stomach was doing crazy little flip flops. The Coordinator of the event appeared and began introducing the speaker. With hands clasped in my lap, I sat straighter, not wanting to miss my first glance at the gal who God had used to so inspire my heart.

My spirit soared from her very first 'Hello' and I was held captive as she began opening up the book of her life and sharing with all who were gathered there that day. I clung on to every word as I heard of God's mercy, grace, forgiveness, acceptance and unconditional love. She was an ordinary woman - yes, but being used by an extraordinary God in extraordinary ways. The pages of her story were filled with doubt, confusion, heartache, pain, loss, surrender, joy, faith and obedience. Oh yes, obedience. Full. Complete. Radical.

At the conclusion of this Conference the Lord planted a dream seed in my heart. For years I watered it with prayer and committed this dream to God. On February 2, 2008 it would become a reality. This very author was going to be speaking at my church. Booked well in advance, for a year she was prayed for daily. Once a week I would meet with the Events Coordinator and we would lift her name, her family, and her traveling companion before His throne of grace. This endeavor was bathed in prayer and God touched many ladies through His faithful messenger. Little did I know that God had orchestrated our paths to cross again that day for reasons beyond what I could have imagined.

Sitting at my computer late one evening this past March, her name suddenly appeared in my "Inbox". Caught completely by surprise, I opened her message. From her salutation to her closing remarks, my heart was wrapped in love. She was offering me an invitation, a word of encouragement, reminding me to trust the Lord, calling me to overcome fear. She was sharing what had been impressed on her heart concerning me - and knowing her past track record with God, I didn't doubt for a moment its accuracy. Her message closed with prayer and the promise of continued prayers.

I'll never forget how my hand remained poised on that computer "mouse", holding on for dear life as literally every part of my body was shaking. This was more than a friend's e-mail. It was a call to face my giant and begin journeying a road from fear to faith. Her message ushered in a sleepless night of wrestling with God. To hold on to the familiar or abandon it all for the sake of His call.



Lysa, how do I begin to thank you? Words are inadequate. I pray that for a brief moment, God will let you listen to my heart. It swells with so much gratitude to God and to you for your continual, selfless expressions of His kindness - not just to me - but to so many others. Your life is a reflection of Christ. You follow so closely in His footsteps that you are continually shrouded in His dust. It's a beautiful covering that speaks of your intimacy with the God of the universe who loves and delights in you.

I don't know where God will lead me next, but because of the journey I recently embraced, I know I can trust Him. Thank you for saying 'yes' to God. Your obedience called me to a deeper level and a higher plane - both spiritually and physically. :o)

I know you enjoyed the game show, "Let's Make a Deal", but you're the "Real Deal" my friend. Completely genuine. The Lord has given you many gifts, yet you remain humble and authentic. You inspire others to slip into sandals and walk the trails that God has blazed before us, reminding us that His footprints are trustworthy to follow. Your total dependence on God is such an example to me. Your complete surrender calls me to join you in reckless abandon.

Thank you from the depths of my heart for reaching out to me. I marvel at 'why'. Me, a shy, insecure, quiet, often overlooked, unchosen, 'passed by' gal - but through your actions God said, "Not this time - today I paused for you."

May He continue to use you to hand deliver His 'pauses' to seeking souls who need to see the reality of Jesus lived out in your life. You live for His glory. May you take a moment to rest today and listen as He pauses over your life and whispers, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Love, Hugs and continued prayers,
Joy