Reflecting on the last two years, when God called me to sell my insurance business and write When Jesus Calls, I had no idea what to expect. Now, When Jesus Leads is available. I could not have imagined that I would have two published novels and be writing a third one. A sequel? As I reflect, I sometimes have to pinch myself because I can’t even believe it. He has carried me through this journey, and I am grateful!
There have been times when I have felt way out of my comfort zone. The best example is being thrown out of the boat, which I often use. But then there have been times when I felt like I had done this my entire life.
I have come to realize that when I felt anxious or afraid, I was trying to do it on my own. No, I never left Jesus by His grace and mercy, but isn’t it strange that we know in our spirits the second we have taken our eyes off Him? I think God that He constantly reminds me how much I need Him because I can’t do it on my own.
John 15: 1-8 is a constant reminder to me that I can do nothing apart from Jesus.
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.
5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.
Often, I have expectations and feel things should be going a certain way, but they aren’t. After feeling frustrated, I quickly realize the enemy was trying to confuse me. You see, he doesn’t want us to trust Jesus. He doesn’t want us to serve Him. He desires to steal, kill, and destroy. Jesus came so that we may have life and have it to the fullest.
John 10:10 tells us this.
10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
God has been so good to me! He gave me the testimony to share with the world, and writing When Jesus Calls and When Jesus Leads has been a blessing to me. I pray the words on the pages will bless you, too!
He gives us the desires of our hearts, and I again realize “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.
With each lesson I have learned and the others ahead of me, I am so grateful that I know He is with me. He will see me through each day, and He loves me just as He loves you. No matter what comes our way, He is with us. He will never leave us nor forsake us!
He is where I find my peace. He is where I find my strength, and I have and am continuing to learn that I must serve Him in all that I do. I pray that as I continue to write in His will, most importantly, my readers come to know Jesus in a more personal way and understand how very much He loves each one.
Do not believe the lie of the enemy. You are worthy because of Jesus!
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If you need prayer, please let me know. I would love to pray for you and ask that you also pray for me as I continue to follow God’s will in my life and write for His glory! May I always be obedient and trust Him above all else.
In John 11:40, Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the Glory of God?”
Always Believe and Never Give Up!
Martha Gayle ❤