The other day I was struggling with something personal; it had to do with a situation that could turn out several ways depending on how I chose to handle it. It was overwhelming to consider my choices, and the only thing I could think to do at the time was to pray for guidance in the matter. So I did. I went into my room and really spilled my heart out and asked for peace to the tug of war emotions I was feeling.
When I finished, I noticed a little book on my nightstand titled Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It’s a book of devotions for every day of the year, based on scripture, and written as if Jesus were speaking to us. I don’t know why, but I skipped over the devotion for that day and decided to flip open the book to any old page and start reading. I happened to land on the devotion for November 19 and here is what I read:
Leave outcomes up to Me. Follow Me wherever I lead, without worrying about how it will all turn out. Think of your life as an adventure, with Me as your Guide and Companion. Live in the now, concentrating on staying in step with Me. When our path leads to a cliff, be willing to climb it with My help. When we come to a resting place, take time to be refreshed in My Presence. Enjoy the rhythm of life lived close to Me.
You already know the ultimate destination of your journey: your entrance into heaven. So keep your focus on the path just before you, leaving outcomes up to Me. Psalm 27: 13-14; Exodus 15:13
In an instant, I felt the peace I was seeking. Obviously, I still had to address the matter at some point, but I knew God was with me and that He would determine the outcome of the situation. The worry that had burdened me before was replaced with a calm and assurance that things would turn out okay.
This example is easily the best way I can describe Jesus Calling, which I have chosen to be my featured publication for my Delilah Book Club this month. It’s a just-larger-than-palm-sized book that is packed full of reassurance that God is with us, He loves us, He is in control and has a plan for us. We forget to consider these things sometimes, but imagine how much more comforting it would be if we started each day with a reminder. Jesus Calling does just that for us 365 days of the year.
Do not start the New Year without Jesus Calling. Do not start your day without it. In fact, its small size makes it the perfect thing to tuck into a Christmas stocking so get it for yourself and buy it for someone you love. You can also download the book here and start reading it right now. May you find a new closeness with Christ thru His loving words of hope and encouragement all year long.
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