16 March, 2016

A Miracle


I’d always believed in miracles, but I thought of them as in the Bible stories – a man is raised from the dead, five loaves feed five thousand people, fire comes down from heaven, and so on. Sometimes I’d read mission stories of courageous people in faraway heathen countries, and miracles happened for them too. But the idea of miracles was a distant thing – something that happened a long time ago, or in a faraway country, or to other people. 

But, I’ve been noticing that miracles aren’t old-fashioned; they happen every day, and they even happen to me. Every breath, every new day, and all the circumstances that are so much more than coincidence; the way God has been planning my life, and orchestrating experiences – it is a miracle.

Like I mentioned, I finished school last year, and that left me in a ‘what’s next?’ stage. I stressed about, because society expected that I’d either go to uni, or get a job, and I did neither. I’ve got no problems with working or studying, but that just didn’t work out. I was praying about it all, and I wanted big bold answers. I wanted God to send me a letter or something, and tell me exactly what I should be doing. He didn’t. But, He arranged circumstances and opportunities in ways that were evident that He does have a plan. It’s different to what I thought, but it’s beautiful, and it’s more than I could’ve imagined. There’s God for you. 

Many years ago, I had that desire to be a missionary. I presumed that would, of course, mean going to Africa. But I remember praying about it, and distinctly receiving an impression from God: what about your own country? Ever since then, I’ve been convicted that my work is still missionary work, but it’s happening right here. Of course, I still fantasized about lonely outposts in the middle of nowhere, working with Aboriginal kids maybe – you know, real missionary style. But then, God brought it even closer to home: what about your own community, your closest town? 

That’s why when I started canvassing it was an answer to so many dreams, hopes, and prayers. It was God’s clear answer, His directing. It was a way that I could share with the people in my town, and it wasn’t complicated. I didn’t have to move to the desert, or give up other commitments. I could do it at my own pace (although, this isn’t always a good thing!), and it even paid a tiny bit. But, I needed someone to do it with; my family preferred I wasn't in town, on the street alone, and they had too many commitments to join me regularly. But God knew that, and already had an answer. A friend came to the area, and due to her circumstances, she had very few commitments: the answer to my difficulty. 

It sounds simple, but this has been one of the biggest miracles I’ve experienced. God worked out a way that I could live this year, do the things I needed to, and yet have the opportunity to work for Him as well. Everything I was stressed about has just been absorbed into this plan. I’m not going to say it’s all peaches and cream – I still have questions about long-term, there are days when it’s hard. But two things make it worth it: knowing that you’re in the place where God wants you, and experiencing the joy of being a blessing to someone else. Albert Einstein said, ‘There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.’ And I can say from experience, living as though everything is a miracle is much more exciting. :)

And, I know God’s miracle working power is not exclusive! What miracles, even tiny ones, has God worked in your life and circumstances? What are your thoughts on being a missionary? What plans do you have for this year?  

P.s Even if this does sound like making decisions about my life was easy: it wasn't. There were times I wondered where God was. So, if you're going through a situation like that, wondering what you're meant to be doing, experiencing hard times, all I can say is hold on. He will reveal Himself to you, and in the end, that will be the greatest miracle. 


 P.p.s It's a step for me to share all this, but reading through Acts and also this post, has inspired and convinced me of the power of a simple testimony. I pray it was of help to someone, and if I may encourage you: I'd really like to hear yours next. :)

29 comments:

  1. This was a great and encouraging post Jessica. :) Thank you for sharing your testimony. It has inspired and encouraged me greatly. :)
    Love,
    Ashley
    creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com
    ashleysyarnworks.blogspot.com

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    1. Oh, praise God! I'm glad to hear it was a blessing to you, Ashley. :) It'd be great to read your testimony sometime! Thanks a lot for your comment too - and have a brilliant day. :)

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  2. I love the way God taught you how to approach 'missions'. It's a work that He did in my heart, as well...learning how to be content and a good witness right at home. Of course, I DO now live in Africa. But the title of 'missionary' actually makes me really uncomfortable a lot of the time, because it can sound so pretentious. I prefer to say that I'm just a Christian who happens to live in Africa. Of course, there's nothing 'just' about being a Christian...and that's kind-of the point.

