Looking Back and Remembering

Two years ago on June 1, 2020, I posted my first devotional on the website I had just created.  Honestly, I’m still surprised that I was able to make that happen!  It was definitely not as easy as advertised online (“7 easy steps; 17 minutes and you can create your own website …”)  Don’t believe that for a moment!  But through prayer and support from several special friends, and the finishing touches by my son-in-law, I could finally begin posting weekly messages.

About 20 of the first devotionals had been in my file cabinet since 1997 when I first started writing.  At that time, I hadn’t any idea what to do with them, didn’t know who would want to read them, had no idea how to distribute them.  But in the fall of 2018, the Lord prompted me to get them out of the file cabinet and read them again. One step at a time, the vision became clear that it was time to start writing again, still not knowing what I would do with them.

This week, I looked back and read in my journal where I had recorded each step in the process that led to creating a website and publishing weekly devotionals.  I was amazed at the process and God’s timing, remembering how He provided the direction when I just didn’t have a clue what to do next.  It was obviously His assignment for me, and I learned so much through the process of following Him as I took each next step.  I’ve learned to trust God completely for what seems impossible.  I’ve learned that He will provide whatever is necessary to accomplish what He has called me to do. 

After a year of publishing weekly messages, I was prompted with another challenge.  Three friends in less than a month asked if I had considered publishing a book.  Each time I said no, I have not considered that and have no desire to.  But all three said almost exactly the same thing, that they had co-workers and friends that they would like to be able to give a book of these devotionals.  I realized, again after much prayer, that this prompting was from God.  Once again, I had to overcome my own inability to imagine where to begin such an assignment. And once again, God led each next step.  My dear friend MarJean had already self-published several books on Amazon.  She was willing to help me and right there to encourage me whenever I got stuck in the process and felt like giving up.  Definitely God’s gift to me!

The book became available on Amazon.com on March 27, 2021.  In case you are interested in having a copy and don’t have the information, the title of the book is “Living in God’s Extravagant Grace; Encouragement from God’s Word.”  If you have any questions, you can contact me by email at sjspokane000@gmail.com.

I believe the next step now is to publish another book of the second year of devotionals posted on my website www.livinggodsgrace.com.  You can go to that website to read all of the devotionals published so far.

As I look back and remember, I’m so grateful to know God and His promises.  My faith, trust, and complete dependence on God have grown more than ever before! Here are a few verses that I have treasured through the experience of following God. 

Jeremiah 29:11 – I know the plans I have for you.

Philippians 1:6 – He who began a good work among you will complete it…

Psalm 32:8 – I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.

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.

Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I will do something new, now it will spring forth… I will make a roadway in the wilderness.

I was planning to include the very first devotional from my website on June 1, 2020.  But I’ve decided to save that for next week.  You’ve probably read enough for now!

PERSONAL REFLECTION

I know that a lot of people don’t like to write in a journal, but it has been such a blessing to me to be able to look back and remember how God specifically led in so many different situations in my life.  I encourage you to start a journal if you haven’t already.  It is so helpful to look back to see what you have struggled with, or been profoundly grateful for, and see how God has been with you in specific ways through it all.

Do you feel God prompting you to step out of your comfort zone and follow Him on a new path?

I was so encouraged by a message from our pastor’s wife at the time.  She spoke to our women’s group at church about being willing to “Just take the next step.  Even if you don’t feel qualified.  Even if you don’t know what the outcome will be.  Trust God to lead each step, one at a time.”  I would like to encourage you with that same message!

Which of the verses I included above have special meaning for you today?