Friday, May 16, 2008

and you thought the OT was old school....

Perfect timing...

God encouraged me through friends to read the Bible through in a month. Well, as my friend Joni puts it so well~ "we read through the... torah... in a month."

Yeah, I'm in 1 Samuel and it's 17 days overdue.... oops.

Anyway, I'm in awe of the perfect timing of God's hand in my life and what I've been reading. So many stories in the OT of people finding courage in the Lord and "tackeling" battles, giants, and cities bigger than themselves and bigger than they could win by themselves.

Leaving Japan... will take all the strength I can muster. There are SO many beautiful things to look forward too... my nieces, my nephew, my family, friends and many adventures and new things to experience... so don't hear me wrong~ very excited to be taking this next step...

it's just the stepping out that is scary.

I admire David who did not hesitate to take on Goliath. He knew the facts. The fact was that the giant manbeast was mocking the LORD God. The fact was God would deliver David and allow His name to be glorified.

David just had to decide... was he going to be used by God or watch other men be used by God?

There can be no hesitation, no second thoughts as we follow Jesus. Once we hear his voice, we must boldly step out and speak TRUTH into our hearts. The truth is: this day. This June 9th that makes me cry has been ordained and given to me. I can either wallow in self-pity or claim God's goodness in counting me worthy enough to have 2 1/2 years here.

Oh, tender heart, be strong. :)

1 comment:

Kelli B said...

i love the way scripture penetrates our lives. NO matter how long ago these men and women faced their old testament battles...the fierce strength of the Lord and the faith of these men reaches out and cries "DO THE SAME!" Do the same, Joanna. Be strong and courageous. Do not lose heart.
And on the same note, I love how real these men were. You read David's first-hand accounts of his cries to God, his wails, his hurts, his anger, in the Psalms.
All of it is for God's great glory. Your heart is heard by Him, in the sad and in the joyful.
Love you friend. Praying for you as you continue to transition...