Plot Twists and Knowing the Author

I spent this past weekend helping to host a ladies conference at my church.  It was a lovely time spent hearing testimony's or what we were calling  "Stories" from 4 ladies in our church, an amazing worship time and I was blessed to be able to close out Friday night and Saturday afternoon. I thought I would share with you some of what I shared on Saturday.

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There is a saving faith in Jesus, then there is faith in Jesus that He cares deeply for you and will do and complete what He started in you. That His Word is true and that you haven't been forgotten.

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Perhaps life hasn't been as kind to you or things just haven’t turned out as you would have preferred . . .and while you have faith that you’ll see Jesus in heaven someday and that he’s  powerful enough to forgive your sins, you just can’t quiet believe this is the story-the one you’re living out right now-that He’s written for you.

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I enjoy a good book, and watching movies with my hubby is one of my favorite things to do. 

And you know the key to great book or movie-a great unexpected plot twist.  If I can see what’s coming or guess the ending I’ll often stop paying attention or even  stop reading or watching all together.

Well, the author of our story is the greatest story teller imaginable--Jonah and the Big Fish-who saw that coming? Or the greatest underdog story of all time David and Goliath, or the thriller Daniel in the Lions Den . . .or how about the one about a virgin having a baby and not just any baby but one that would save the world. .. of course He would save it,  not by sitting on a throne but by dying on a cross then rising again the third day.

 Why would we think He would let us guess what’s coming next every time and that there would never be a plot twist in our own personal story?  If there was no plot twist you and I would stop paying attention.

Hubby isn't much of a TV watcher but there are two shows we never miss watching together. If we can't watch together, we will wait until we can. One of those shows is Downton Abbey. You can find us huddled together watching PBS on Sunday nights wondering what in the world is coming next for the Crawley's. And although Julian Fellowes has broken our hearts time and time again, we keep watching. Why? Because we believe that in the end everything will be made right.  If we trust a man we don't know writing a story about fictional characters, how much more can we trust the God of the Universe with our stories.

And while we may not be able to plan or guess what is coming up next in our stories, he has promised that  for every painful or unexpected twist -he has a plan, and you and I may never know this side of heaven what that reason is, but we can have confidence that there is one.

Our conference verse is  Jer 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 

And we read that and we believe that but we forget about verses 12-14—Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord

Those twists and turns, this painful plot twists that feel like they just might break you,  . ..You can -I can find Him right there. Don’t stop seeking after him, when your  story is getting the hardest -don’t you know that is always when the hero shows up and shows off?

Hold tight to these promises right in the middle of the darkest parts of your stories.

Phil 1: 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

and  2 Tim 4:17a But the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength

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The Lord, the author of your story is right by your side lifting you up.

Don’t give up now.

My prayer for you and for me is that on every page of our stories we find grace there.

Hebrews 12:2 refers to Jesus as the Author and finisher of our faith.

If you’ve never met the author or your story, or maybe you’ve just lost sight of him in the middle of your story,  call to Him, He will answer.  He knows you and He will never forget who you are or where you are in the middle of your story.

These are some verses from Isaiah 43, I encourage you while you're reading them where you see Jacob or Israel insert your name.  
The Author of your story is here, you're not forgotten and the ending promises to be a OH, so happy one!

But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob,
And He who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by your name;
You are Mine.
2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you.
3 For I am the Lord your God,

Plot twists are going to come and they may even hurt, but one day soon our Hero will come riding in and save the day!

You are dearly loved,