John 21:17
“Living in God’s Extravagant Grace; Encouragement from God’s Word.” That’s the title of my book of devotional messages that I have compiled and is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Today, I was re-reading the introduction and decided to share it with all of you. It is my story of God’s power to restore a broken marriage and transform my life when it all seemed absolutely impossible. And without God, it would be impossible! I’m thinking about how we all have a story about how God is working in our life through so many different circumstances to bring us to a deeper knowledge and love relationship with Him. And then He can use us to encourage others in their life journey. He can use us to “feed His sheep.”
So here is the introduction to my book:
The divorce papers were on the table waiting to be signed. Even after many years of knowing Jesus, I became involved in an affair that nearly destroyed my marriage. It would take another book to tell how the Lord and my husband graciously forgave me. Through a long process of counseling, our marriage was restored. My life with the Lord has changed forever as I truly began to understand His love, His grace, and His power to accomplish healing which had seemed impossible to me.
I identify with the apostle, Peter, who had been chosen by Jesus, walked closely with Him for three years, and then denied Him. Jesus predicted ahead of time that Peter would deny Him. Jesus also knew that I would deny him. But after returning home and beginning the long journey of healing our marriage, the Lord led me to Jesus’ words to Peter in Luke 22:32: “I have prayed for you, that your faith will not fail; and you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” Peter’s story didn’t end with failure. Instead, Jesus personally met him, forgave him, and gave him an opportunity to declare his love and devotion to Him. Jesus restored Peter and gave him a commission to “Feed My sheep” (John 21:17).
I knew the Lord was speaking those same words to my heart, and I knew I was forgiven, just as Peter was. I understood the same commission to be used by God to strengthen the faith of others. Through the years, He has given me opportunities to “strengthen my sisters” through leading and writing weekly Bible studies, writing and posting devotional messages on my website, and encouraging women in their walk with the Lord.
My prayer is that these messages from God’s Word will touch your heart and encourage you to know, love, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, and then to ask God for ways that you can encourage others – to “feed His sheep” by leading them to Jesus.
PERSONAL REFLECTION
God doesn’t waste any of the pain, suffering, even failures we have gone through! Think about difficult and painful circumstances you have experienced in your life. How has God brought you through them?
He can use us to “feed His sheep” with encouragement, comfort and hope. Have you had opportunities to encourage others with what you learned from God?
Maybe you are going through a situation right now that seems impossible. I’m including some verses of encouragement from God’s Word. Pray and ask Him to speak to your heart and give you clear guidance, hope, and peace as you trust Him completely. You can also consider sharing these verses with someone who needs to be encouraged.
Verses of Encouragement
Ephesians 2:10 We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, so that we should walk in them.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans that I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.
John 10:4 When He puts forth all His own, He goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow Him because they know His voice.
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me.
Isaiah 43:19 Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth…I will even make a roadway in the wilderness.
Psalm 46:10 Be still and know that I am God…
Psalm 37:7 Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for Him…
Psalm 32:8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go. I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
John 15:5 I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.
2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His (NASB)… whose hearts are fully committed to Him (NIV)
Quote from “Jesus Calling” January 25th – Through intimacy of our relationship, you are being transformed from the inside out. As you keep your focus on Me, I form you into the one I desire you to be. Your part is to yield to My creative work – neither resisting it nor trying to speed it up. Enjoy the tempo of a God-breathed life by letting Me set the pace. Hold My hand in childlike trust and the way before you will open up step by step.
Quote from “Jesus Calling” from October 27th – “As you become increasingly aware of My Presence, you find it easier to discern the way you should go. This is one of the practical benefits of living close to Me. Instead of wondering about what is on the road ahead or worrying about what you should do if…or when…, you can concentrate on staying in communication with Me. When you actually arrive at a choice-point, I will show you which direction to go…
You have such a wonderful redemption story, with so much fruit as a result! So encouraging.