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    1. It's amazing how God personally teaches each one of us, isn't it? And I really appreciate your attitude and humility about being a missionary. I'm sure God will use you to do great things!

      Yes, that is the point - being a Christian wherever you happen to live, and whatever your circle of influence. I was actually just thinking about that a few minutes ago; Jesus spent the first thirty years of His life at home, at work, doing the things we so often count as insignificant.

      Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts, and experience, Janie! :)

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  3. Beautiful! Everyday life is truly a miracle...And finding the mysteries of the Lord's plan is the best thing to experience.

    Allie D.
    www.alliesblogdesigns.blogspot.com
    www.friendlovesatalltimes.blogspot.com
    www.sincerelyallied.blogspot.com
    www.spreadingmyjoy.blogspot.com

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    1. Amen!

      Thanks for commenting, Allie. God bless! :)

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  4. THISSSSSSSSSSS. Thank you for wearing your heart on your sleeve, girl. :) I really loved reading your thoughts regarding the future and just life in general. It's so true -- everything is a miracle. We are superhumans who are ready for so much more. I'M READDDYYYY. (but I'll calm down don't worry.) Also I love that Einstein quote sooo much. Wow, that is just great. ♥

    Plans for this year?? GOSH SO MANY. (literally just wrote 'plants' by accident. wow. PLANTS FOR THIS YEAR welcome to my life.) I want to touch as many people as possible with the truth of the gospel and what I've learned about who God is and what he wants for us. My goal is to drop an album later this year, which is rather intimidating yet fabulously awesome. xD

    Loved this!!
    abbiee @ the music blog

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    1. Thanks Abbiee, and seriously, praise God. :) As I mentioned, it's just been all His doing, and I kind of sit here with my mouth open. It's amazing.

      Yes, I really liked that quote too, when I came across it the other day. And, by God's grace, I shall live it.

      Oh, plants for this year, I like it. :) Sounds like you do have some incredible plans for this year though - and your goal of sharing the good news is inspiring. It's amazing how God uses people's individual talents to reach different people for a common goal.

      Thanks again for your encouraging comment, and blessings with everything planned for your year! :)

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  5. Hey Jessica!!
    EVERY bit of that I can agree with!! And I know exactly what you mean! I guess I've been in the Very same boat as you - and canvassing is something I also have recently experienced - although for many yeses I've felt called To!
    I strongly believe in the importance of sharing your testimony you many never realise its effects but they can be outstanding and amazing! Testimonies - have been a big part of journey and a huge encouragement also!
    Thank you so much for posting!! It is a Huge blessing,
    Blessings! Ash xx

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    1. Praise God, Ashleigh! It's great that we got to start canvassing around the same time too - it is an amazing experience, especially when you've wanted to do it for a long time.

      Yes, the power of personal testimony has been something I've been thinking about lately, as I've been reading Acts. For example, Paul shares his testimony before the king, who responds: "almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian." I think our testimonies are definitely a tool God can use.

      Thank-you so much for commenting! Blessings to you too. :)

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  6. Jess - thank you so much for sharing! God bless your day! Ash

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    1. Thanks for this surprise comment, Ashleigh! Sending thoughts and blessings back to you too! :)

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  7. Excellent post! All of the doubts, questions, prayer, and decisions you describe were exactly what I was facing last semester. Finding Katie Grace to be my critique partner, finding Jamie Foley to edit for, sending my own work out, finding some jobs in the community, deciding not to do college . . . all of that was resolved after a very emotionally tumultuous time for me. And I feel so at peace now! I can't wait to be done with school (which I've always loved) and move on with the things God has for me :D

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    1. It's encouraging to hear someone else knows what it's like - both being slightly overwhelmed with life, and also experiencing God's miracle working power. :) I'm glad plans have come together for you - and they sound exciting too - editing, critiquing, and sending your own work out! I hope it all goes really well! :)

      Thanks so much for commenting, and following, Abigayle! You're a blessing, and made my day brighter. :)

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  8. Jessica, so, so, so beautiful, as always.

