In the heat of the moment

I am sure I used to be calmer under pressure. When put on the spot, I could usually manage to string together a few words that kind of made sense. But these days, I sometimes find such scenarios a little more challenging. If I am not careful, my brain can seize up and I can lose the thread of what I truly wanted to say.

Take being interviewed on radio, for instance, when I do not know what the next question will be – something I have experienced three times in recent weeks in connection with my latest book, Swansong. Thankfully, such interviews are often pre-recorded, which reassures me a little and also gives the presenter leeway to cut out anything later. Yet, I found it quite a challenge each time as I sat at my desk, talking with a gentleman I had never met via video or phone and hoping my responses to his questions made sense.

When Jesus himself spoke anywhere while on earth, especially when challenged in the heat of the moment, he did not hesitate. Whatever the risk, he spoke out with such clarity and authority – the authority given to him by his heavenly Father. On one occasion, Jesus explained this again to his disciples when seeking to comfort and reassure them who he was and where he was going:

Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. John 14:10

Earlier on in his ministry too, when sending his twelve disciples out, Jesus gave them authority to heal and drive out demons but also warned them in no uncertain terms what would happen when challenged:

But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Matthew 10:19–20

Now I am definitely not Jesus. And, as far as I know, I am not about to be arrested for anything I might say during a radio interview about my latest book! Yet, in those moments when I too may grope for words to express what is in my heart, I am so grateful that, if I focus on God, even for a brief moment, I am reassured I am not alone. God’s Spirit is indeed with me and in me at all times and will help me find the right words to say that will make sense and impact others in a positive way. Instead of giving in to fear then, I can take a deep breath, centre myself in God again, relax – and enjoy the wonderful opportunity I have been given to put my words out there and trust that God will use them in some way to bless others.

As God’s people, all of us, whoever we are, can find ourselves in those ‘heat of the moment’ situations at unexpected times, with opportunity to share about our faith in God. May we take a deep breath, listen well to the Spirit, then step out and speak with confidence and joy!

NB To find two of Jo-Anne’s radio interviews about her book Swansong, please click here.

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The power of words

Recently, while at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, we visited a fascinating bookstore, The Little Lost Bookshop, and noticed the following on a cushion there: ‘No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.’ As a writer, these words caught my attention. But they also caused me to remember how, in the past and recently, the words of world political leaders have indeed changed the world, inspiring whole nations to act in certain ways and espouse certain ideologies, for good or for ill.

Yet each day, although on a smaller scale, our words too have power to change others’ lives for good or ill. If spoken carelessly, they can cause great damage. When I was growing up, if someone called us a hurtful name, we often used to respond by chanting, ‘Sticks and stones will break my bones, but names will never hurt me!’ True, names – or negative words in general – cannot kill or wound us physically like actual weapons can, yet they can certainly bring lasting mental and emotional damage and even destruction.

But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire. James 3:5b–6a

On the other hand, the words that slip off our tongues can be powerful in a positive way. If inspired by God’s Spirit and spoken in love, they can change one person’s world at least and even flow on to bless others.

In Luke 7, we read how a centurion asks Jesus, via some Jewish elders, to come and heal his servant but later sends a different message:

Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, “Go”, and he goes; and that one, “Come”, and he comes. I say to my servant, “Do this”, and he does it.’ Luke 7:6b–8

Jesus is amazed at this man’s faith – and speaks healing to the servant then and there at a distance. The messengers return home and, amazingly, find him better.

When Jesus speaks even one word, it carries such power and authority and changes lives. On one occasion, even the temple guards whom the chief priests and Pharisees had sent to arrest Jesus return empty-handed, declaring, ‘No one ever spoke the way this man does’ (John 7:46).

Those guards were right – no one even today can speak with the authority Jesus had. Yet, when we belong to God, God’s Spirit lives in us and can give us just the right words to say when needed. But this necessitates our staying close to God, listening well and allowing the Spirit to fill and renew us daily – because what is uppermost in our hearts and minds is what will inevitably surface in speaking to others, as Jesus himself once stated:

What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45b

May our hearts be filled with God this week – and may our world be changed for the better as we speak words of love and healing to others.

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Coming alive

There we were, my nine-year-old granddaughter and I, with an interesting craft project spread out around us on the table – two cardboard shapes, extra pieces to press out and attach, googly eyes, sequins, plastic ‘gems’, little pompoms, pieces of coloured paper and a tiny tube of glue. I hoped we could create something at least vaguely resembling the cute little fairy featured on the front of the packet but was not overly filled with confidence at that point.

