Welcome to my newly designed website. I’m so grateful for your visit that I’m having a drawing for two winners, each receiving a $20 Amazon gift card and a copy of my women’s Bible study, Whispers of My Heart: Daughters of the King Bible Study Series. All you have to do to enter is make a comment on the blog post or send me a comment through my website. I’ll draw the winner Thursday evening, August 3, 2017.
And while you’re there/here, consider subscribing to receive my blog posts through email. There’s a gift included!
God doesn’t give up on you–ever!
Is that hard to believe? I understand. It’s hard for me.
I thought years ago when I was physically abusing our two-year-old daughter that God had given up on me–forever. But God delivered me and ended up giving me a ministry through what I learned. During that hopeless time, if I had studied the biblical book of Jonah, I think I would have known He hadn’t given up on me, He just had a different plan than I wanted. That’s one of the many messages from Jonah. Let’s check it out.
If you haven’t read the short, four chapters of Jonah, here’s the basic story:
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Chapter 1: Jonah runs from God: God persistently pursues Jonah
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Chapter 2: Jonah runs to God: God prompts restoration with Jonah
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Chapter 3: Jonah runs with God: God produces reconciliation through Jonah
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Chapter 4: Jonah tries to run God: God patiently provides for Jonah
In Chapter 1, God tells Jonah to go to Nineveh to tell them to repent. Jonah hates the Ninevites because they are the wickedest people on earth and he doesn’t want them to repent. He pays passage on a ship to go the opposite direction of Nineveh. God then goes to great lengths to persistently pursuing Jonah. I would have given up on Jonah! But God doesn’t. Jonah thinks he can run away from God’s presence and sometimes we think that too. But we can never go to where God isn’t. For Jonah, God shows His pursuing power through storms on the sea that terrify seasoned sailors. They confront Jonah and he confesses he’s the problem. “Throw me overboard and the seas will quiet.” Those unbelieving sailors quickly believe in Jonah’s God in spite of his bad representation and ask God’s forgiveness for throwing Jonah overboard. And that’s where the famous whale shows up! Gulp! Gulp! Jonah is in the belly of the whale for three days and three nights.
In Chapter 2, God prompts restoration with Jonah and Jonah prays for deliverance. Jonah runs to God and recognizes his need. Jonah 2:9 gives Jonah’s cry: “Salvation is from the Lord.” God prompts the whale to vomit him onto the dry ground.
In Chapter 3, Jonah runs with God and in His power, Jonah speaks doom and gloom to the Ninevites and they repent wholeheartedly–exactly what Jonah didn’t want.
In Chapter 4, Jonah whines and complains because he didn’t want the Ninevites to repent. Jonah knew God would be merciful and spare them. He wanted them dead as unbelievers in Jehovah. But he also would be seen as a liar if his prediction didn’t come true. Regardless of Jonah’s horrible attitude, God provides for Jonah with encouragement and physical comfort. And God lovingly shares His own heart of mercy for those who don’t know Him.
God never gives up on Jonah and He never gives up on you. (Tweet that!)
You may feel like Jonah. Jonah complains, “O Lord, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.” I was suicidal when God didn’t answer my prayer for an instantaneous deliverance. Jonah also thought he knew best and being wrong in his prediction was worse than life.
I love your new site it’s beautiful!
Thank you so much, Nancy, for coming by to celebrate with me. I’ve put you into the drawing. God bless you and please visit back often.
I love your new website, Kathy! So clean and beautiful. And I love your Jonah story. You rock!!!
Hey Mikaela, so glad you enjoyed the thoughts and enjoyed the new design with me–you know about design! Hope you’re doing well. And I’ve put you into the drawing. Blessings!
A great read that confirms that God always has my back! Love your books!
Thanks for your encouragement, Lillian. It means a lot. I’ve put you into the drawing. Isn’t the Lord and His Word amazing–how it applies to our lives? God bless you!
God never gives up on Jonah and He never gives up on you.
What an awesome thought!!
