The Word is always working

For the past few months, I have been in what some would call a stall pattern. It's kind of like when a writer has bouts of writer's block. I have felt like I needed a break from planning, working and "striving" to grow the ministry. It's not that I didn't want to follow God's call on my life. That wouldn't be accurate. I guess the only way I can explain it is that I've felt like I'm waiting on God to give me my next steps. I know what I feel a desire to do in ministry, but I am waiting on Him to show me what He wants me to do. I'm great at making plans. I love creating opportunities for women to connect with one another and learn about God through His Word. I dream to do this kind of work full time. But for now, I am a full time teacher, mom and wife plus a small group leader and that doesn't leave a lot of time to "be still" and hear from God. That's not an excuse, but rather a personal reflection. I am not concerned about what anyone thinks of it. God already knows the truth.

So, in the meantime, I have been reflecting on my journey with God and I was trying to pinpoint what part of my journey I feel has been the most impactful. And by far, the thing that has shaped me, changed me, corrected me and straightened my path-- illuminated my path forward, has been the Word of God. I feel so strongly about the lessons I have learned and the understanding I have gained by reading scripture, that I wish I could tell everyone I know, all the time. I wish that the conversations I had with women, could be centered on God and what He is doing in our lives, but honestly, they usually are not. I get it that we have plenty of other things to talk about and share with one another--our latest crisis at home, our work conflicts, our children's latest achievements or setbacks, (how our husbands could do more to help around the house)----the list goes on. But the conversations that I crave to have with other women are centered on how God has changed the course of their life, and how they stay connected to Him and what they are learning about Him. Those are the kinds of things that energize my soul!

When I think of all the people and organizations who have contributed to my growth in spirit and truth (one of my favorite lines in The Chosen), I believe they all have had a strong influence on my spiritual journey. I have heard some amazing sermons by pastors that I really respect and trust. I have read some really inspiring and challenging books that have helped me reflect on how to be a woman who says yes to God. I have listened to some gut wrenching personal testimony that has left me sobbing in awe and utter joy. But the greatest impact on my relationship with Jesus has been my personal time in His Word. I cannot read scripture without feeling the Holy Spirit speaking to me, nudging me, correcting me and leading me to change for the better. When I spend less time in my bible, I physically and spiritually feel the loss. I can read the same verse over and over and depending on the circumstances of my life, I receive something different. Jesus is the Word. Did you know that friend? He is alive and He is working in my life (and yours by the way) and He can change us every time we are reading and obeying His words and directions. He is always working on our behalf but if we don't know Him and if we don't know His Word, it makes his job that much harder.

Can I encourage you today to start reading your bible? I know it can be daunting, especially if you don't know where to start. I suggest if you are a beginner, that you open up to the gospels: Matthew, Mark or Luke and read those first. Save the book of John for last! These will tell you all about Jesus and his ministry on earth and they show you who Jesus was and what He was like. Most of all, I encourage you to pray first. Tell God that you want more of Him in your life and you want Him to lead you to where to start with His Word. Be still and be quiet, and listen to where He leads you. I promise, He won't leave you hanging. He is near my friends. He is listening and He is calling you to spend time with Him in His Word. You will be better off for it.

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[