    I feel it very strongly on my heart right now to tell you something...God is so proud of you. He's proud of you! You're exactly where you are supposed to be and you don't even need to worry about what is two steps away. Scripture is full of so many beautiful stories of the Lord's faithfulness, from the smallest details to the largest-- He's got it. And He's using you. He's proud of you.

    My heart resonates with this so much. I actually applied to work with an organization for this upcoming year to do missionary work (in the US) and was asked to reapply in a year or so. It was so disappointing...but since that day I found out (a month and a half ago), God has made apparent so many other beautiful opportunities to spread His love. Ah! What a beautiful journey this life is.

    Jessica, never stop doing what you are doing. Never stop allowing God to love through you. He's got this. Love you girl. So blessed by our spiritual sisterhood.

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    1. Oh, Anne Marie, I can't even tell you how much your comment means to me. I was having quite a down and doubtful couple of days and then this comment came through and wow: it was exactly what I needed. God definitely spoke through you to bless and encourage me to keep on. Thank you so, so much, and praise God. His plans and ways of working are always beyond incredible.

      That's exciting you've been able to see God's hand working in your own life and future! Keep trusting! He's got your life in the palm of His hand. The future is one of the scariest things I've come up against, but I'm slowly learning how freeing it is to leave it in the hands of a God who never fails.

      I just want to send all of you encouraging words you wrote right back to you: never stop allowing God to stop shining through you to be the huge blessing you are. xxx

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  9. That's so amazing that God's revealed some of His plans for you, and I'm so glad that you're enjoying canvassing and figuring out your life.

    You basically just summed up my past two years. I've had to figure out writing and work and university and where on earth I'm going to study, and it worked out really well because I got a much needed gap year because of our visa. Which is nice. It worked out so nicely that it could have only been God :)

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    1. I like how you said, It worked out so nicely that it could have only been God. That's so true. He's good at surprising with His plans. :)

      That's great that things have worked for you, with your work and study! I know it can be stressful.

      And thanks for commenting and sharing, Victoria. God bless, and have a great day! :)

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  10. This post really encouraged me Jessica. Thanks so much for sharing. I have been having some struggles recently when ot comes to evangelism and telling the world about Christ but your post has encouraged me. It does feel good to know you are where He wants you to be doing what His will.

    Please do check out my blog.
    Joanny😊
    imachoccakeaholic.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Praise God! I'm glad it could be an encouragement to you!

      I've had struggles with sharing my faith too - it's easier thought than done! But keep it up, Joanny - God will bless you, and sharing hope with others always brings joy.

      Yes, I will visit your blog! Thanks for leaving me a link, and for commenting. God bless! :)

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  11. Hey! I tagged you for the Text Tag on my blog!

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    1. Thanks Aaliyah! I'll go and check it out. :)

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  12. Thank you for your encouragement, Jessica! I've found so much of this to be oh-so-true in my own life.
    God doesn't speak to us in the form on neon signs, but in those small ways that He orchestrates our circumstances - opening doors here, closing them there, and blessing us with His grace over and over again.
    Wonderful post!

    Thanks for stopping by @ Scattered Journal Pages!

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    1. Thank you, Amanda! I'm glad this post could be an encouragement to you, and your comment was a blessing to me. :)

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  13. This is beautiful! I think all of us, whether we believe in God or not, look for guidance in our lives for where to go next. I think most people take the normal route - school, university, career.
    However, it's so inspiring to see someone who gas gone against the "beaten track" and made their own way. Perhaps instead of worrying about what's ahead we should just "go with the flow."

    Lauren | Sincerely, Lauren Emily

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    1. Thanks, Lauren - both for reading, and for leaving me such a thoughtful comment. It definitely put a smile on my face! :)

      Yes, I think we do all get to those times in life where we question "what next?". For me, that's where my faith in God comes in, and honestly, it's a huge relief just to be able to trust it all to Him. And I agree, sometimes that's the best way - to let it go, and see what happens. Generally, it's beyond what we could've expected. xx

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  14. Thank you so much for this post! I'm currently taking a gap year and it's difficult to discern what the Lord wants me to do. It's a daily battle to place my future into His hands and know that He will make everything plain in due time.

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    1. Oh, praise God! Yes, it hard be hard to know what direction God wants us to go - but keep trusting Him! He's got great plans for you. xx

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