Thank you 🙂
Thank YOU, Deanna, for stopping by and I’m so glad this was meaningful to you. We do have an awesome God. I’ve put you into the drawing.
I have been going through some rough times as of lately, even wishing I was never born. Just like Jonah it’s hard to face the reality of things head on. It would be easier to sit under a tree and die, but I know I can’t. I constantly keep going back to that tree though and praying for some type of redemption or relief. I know the process isn’t easy and surrendering is all I know to do until I get His instructions. Thank you for the reminder that Jonah even ran and faced hardship, but in the end God’s plan was accomplished. I don’t want to go through the rough waters, the fish and scorching sun, just to find His plan. I want to do His plan now and avoid all this hardship. It would be so much easier.
Jeanette it may seem hollow but Im sending you positive energy and genuine thoughts when I tell you’re not alone and you’re brave and wonderful and I truly hope things get better for you and keep on reaching out and let others help and embrace you 🙂 take care and be well.
Thank you, Debbie, for your compassion and encouragement for Jeanette. That’s a blessing for us all to read.
Jeanette, my precious friend. You have had a very tough year and I know it continues in so many ways. We all keep going back to sit under the tree to make sure what we want to happen happens! You are not alone. And I go there too. That’s why God is even more glorified by showing His unconditional love in wooing us back to Himself again and again. I know He receives much glory because you do indeed want to do His will. Thank you for your vulnerability–that also glorifies Him. I’ve put you into the drawing. I’m so grateful for your friendship and our connection.
What a lovely blog! Thank you for the chance to win a gift card. And thank you for the reminder of the lessons found from Jonah’s story!
Thank you, Julie, for stopping by. I’m glad you enjoyed the re-design. And I’m enjoying looking at your delightful doggy friend. Obviously, you have a committed friend there. And Jonah’s story shows how committed God is to us. I’ve put you into the drawing. Blessings to you!
Always good to find something positive to focus on if you’re going thru rough times. Thank you for sharing
Thanks also for your encouragement to me by visiting my blog, Debbie. God’s richest blessings to you especially since He’s the source of every positive thought and good motive. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Thanks again.
Kathy, your new website is lovely. The new header is great. So happy for you. God never gives up on us…me…you. Smile-able news every time I hear it and internalize it. Thanks for sharing.
Joan, thank you for checking out my new “baby site.” I love the words you used: “smile-able news”. Truly! The Bible is full of “smile-able” news. You always bless me in all you write. Hope you are still writing! I’ve put your name into the drawing. Thanks for stopping by.
What a timely reminder that we serve a God who pursues us relentlessly. In my sin I can forget how merciful God is when I repent. This message was so needed this morning.
Thanks so much for visiting me, Sonnetta. I relate to that: in my sin I forget how merciful God is. Great lesson for all of us to hear over and over again. Thank you for reminding us! I’ve put your name into the drawing. God bless you!
Hello, Kathy! Thanks for letting me know about your blog. I appreciated your insight.
Jonah’s story is a reminder to us that God loves His own–enough!–to teach us lessons we wouldn’t always choose to learn!
Love you!
Love you too, Joy. So glad to hear from you and glad the reminder of the inspiration of Jonah’s story was meaningful. Sure inspired me. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Take care!
Kathy I love the new website! And this article about Jonah was a wonderful devotion to start off my day. Thank you!
Hi Ker, you are faithful to visit. Thank you! Jonah does inspire us–or I should say–God’s reaction to Jonah inspires us. I’m so glad the Bible includes stumbling people like me! I’ve put your name into the drawing. Thank you!
Thank you for reminding me that God is always with us and loves us as we are. I love your new blog too!
Oh, thank you, Stephanie. It really does mean a lot to me. And I also need to be reminded God is always with us and loves us. I sure appreciate you stopping by to see my “new baby.” 🙂 I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Thanks so much for this reminder that no matter what happens in my life, God has not and will not give up on me. I like the new website design and always enjoy your blog posts.
