JUST JUMP...WITH GOD

By Evelyn Collins

I remember walking alone on a sandy shore, communing with God while most of the world slept. Then, out of nowhere, I found myself staring at a shell. God’s message was so profound through it, that I paused, took a photo of it and wrote my first devotion. I felt His presence in an unfamiliar way, as He spoke to me through nature. His promptings were almost audible as He revealed Himself. But, could God be calling me to write?

I shared my stories with a friend, who confirmed God’s call. Unfortunately, delightful memories of that day were followed by despair as her sudden death stopped me from moving forward. I wrestled with questions, doubts, and fears, because I felt helplessly alone. In the Acts of the Apostles, some Jews tried to drive out demons without the authority of Jesus: “One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know about, but who are you?” (Acts 19:15 - NIV) Later I read a memorable quote “I can’t help you if you don’t know who you are, stupid girl.” In an instant, I knew my call to write required unconditional belief in the authority Christ gives believers.

Amid grief, my pastor challenged me to write a Lenten devotion. Afraid, I sat in front of my computer and the words came, followed by the idea for my first book. I pursued God during isolation which produced clarity despite the pandemic. Jesus and I walked through unexpected trials together; however, I listened, learned His voice, and leaned on Him. The bold task demanded my identity and confidence in Christ, and He was my strength.

Yet, I continued to write what was on my heart with no idea who would read the book.

Then finally, God spoke to me about words being life or death. While I guarded my mouth and fingers, I clung to and valued His Word. After I released everything to Him, my faith increased. As I read Isaiah 43:19 (NIV), “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland,” I sensed God birthing something new and urgent. His written Word took on a fascinating meaning, and it wasn’t about me. Rather, it was about God’s plan of salvation for the world.

God’s promise in (1 Corinthians 2:9 - NIV) is, However, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those that love him." The scripture urged me to seek Him first, in order to discern His will for the next season and to receive the fullness of God. My heart softened towards those who did not know the Lord, and consequently my assurance of a future, combined with burdens for those without hope, spurred me to action. My desire was for people to understand that doubts and fear are okay. Signing a contract with Covenant Books was my next leap of faith.

God became my priority, and these scriptures yielded peace in a chaotic time: “Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.” (Isaiah 30:8 - NIV)

‘He said, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:10 - NIV). So, I wrote about a lifetime of God’s faithfulness in extreme situations.

All through my entire life, God has stood with me through troubles, as I overcame fear, focused on Him, and worldly things lost their grip. Even though my journey began with writing about finding God in nature; in subsequent seasons, He led me to focus on finding Him in storms. So, each day I wrote about previous storms in my life, I moved forward in obedience to His plan for me.

Our assurance is Christ alone, and our hope is in Him; not in our circumstances. So, jump onboard, He will reveal what is to come and guide you safely on your journey. Regardless of your destination, focus on Christ; the storms don’t last forever.