April 25, 2018 I wrote my first blog, Surrender. It was called that because I was giving in to God. "I am not good enough"; "No one will want to read it"; etc. I even thought, "what if they know my sins?!" Thankfully God forgives and He uses sinners! Vulnerability has a negative connotation but God wants us to be real - including the good, bad and ugly. He made us to relate to each other which means sharing our stories to bring glory to God.
Here are some of the things I had written in that blog. "We cannot fulfill God's purpose for our life it we do not surrender. Surrender does not weaken you; it strengthens you!....God has been so good to me how can I not be obedient?" And then the last paragraph read, "Let God help you to be all that you can for His purpose! Imagine what your life would be like if you were to receive the blessings that God has in store for you! Ok God, I'm trusting you! So today I surrender and step out on faith! Here's my first blog! All glory and honor is Yours, Father! Job 22:21, "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you."
I am blown away at what I have learned this past year doing a blog. Surrendering that day sure has strengthened me! If I would not have been obedient in writing this blog I would have missed out on so many blessings. Blessings of knowledge. Blessings of answered prayers. Blessings of new friendships. Blessings of a job in ministry. Blessings of those who write, email, text me with their thoughts! Blessings of a set time with God every day. Blessings of seeing God in so many things now because I am always thinking about a blog!
When I go back and read that first blog it was about how God could use me. It was about being obedient when it was not comfortable sharing my heart with whoever! Especially on social media. But what this past year was actually about was how God used this in my life! How could He not change me when I am writing five days a week? I have never spent so much time in the Word! I am forever grateful for this opportunity. While I told God I would commit to a year I hope to continue being able to do this. The commitment makes me grow. No wonder writing is my therapy. My writing has always been faith based! That is how I work through things.
I have always admired teachers who could "dig deeper" with one verse. I just read the verse and was done. I am learning how to "pick it apart". This blog has taught me to discern what the words mean. Therefore, I am studying. I am also digging deeper into stories in the Bible. Many Bible stories mean more to me now such as the Pentecost. I knew what it was but now I understand it and think about what the people must have felt who were there.
2 Timothy 3: 16-17, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." God not only reveals Himself through creation and conscious but also through His Word. If we desire to follow God, we must study the Bible.
I can't believe it has been a year already Jill, good for you! I am so happy for you and so enjoy your blogs and see how much you have been blessed, woohoo!
Thank you, Jill your blog has encouraged me in the last year. Moving, both boys married and living their lives has made it a trying year. Each morning I look forward to it. It is so much more than just a blog, it is a devotion and ministry. Thank you again for your obedience.