We decided to forge ahead anyway and work it out as we went. Soon that tiny tube of glue was empty, even before we had stuck half the required parts on, so we resorted to a normal glue stick, hoping that would work. We persevered as those googly, plastic eyes kept moving from their spot and refused to stay put at first. And we soon learnt how to wipe our fingertips carefully, before trying to attach those tiny, silver sequins and ‘gems’. It was a labour of love indeed – for both of us – but, in the end, our perseverance paid off and we were both delighted with the result. Now Maxine’s craft effort stands proudly beside her bed, looking so happy there.

But I was delighted with our whole craft project for two others reasons as well. Firstly, I loved the gentle way Maxine included me in every part of the task and clearly wanted to be fair in dividing up the little bits and pieces we had to work with. On top of that, she praised me sincerely for my efforts when I had difficulty attaching some of the tinier things with my big, clumsy fingers. Yes, all up, this creative effort of ours was indeed a lovely, humbling, shared experience for me, a memory I will treasure in the coming years – and I hope she does too. Learning to share and cooperate are vital skills for life – and Maxine has them in abundance.

Secondly, I think my favourite moment came fairly early on in our craft experience when we had added only three or four bits and pieces to the basic cardboard shapes. I doubt Maxine believed all we had been given would end up looking like that little fairy on the front of the packet either, but, as we added one important piece, suddenly her face lit up.

‘Oh look, Nanna – she’s coming to life!’ she declared in a satisfied tone.

And she was. Gradually, that little fairy was emerging before our eyes. What a joy to share this moment with Maxine as she saw her creative efforts paying off!

But this experience stirred deeper thoughts in me too. It reminded me how I felt when I first came to understand and receive God’s love more as a teenager – how life took on so much more meaning and purpose and how much more alive and secure I felt when I discovered I actually mattered to God. I remembered another occasion too in later years when God’s Spirit filled and refreshed me with deep joy and peace all over again. How blessed we are that our God is able to recreate and bring us truly alive, both now and for all eternity!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17

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So encouraged

It is not a sign of old age of course but, now and then, I find my brain is simply too tired or too filled with various concerns to absorb much more information. I may try to read a serious book but soon give up. I may even try a less serious book but find I cannot be bothered persevering because its contents seem too trivial, compared with the big issues in my mind. At that point, I may tackle a crossword puzzle instead – until I discover I cannot even understand some of the clues, let alone work out the answers!

So what to do? Recently when I felt a little as I have described above, I went to my desk and picked up my bible. Without really thinking, I found myself turning yet again to the Psalms, often my ‘go to’ place when I am looking for some encouragement and comfort. A bookmark still rested in the spot where I had left off last time, Psalm 40, so I began reading from there:

I waited patiently for the Lord;
    he turned to me and heard my cry.

He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
    out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
    and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
    a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:1-3a

God had my full attention straight off. I so much wanted to feel that firm rock beneath my feet again. I read on but stopped a few moments later when I came upon the following:

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
    Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
    for I will yet praise him,
    my Saviour and my God. Psalm 42:5

Good questions, I thought – and a good, positive response too. I read on further then until I reached Psalm 46:

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

He says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God;
    I will be exalted among the nations,
    I will be exalted in the earth.’

The Lord Almighty is with us;
    the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:10–11

What reassuring verses to read, over and over again! Eventually, I came to the triumphant final verse of Psalm 48:

For this God is our God for ever and ever;
    he will be our guide even to the end. Psalm 48:14

It is true that we can also find great encouragement and insights in many other written sources. Despite some culling in recent years, I still have wonderful books on my shelves that I return to often. Yet, for me, nothing matches the Word of God. As I believe is obvious in the above verses, there is a power and authority about it that can draw me in and pierce my heart, which is surely God’s Holy Spirit at work. When I read it, my own spirit lifts. I catch a fresh glimpse of who God is and where my focus needs to be. I am reminded of what God has done for me in the past and is more than able to do in the future. I hear God’s voice, ringing out loud and clear – and I am so encouraged.

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When names matter

I wonder if you have ever spotted a misspelt word on the cover of a book. It can a little off-putting, can’t it? After all, if the publisher or author makes such mistakes on the cover, what will the inside of the book be like?

On the other hand, perhaps such things do not bother you but, because I am a writer and have also edited quite a few books others have written, they jar on me. Can you imagine then how I felt when I was recently emailed the proposed cover of my own latest non-fiction book, complete with not one but two spelling mistakes on it – including one in my own name? I understand how such mistakes could occur but am certainly thankful there is still time to rectify them before that cover appears anywhere for real.

