I have reached a significant milestone this month and thought it was worth celebrating! Ten years of God’s faithful provisions to guide and equip me in this writing life.

Did you know I wrote my first-ever piece on a blog in October ten years ago? How fast time goes by when you’re on the journey.

Back in 2013, I felt a nudge from God to share a mission trip experience through a blog in real time. I was visiting South Africa with my church and was excited to serve halfway around the world.

Obedience

I knew nothing about blogging. I wasn’t even a writer. I didn’t know where to begin. At least I understood technology and could create an online site for blogging. Though I wasn’t sure where to start and had no idea what God was up to, I obediently followed His lead.

During that mission trip, my connection with the Lord grew stronger. As I worshiped with those we served, I experienced how Christians live and worship in other parts of the world. Watching the depth of their faith and full-on worship of our God was transformational. I desired the richness of their faith in my life.

Little did I know God was preparing me for a new richness of faith through my writing journey.

Since that first faltering step, I have learned much about blogging, writing, and sharing the thoughts of my heart. Through my writing ministry, I have learned the importance of listening to God as I serve Him and serve you, my reader.

I have come far, though I still struggle with trusting Him. And I’m certainly not without questions for God. Why would He call me? I’m not good at expressing my thoughts. Who will read what I write? I questioned the call.

But I continued to walk in obedience (albeit slowly at times).

Listening Peace

As I listened and moved in the direction He called, I found immense joy in writing. The best part of following His call was the peace I received in my soul.

We encounter peace as we’re obedient to God, even when it doesn’t make sense in the moment.

 

Sometimes, I still struggle to trust the path God has placed before me. But one thing I know is true: I have seen evidence of His faithfulness throughout this writing journey. And I wouldn’t change a thing.

Through one act of obedience, God changed the trajectory of my life and began deepening my faith.

Friends, my story is like many of your stories. Our callings just happen to be different. God might call you on a mission trip, or your mission field might be right in your home. Your call might be a season of grandparenting or caring for aging parents. He may be calling you to serve your neighbor or serve in your church.

Have you been hearing something that doesn’t make sense?

Don’t discount what you’re hearing.
Pray about it.
Take time to listen and process.
Talk with a trusted friend or family member.

Might He be calling you to take a step of obedience and trust Him with the outcome?

Friends, when you zoom out and take a broader look at the picture God is painting in your life, there are brushstrokes of His faithfulness. Pause and look for His faithfulness today.

Celebrating

Celebrate your spiritual growth. Give Him praise!

If you struggle to see growth in your own life, don’t despair. Growth is a slow process at times. Seek a trusted friend who knows you well and ask them what changes they’ve seen. Others often see the changes in your heart, attitude, and behaviors you don’t recognize.

Our lives in Jesus are worth celebrating. He is actively at work in our lives and desires only the best for us.

I have much to celebrate as I look back on ten years. I have experienced His faithfulness in providing words and topics for my blog. I have seen Him open doors as I’m obedient. And He has seen me struggle and didn’t leave me stuck. He has provided every step of the way.

Today, I give all glory and honor to my King, Jesus.