Thank you, Michele, for stopping by and I really appreciate your encouraging words. I’ve put you into the drawing. Blessings on your day!
This site is so amazing Kathy , I look forward to it visiting more .thank you and it was such a pleasure meeting you.
Hi Roslind. I so appreciate you stopping by. I also loved meeting you. I’m so glad you’ll continue to visit me and I hope my sharing blesses you. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Hi Kathy, it was such an honor having you as our speaker at our retreat! I appreciate how approachable you are. I’m looking forward to getting to know you better through your books, your e-newsletter and your blog. Thank you for the chance to win a gift card and book!
Hi Tammy, and it was my honor to get to know you at the retreat. You are a part of a great group of women and church. I do appreciate your affirming words. I’ve put you into the drawing. Blessings to you!
Hi again, Tammy. You mentioned you’ll be reading my blog. I don’t know if you also subscribed to receive the email for each new blog post, but for a while, the subscription system wasn’t working correctly. If you did put your name in, and even if it said you did subscribe, let me know. I’ll make sure you’re on the list. And if you didn’t receive the “gift” of the article of my story, you most likely weren’t signed into the list. Thank you regardless of your interest. Hope our paths cross again!
Love the newly designed website. Lord bless you as you bless and encourage others.
April, you are a faithful reader and encourager. Thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed the new design. I am very excited about it. I’ve put you into the drawing.
Kathy, thanks again for speaking to us at the SOCAL writers conference. The story of Jonah is amazing isn’t it?! As kids we hear it and wonder what it would be like to be swallowed whole by a whale and survive underwater. As adults we find it humbling and incredible to ponder the extent of God’s love as he pursues us and even chooses to use us knowing we are going to stumble along the way. I loved how you described how many ways Jonah ran. Thanks again.
David, I so appreciated and am encouraged by your comments about the conference. You are an attentive learner. I remember your interest. Thank you. And what great insights into the contrast between a child’s perspective and an adult. Truly humbling! And then God gets the glory! So thank you for sharing with all my readers. I’ve put you into the drawing. Thanks!
Excited Ive been added to your blog and email list. I look forward to reading them!
Hi Amanda, sure appreciate you checking out my new “baby.” And thank you for signing up to receive my blog. Unfortunately, I’m having trouble with the subscription system. If you did not receive the “gift”, would you let me know? But I did put your name into the drawing. Thanks so much. PS I’ll also email you.
Here to enter drawing! I have never heard such honestly and vulnerability as when you came and spoke at my MOPS group and I am forever changed because of it! I just loved hearing your story and knowing the victory and hope we have as Mothers who can change! Thank you Kathy.
Thank you, Lauren, so much for your encouraging words. I loved being with your MOPS group. I’m so grateful to the Lord that He uses my story. With Him, we always have hope–as you know. Thanks for stopping by to enjoy my new website design. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Blessings to you!
I am always amazed that we are amazed that God is always there and never gives up on us. I deal with constant pain and rely on that truth to make it everyday.
I love reading your blog.
Hi Nancy, it’s been a long time since I met you and your example inspires us. As a former back pain sufferer, I know constant pain is no fun and very very hard. So thank you for sharing with us. You prove God is faithful to provide what we need no matter what. I’ve put your name into the drawing. Hope to “see” you again on my blog.
I am feeling like he has given up on me after 59 years serving him.
Jane, thank you so very much for sharing vulnerably. Thank you for your faithful service to Him. My heart goes out to you with compassion and heartfelt concern. Those must be very painful emotions. I know He loves you and cares about you, but that can be hard to feel or believe at times. If you’d like to connect, please contact me on my contact page. I will put you into the drawing.
Great looking site. The Bible study sounds fantastic.
Hi Lisa, thank you so very much for stopping by and putting your name into the drawing. And enjoying Jen (www.BlueYonderDesign.com)’s wonderful work. It’s so fun to think that God’s new creation of us in Christ is even better than any new website design. Hmmmm. I may have to write about that. (smile). So thanks again and I hope you’ll check out “Whispers of My Heart: Daughters of the King Bible study.” It has 10 lessons on prayer designed for individuals and groups. If you’d like I can send you the first Lesson for your review. Maybe you know a group of women who would like to consider it. Let me know if you do. Blessings to you!