This whole event caused me to think again about the importance of names and of getting them correct. Then around the same time, in reading through Matthew’s gospel, I happened to arrive at Matthew 16 where Jesus asks his disciples a key question:

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say the Son of Man is?’

They replied, ‘Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’

 ‘But what about you?’ he asked. ‘Who do you say I am?’

Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ Matthew 16:13–16

What an amazing declaration! Jesus’s response that follows shows that, while he knows his heavenly Father revealed these truths to Simon Peter, he is also delighted that Simon Peter sees him for who he truly is (17–20). Some Bible versions use the word ‘Christ’ instead of the Hebrew word ‘Messiah’, but both mean ‘the anointed one’, the one chosen to deliver God’s people – and both are still true of Jesus today. So I asked myself then how well I am doing at acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of the living God, in my own life right now. Do I too honour him and truly lift up his name in all I do and say and write?

The following day, in an online devotional I also use, we were asked to reflect on this same passage and answer the same question Jesus asked Simon Peter. Then we were invited to think about how Jesus has revealed himself to us personally and how we have experienced his presence with us. I thought back then to the many times Jesus has shown me who he is through Scripture, through words and pictures spoken directly to me by his Spirit and also through others. But I also realised even as I did that Jesus, the Messiah, the Son of the living God, was delighted to be right there with me in that moment, loving me and encouraging me just as he did with Simon Peter.

What an amazing Saviour we have! It may not matter in the long run if my own name is spelt wrongly or dishonoured in some way, but it does indeed matter if Jesus’ name is dishonoured. May you and I lift his name high each day and give him all the glory he so rightly deserves.

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Only half believing

I could not believe my eyes at first. We had driven across town to enjoy a special Mothers’ Day afternoon tea with our son and his family and had just been welcomed into their home with warm hugs. The light was quite dim in their lounge room so I did not immediately notice someone else sitting nearby. But when our daughter-in-law smiled and pointed to my left, I looked closer. No, it couldn’t be … surely it wasn’t our older daughter who has moved interstate, sitting there smiling?

My mind whirled. I stood there for several moments with my mouth wide open and my head swivelling like one of those sideshow clowns ready to swallow any balls people throw their way. Then our daughter stood up—and, the next moment, I was enveloped in a huge, warm hug. She had driven all the way from her home in Victoria by herself to catch up with both family and friends, a huge undertaking for her, given she has had her drivers’ licence for only a few months.

To say I was shocked would be an understatement. And I was still in that state the next day when our daughter drove from where she was staying to spend a couple of hours more with us before heading back south. But the strange thing was I had somehow sensed I might see her on Mothers’ Day, despite how unlikely it seemed. In fact, I had felt this so strongly that I decided to make a batch of gluten-free chocolate brownies on the Saturday prior to Mothers’ Day so I would have something in the house that she could eat. So … why was I so surprised when she actually turned up?

For a start, in the excitement of seeing our son and his family, I forgot for a moment my sense that our daughter might be there too. But also, I suspect I had doubted myself all along and wondered if that sense that she might come was mere wishful thinking. Yes, it had manifested itself in action when I made those gluten-free slices—yet, even as I baked them, I also found myself having one of those weird, negative internal conversations with myself about it all. What are you thinking? How could she come up to see you right now? She’d have to fly to get here—and find someone to look after her cats back home. And there’s no way she would drive such a long distance. Don’t be silly! Yet it happened. Part of me had known it would, but another part did not believe it was possible.

Since then, I have wondered whether this is how I sometimes act towards God. I love God wholeheartedly, have full faith in Jesus Christ and often experience the Spirit’s empowering presence in my life. God has rescued me many times, challenged me through Scripture and prompted me to speak or act in a certain way as the Spirit has led. But, despite all this, how often do I second-guess God and harbour such disbelief when I know I can fully trust instead?

May my half-believing days soon be over. May I, like Thomas, listen to Jesus’ challenge and actually trust him instead:

Then he said to Thomas, ‘… Stop doubting and believe.’ John 20:27b

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How much is too much?

When I was writing all my many essays way back at university and later at college, it was often a dilemma to work out how much of what I wrote came from my own thoughts and how much from books and articles I had read. I remember one of my college lecturers writing on an essay of mine, ‘Cite your sources!’ in big, red letters. Yet, I thought I had done that via my many quotes and footnotes. Was I fooling myself—and even perhaps trying to fool that lecturer, as I felt he was implying? Or had all that reading I had done in preparation for writing my essay become part of my own thinking?

