A New Chapter

A New Chapter

By Jessica Thompson

The LORD is my strength and shield.  I trust him with all my heart.  He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.  I burst out in songs of thanksgiving. 

Psalms 28:7

I feel like God speaks to me in chapters. He lets me see some things, but the rest will stay hidden. We pray for Him to reveal more, but it’s always His time. You feel as if you ask Him some of the same questions repeatedly and hear nothing. You think, “God, I thought we were closer than that.” You revisit old thoughts: "What did I do wrong for you not to talk to me?” But you remember how He talked to you at your worst and best, so you just continue to wait. 

I remember how I was in tears last year over a dream I had had. I had jewelry on, a crown covered in jewels. I had become God's bride, and he adorned me with His riches. And out of nowhere, all these women were coming to me. They said, “I want to meet Jesus, but I have nothing.” So I gave one my crown, and she walked towards Jesus. I handed the next one my necklace, and she stepped towards Jesus. I passed the next one my earrings and rings, and then she walked towards Jesus. Afterward, I was pleased to know the ladies had found Jesus, and I then understood I was ready and willing to give away any crown I was carrying around. 

However, I was tired. I worked long hours, had class at church, helped with worship, went to kid ball games and birthdays, and hardly had time to do laundry.  After months of busyness, God was ready for the next chapter I hadn’t seen yet. He made a way. Even though I’ve had this back pain for so many years,  I believe all things work for His glory. I finally cut back my hours of doing hair. Instead of 45/50 hours a week, I’m down for 35. And as I was praying in church a week after this change, I told God I was still tired. I had felt like He had wanted me to love on these women, and I hadn’t like I desired to. I felt like I had nothing to give. And he told me, “Didn’t I provide mana in the wilderness?” I was shook! When God provided the mana for the Israelites, it wasn’t what they thought it would look like. They grumbled at it. They were tired. But because they were a chosen people, they never went without. Each new day the Lord provided. 

I wept! He is so good. I know that just like God adorned me with His riches and met the Israelites’ needs, God will provide the materials and give me the words to speak when I meet with women for coffee or start a small group. Thank you, God, for another chapter from you.