I have heard people say Jesus saved them, and then their lives were completely changed, never returning to their old ways. I wish I could have that story, but it’s just not the truth. My story, however, is that of redemption. I watched other Christians and the works they were doing, how the Holy Spirit worked in their life. I had questions and even sadness wondering “Why isn’t God doing that with me?” As it turned out, it was the best place I could be.
I started my search. I needed to know Jesus and what He says. I started my journey through the Bible. I was falling in love with God and His Word. Most of the Bible I really didn’t understand. God, however, was speaking to me, and I believe that he wanted that loving relationship with me. It was not enough just to know Him.
Well, I wish I could say “and then everything changed.” But I am still in the process of change where sanctification from the throne of God is at work. Praise God. He is not done with me.
I have found that when I listen and yield to Him, God does direct me and use me, to my amazement. I have now been a chaplain for over 15 years and pray that God is with me when caring for individuals in crisis, the grieving and those suffering in body. When I started writing Your Forty-Day Wilderness Journal, it was my patients I had in mind. I do believe that when suffering it affects our mind, body and spirit, so the God plan is to provide for the whole person. My prayer is that through the journal people would have a stronger connection to God, knowing His heart and love for them. My prayer for them is the same prayer I have for myself: God let our story be Your love story. In Jesus’s name.
