Spoken from the Heart: Embracing the Adventure was born in the year 2015. Even though it was written almost 18 months after Spoken from the Heart: Journey from Fear to Faith, it’s continues the journey God took me on to learn how to trust Him.
The first Sunday in January our pastor gave a sermon explaining if we dedicate each new year to God, it should build excitement in us regarding the adventure we’re about to travel with Him. He went on to say, “Some people will experience more trials/challenges this year than most.”
I had started giving God my firsts each January in the form of fasting. However, during the sermon (I didn’t even wait until I got home), I prayed in my seat, “Please, God, just like You kept us from a tornado in the fall of 2013, please don’t let it be our family that is going to experience more trials this year.”
However, instead of feeling a peace come over me, or hearing an audible, “Okay” from God, “you can have another free pass,” I felt Him say to me, “Buckle your seatbelt, Little One, we’re going for a ride. If you let Me drive, it won’t be as bad as you fear.”
The very next day, I received an email from my employer stating I would be completely unemployed in less than 30 days. My job was being replaced through no fault of my own.
To say I was scared would be an understatement. The following 32 stories share with you how I slowly learned how to trust God through the midst of uncertainty.
The picture given to me for the cover was taken by my brother-in-law in California, which I think aptly shows the adventure our family went on. It reminds me (loosely) of the desert the Egyptians wandered around in for 40 years.
At times the adventure my family and I have been on has felt like 40 years, instead of only five. And there are many times throughout the stories that I refer to myself (unfortunately) as stubborn as the Israelites.
Thank goodness our Heavenly Father is loving and patient and kind. Looking back, while I wouldn’t necessarily want to travel the journey again, I’m thankful for the lessons God taught me during that time and how He has changed my heart during the process.
Have you (or a family member) suddenly been given bad news? If yes, what was your first response and what lessons did God teach you from that adventure? Please share with the group by hitting reply. I’d love to continue this conversation with you.