Welcome to Day 4 of #write31days. If you’ve just joined me you’re welcome to catch up. Here are the links to Day 1, Day 2, Day 3.

Yesterday I wrote about my friends leaving for Kenya. I’m still processing. I couldn’t keep the tears back as I pictured where they were on the journey.

• Yep, they arrived at the airport
• Boarding
• Take off
• Round 1 of refreshments
• Movie #1 (I wonder what’s playing)
• 1^st layover

I prayed and prayed until the ache in my heart subsided. Then I tried to make dinner and declared the evening Family Movie Night.

The next morning ushered in a new spirit within me. There was more joy in my heart than sadness. God showed me a secret to break the funk I was in. It sounds too simple really to even write about, but still, I want to share.

I rejoice not because of what I do – or don’t do.

I rejoice because my name is written in the Book of Life.

Jesus spoke similar words to His disciples after He sent out the 72 with all power and authority to heal and cast out demons. They returned to Him with “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your name!”

Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightening from Heaven. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you. Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in Heaven.” (Luke 10:17-20)

The disciples did all this BIG, insanely epic stuff, and Jesus said, “Great. But remember, don’t rejoice in that. Rejoice that your names are written in the Book of Life.”

Oh.

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Periodically God gives me a glimpse of who I am without Him. It’s scary. I would be a different person living a different life. But that’s what it takes for me to be filled with gratitude for what He’s done in me.

I’m thankful for my family and my husband who fears the Lord. The Lord reminds me that it’s not our great looks or special talent that have brought us this far. It is solely His Grace.

Now that my perspective has changed, I can return to rejoicing not in my accomplishments but in the fact my name is found in His book. Here, my joy is unshakable.

In this faith journey, I’m learning that the secret to being content and joyful in every situation is to know your status with the Father.

I am Redeemed. I am Forgiven. I am His.

Jesus knew that. He knew the 72 would be “On Fire” for Him after experiencing all that they did. But what about when life wasn’t that exciting? When He would be crucified? When they would be persecuted? Where would their source of joy be then? Where is mine?

At the beginning of the day, or at the end of the journey, at the top of the mountain or in the belly of the valley, I can rejoice because my name will be found in the Book of Life. I know it’s basic. But I believe it starts there.

Will your name be found?

Thanks for travelling with me today!
~Julie

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To view all the posts in this 31 day journey, click HERE.

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