Journey with Jesus

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him.

1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT

Have you been to the coast of Maine? It is beautiful, dramatic and rocky, just like a Thomas Kinkade painting… lighthouses and all! I recently went on a mission trip there. Jesus used this experience to make helpful and beautiful changes in my heart. This is a journey that I chose and enjoyed.

Another type of journey with Jesus is the time of challenge… the wheels-off journey. This type is also dramatic, rocky, and beautiful but in a different way. I experienced one like this in 2020. This is a journey that I didn’t choose or enjoy at times. But the Lord used it to push me to a new level of relying on His strength.

It was a time of testing… a time of walking through the fiery trial with Jesus.

During this type of journey, I saw Jesus so clearly that afterwards my response was similar to the people of Israel in this song…

Give thanks to the Lord and proclaim his greatness. Let the whole world know what he has done. Sing to him; yes, sing of his praises. Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds. Exult in his holy name; rejoice, you who worship the Lord. Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him. Remember the wonders he has performed, his miracles, and the rulings he has given (1 Chronicles 16:8-12 NLT).

I have not often walked away from a time of trial and responded with a praise song in my heart.

Actually… I can’t remember any other time that this was my response.

But this was such an unusual and amazing journey with so many moments of seeing the Lord’s strength and miracles. My response is to tell others about Him and what He has done!

And it has changed the way I look for the Lord so that I… Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him (1 Chronicles 16:11 NLT).

Now, I move forward with Him with my hands raised in the air, praising and seeking His strength in all things.

I’m grateful for the time of fiery trials that helped me see Jesus more clearly.

If you are on a difficult journey, look for Jesus! He is right there with you!

Ask Him to show you what He is doing.

Father, in the quiet of my heart, You speak to me… whispering, “I love you and I will take care of you.” Lord, I trust You, please provide Your strength as I continue in surrender to Your will for me. In Jesus name I pray, amen.

Stacy A. Davis