I’ve made my share of mistakes in life. In fact, I’ve blundered through quite a bit over the years. I’m not a perfect person. And, if I’m being totally honest, I’ve been pretty messy at times! But I have a longing inside me that is growing stronger each day. It’s a longing to do something worthwhile for God - I want to teach. I want to share. I want to encourage.

I wonder to myself, “How can God use me?” I’m just a simple woman living a simple life in a far from simple world. I’ve never been to seminary and I don’t have a college degree. There aren’t any fancy titles or capital letters following my name and I don’t have any certificates framed on my wall. I feel ill-equipped to follow the dream that is forming in my heart. But what I do have is faith in a great, great God!

If you were to ask me why I believe in Jesus Christ or why I have faith at all, I wouldn’t be able to tell you from the viewpoint of a theologian. But, I would be able to tell you from the perspective of an ordinary woman.

Maybe I’m just like you, or you’re just like me, a person who has been longing for completeness, for purpose and acceptance. Well, I can share what my God has done for me. I can tell you about the miracles in my life, and how He lifted this broken woman up from the pit and released me from a life of doubt and despair. I can share how the impact of His incredible, unconditional love has given me new life – how relationships have been restored, and how courage has been born. I can share how I’m changed…and am changing still.

I don’t have all the answers, of course. But, I trust a God who does. He has proved His greatness over and over. I don’t know how He will work out His plans for my life, but I’m excited to move forward. I want Him to use me. I want Him to stretch me. And, I want Him to use the lessons He has taught me to encourage others.

So, right now at this very moment, I’m laying myself at His feet. I’m placing my dreams in His hands and asking Him to shape them into something He can use. I want to be a light for Him as He lays out a path before me. And, as I step out on that path in faith, I am looking to Him with a heart full of joyful expectancy!

In His Hands,







27 Comments

  1. "...but I’m excited to move forward. I want Him to use me. I want Him to stretch me. And, I want Him to use the lessons He has taught me to encourage others." Joan, this so speaks to where I currently find myself. Sensing God is moving me forward to be used more by Him. I have a feeling it will be uncomfortable because He will be stretching me in new ways but I am saying YES. And friend, I hope you know how you have encouraged me in so many ways. I can only image how God is using you to bless others. Much love. xoxo

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  2. Oh, I can so see that with you, Beth! I know that sharing your story and the things you have learned with others will be a huge encouragement to so many! Even though I've never heard you speak, I can picture you as a speaker! As for me? I've been offering myself to God and then saying "yes" when the opportunities open up. I'm remembering that when we step out in faith, He's with us every step of the way! I'm sure I'll be sharing more soon. Thanks for your encouragement! Love, Joan

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  3. Karen BrownJanuary 21, 2015

    This is such an inspiring message of surrender from a beautiful heart. Thank you for sharing both with us. Great post!

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  4. Thank you for your encouragement, Karen! I'm excited to see what God is going to do especially now that I've offered myself to Him!


    Blessings, Joan

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  5. Such a beautiful post Joan. I felt a prodding to leave you a note of encouragement. To let you know that God has already equipped you through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit for all the good He created you to do in this world. If you feel that the Lord is calling you to teach, or to write alot more, GO FOR IT! And if you need some spiritual encouragement, turn to your bible. God uses ordinary people all throughout His word to accomplish mighty things. None are theologians or hold masters or college degrees. They are all simple, messy, ordinary people willing to be used by Him. :)

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  6. Thanks so much, Nicki! I can use all the encouragement I can get - LOL! I'm stepping forward and with each step, looking to Him for guidance. It seems that with each new thing He has me do, He opens another door beyond... So, I'll keep following Him and see where He goes! Fortunately, He's always there, willing and more than happy to help me along!


    Blessings, Joan

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  7. It's like Paul says in 2 Cor. 12:9... It is through our weakness He shows His strength! If we did it our own strength, it would be all about us. Thankfully, (especially in my case lol) it will be obvious that its not me, but rather, Him! What a joy it is to serve Him! Blessings, Joan

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  8. Joan, This is beautiful. At His feet is exactly the best place to be. Be blessed, sister, as you seek Him and encourage others to do the same.
    Donna
    visiting from Three Word Wednesday

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  9. Thanks, Donna! I agree...in a place of submission and obedience is the best place! Thanks for stopping by today!


    Blessings, Joan

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  10. Joanna SormunenJanuary 21, 2015

    I have my share of blunders also. And it's just amazing that God still loves me. It always fills me with such joy to know that He knows me thoroughly, He knows everything, and He still loves me and considers ME a miracle!

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  11. KristinHillTaylorJanuary 21, 2015

    Such truth here! Thanks for sharing at #ThreeWordWednesday!

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  12. Thanks, Kristin! Blessings to you!

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  13. It's pretty incredible, isn't it? Our God is an awesome God! Blessings, Joan

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  14. Sharita KnoblochJanuary 22, 2015

    Aw Joan! You DO have a title-- Daughter of the Most High King :-) And that outweighs every bit of education/prestige we could attain on our own, right?


    Your obedience is inspiring. Thanks for that.

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  15. Thanks, Sharita! You know, you're right! I am a daughter of the Most High King! I'll do what He asks in His name! When we step out in faith, He will enable us to do whatever He wants us to do. We just have to be willing and to trust Him! Blessings, Joan

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  16. You are the handmaiden of the Lord, precious jewel in His crown. He uses you to encourage others, so much. Hugs!

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  17. Thanks, Barbie! As are YOU! Blessings, Joan

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  18. I can grow so much more in faith from someone I can relate to, rather than an educated theologian.

    visiting from Spiritual sundays

    http://newhorizonreviews.blogspot.com/

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  19. joysnotepad.blogspot.comJanuary 23, 2015

    I am at the same position as you are and I thank God that He is all we need to accompilsh much in our daily life. Dropping by from Spiritual Sundays. My entry: Are carrying a heavy load?

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  20. Thanks for the encouragement, Michelle! I've found that hearing about what God has done in an individual's life is huge in building faith. He uses each of us when we're willing!


    Blessings, Joan

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  21. Hi Joy! I'm glad you stopped by! I love that our God wants to use each of us! No matter what we think our talents are or aren't, God made us each uniquely...to serve Him in our own special way. What a blessing that is to remember!


    All for Him, Joan

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  22. What a beautiful post, Joan. At our core, when we're all stripped down, we're all "just" people, and that's the image that God created, that spirit that is inside of you no matter what else you do. What a loving heart you have to share that with the world.

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  23. Amen Joan! When it comes to talking faith and grace the best stories are personal and you have a beautiful story made by His hand. I'm excited to see how He will lead you to share it!

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  24. Thanks, Alli! And...I love that we are all "just" people together! God can use each one of us for His purpose when we surrender ourselves to Him!

    Thanks for stopping by!

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  25. Thanks for your encouragement, Deb! I'll be sure to share what God does!


    Blessings, Joan

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  26. This is so honest and reflects your heart for God. I am just an ordinary woman too who is looking for God to show me how He wants to use me this year. May we both look to God with joyful expectancy this year. Blessings!

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  27. Thanks, Mary! God will use all of us when we offer ourselves to Him - we just need to be willing...He will make us able!


    Blessings, Joan

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