Welcome to week five of my mini-series -- stories from some of my dear friends who share practical tools the Lord is graciously using to transform them.
I’m excited for you to meet my friend, Katharine Dudley. Every week in our Bible Journaling group, she challenges us with new insights based on her recent studies.
Her gentle but piercing questions have a theme: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James 4:8
In her story, Katherine generously offers you some resources that might just spark a deepening hunger in your life for more truth.
Here’s Katharine’s story of transformation:
Every day I wake up, usually because my dogs are hungry, get out of bed, feed them, make a cup of coffee, and sit down with Jesus. I’m blessed to be able to meet Him daily in His Word.
When I was growing up, I claimed to be a Christian, but I really never had a relationship with Jesus. When I was twenty-three, God called me to Himself and made His presence known.
Reading Jesus’ Words rang true in my innermost being. I knew deep down that what He was saying was what my soul always longed for though I didn’t know it. While reading the Bible I noticed a peace in my heart I had never felt before.
And now, after six years of returning to God every morning, even on the hard days, I’ve seen how He has used every word of truth to walk me through life’s trials.
I’ve gone through things like a miscarriage and the loss of my dad after his long struggle with addiction. I’m happy to say God has always used trials to work even more truth in my life.
Now I am thirty-six weeks pregnant and can’t wait for this next chapter God is writing. I can’t wait to pour over our daughter the same truths God has spoken over me.
Jesus has not left us as orphans. He is personally with us through His Spirit but also with us through the leaders and teachers in the body.
He has transformed my mind by listening and learning from people who’ve made it their goal in life to take His Word seriously and apply it to their lives. This is all very real and needs to be considered every day.
Some of the resources God has used in my life include:
• The Bible for Everyone, a commentary series by NT Wright and John Goldingay
• The Bible Project, a podcast led by Tim Mackie and John Collins
• Gospel in Life, a podcast by Timothy Keller
I’m so grateful for wonderful thinkers who help me understand God’s Word. Jesus is always turning my doubts into faith and lies into truth.
When this world wants me to feel alone in my beliefs, He shows me there are strong believers in Him willing to devote their lives to help others along in this journey because Jesus has done it for them.
All I can say is, “Thank You, Lord, for Your sovereign rule through Your Word and the people in Your body.”
Sitting Still: Pull Up a Chair
PHOTO: Thought Catalog from Pixabay
Katherine’s hunger for God’s truth seems to grow and grow the more she studies. Maybe some of her suggestions will nudge you to deepen your own investigation further.
What author or speaker might you invite into your life this week?
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,
a worker who does not need to be ashamed
and who correctly handles the word of truth.”
2 TIMOTHY 2:15