Thank you for an encouraging post! I’m am so very thankful that God doesn’t give up on me, and it is still amazing to me! I love this site, especially the heading: “Thirsting for God’s Living Spring”.
Hi Becky, great to hear from you. I’m so glad the post was encouraging. The insights about Jonah’s life are certainly encouraging to me. I’m sure you read that the “Thirsting for God’s Living Spring” is based on Jeremiah 2:13. I don’t know about you but I’m sure good at drinking muddy water from my own created cisterns. I’m so glad I’m hearing God’s invitation more often to drink from His living spring. So thanks again, for dropping by. I’ve put your name into the drawing.
Such good timing. I picked up a book about Jonah at the Greater Philly Writer’s Conference. This will be a wonderful addition to my study.
Jeanne, that’s so fun. There’s a run on Jonah! For so long the little book seemed to be ignored but it is so full of wonderful stuff. Enjoy that book and thanks for stopping by here–I’ve put you into the drawing.
Can’t wait to study your next book!!!!
Sue, I’m thrilled to hear you’ll be at the study. It’s going to be a great time. And thanks so much for stopping by. I’ll put your name into the drawing.
Love your blog! Such a good message I think I too can act like Jonah. I’m glad God doesn’t give up!
Oh, yes, Vickie, I relate to you: I can sure act like Jonah–go the other way! So glad you love the new design. I’ve put you into the drawing.
Great re-do of your site. Love the colors and photos, as well as your posts and information. Thanks for being such a shining light!
Thank you, Kathy. You are always so encouraging. You do so much for the Kingdom. I really appreciate you stopping by and encouraging me. I’ve put you also in the drawing!
Very nice, Kathy! Like that you still have your hands with water , and love Thirsting for God’s Living Spring! Thank you for the chance to win; I am already a subscriber. May you be blessed with many new followers!
Hi Jeanie, I’m so glad you’re as glad as I am that the designer wanted to keep the theme of hands in the water. And I’m glad you continue to like “Thirsting…” as that really is my passion. You’ve been a faithful subscriber and I’m grateful. I’ve put you into the drawing. God bless you!
Would love to receive your blogs via email:-) XO
Hi Deb, I’m so glad we’ve become friends. I’ve put your name into the drawing and I’ve signed you up to receive my blog posts by email. Thanks so much! God bless you!
Reassuring read- going through some interesting trials where I often wonder what God is up to in this.
Thanks for the contest!
Hi Jessica, I really appreciate you stopping by. I’m glad my post was reassuring. And I loved your wording: “I wonder what God is up to in this.” That is exactly the question. It can be one of surrender and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty. It’s a question I wonder myself. Thank you for reminding all of us to ask that very question. I’ll put you into the drawing. Thanks again.
Oh Kathy, what a beautiful new site! I’m so blessed by your ministry, and I know many, many others are and will be! God bless you my friend! ❤️
Hi Cathy! I sure appreciate your encouraging words and I’m so glad we met years ago. I’ve put you into the drawing lists. Blessings to you!
I should be here right now.,
In this city where the war…
The reserve of strength has almost completely dried up,
The one that the Lord gave me.
I need to save the children,
From Nazi mines and rockets,
So that they can continue to grow,
Where there is no evil.
It’s scary for me to be in the enemy’s sights,
I remember my family…
And I scold myself for being weak,
And it gets harder for me.
But clutching the cross to his chest,
I felt a wave behind my back,
After all, there is always hope,
And the Lord will give you more strength.
That’s really close to my goal,
Well, let me be weak now,
I pray, saying to myself: believe!
And the victorious hour will come
We will protect the country – we will protect our children – our future
Thank you for sharing your heart in your poem. I’m so grateful for your desire to be strong in the Lord.