I thought I had left that dilemma behind years ago now. Yet, in writing my current non-fiction manuscript, a similar challenge has emerged, this time concerning the number of Scripture quotes I include in full. How much is too much? What could I perhaps say in my own words instead, simply citing the relevant Bible reference at the end? And how much Bible content is already present in everything I write from my own heart anyway because of the fact that I have read and reflected on the words of Scripture almost every day for so many years now?

Recently, as I read through my whole manuscript again before sending the final version off to the publisher, I decided to remove a number of Bible verses I had included in full. But then I came to a chapter entitled ‘Words of comfort’, then another entitled ‘Words of peace’—and later, one entitled ‘Words of wisdom’. I believe wholeheartedly in the words I myself have written in these chapters and hope they will encourage many. But surely the greatest source of comfort, peace and wisdom is to be found in God’s Word itself as the Spirit speaks through it into the depths of our hearts?

Then one morning while still pondering this issue, I came to Isaiah 40 during my own time of Scripture reading. And there, among so many other strong, beautiful words, I found the following stirring section:

O Jacob, how can you say the Lord does not see your troubles?
    O Israel, how can you say God ignores your rights?
Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:27-31 NLT

No, I decided, I could not bring myself to cut out any of these words from this blog—or anywhere else really. They are far too powerful and merciful and comforting. They are God’s very words, piercing our hearts and causing the Spirit to rise up in us to enable us to keep going. So, as I write, I will find space for them—and others like them. Such words can surely never be too much.

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Taking courage

One night recently, I received a phone call from a distraught friend.

‘I’m in a terrible pickle!’ she gasped. ‘We filled in a form on my computer and now I’ve been scammed. Please pray!’

The next morning, I received a text from another friend. She has been quite unwell and was facing a scary doctor’s appointment.

‘Would appreciate prayer,’ she wrote. ‘I don’t want to cough in the middle of my eye injection!’

My heart went out to these friends who both needed God’s protection—and the courage to keep trusting God in their scary situations.

I began to pray for them, yet soon found myself almost overwhelmed with fear and so doubtful God would be able to rescue them. Then I realised I was falling for one of those old traps the enemy loves to set for us. I could almost hear him sniggering at my lack of faith and, at that point, I became determined not to let him win—over me or my friends. So, I prayed again, entrusting them and their situations to our loving, all-powerful Lord.

We all need courage, not only to face life’s challenges but also to stand firm in our faith, resist the enemy and be prayerful at all times. Recently, I started reading Acts again. And again, I marvelled at the change in the disciples, particularly Peter, when the Holy Spirit comes upon them at Pentecost (Acts 2). Immediately after, Peter does not hesitate to address the crowd who have gathered and call them to repentance (2:38). Then, after the lame man at the temple gates is healed, Peter boldly preaches to a huge crowd (3). And when he and John are jailed and hauled before the rulers, elders and teachers of the law, he again does not hold back.

It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. 4:10

I find the religious leaders’ baffled response so interesting too:

When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realised that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. 4:17

But this is not the end. After Peter and John are commanded not to speak or teach in Jesus’ name again, they boldly declare they simply have to (4:20). They are threatened further but finally released—at which point they head back to the other believers. Then a wonderful time of prayer ensues, during which the Holy Spirit fills everyone present, enabling them to share the word of God with great boldness (4:31). And on it goes, with Peter and the apostles continuing to proclaim the good news of Jesus day after day with amazing courage (5:12-41).

I want to face life with more of this same courage and boldness, don’t you? Although we cannot be with Jesus in human form, as Peter and John were, we can still talk with him and learn from him each day. And, like those early believers, we also have God’s Spirit within us who will fill and empower us to face whatever comes our way. So … let’s trust God and go for it!

Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT

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You never know

I wonder if you have ever run into someone you know in a most unexpected place. When I was a teacher, I well remember encountering one of my more troublesome students in the middle of my weekly supermarket shop. ‘Mum, there’s my teacher!’ this girl blurted out in a shocked voice. I suspect she wanted to see me about as much as I wanted to see her that day!

On another occasion, however, I came across a pastor friend in a bookstore. While we chatted, several folk from her church came by, which perhaps could have disconcerted her. Instead, she seemed to enjoy the moment. ‘It’s like I’ve died and gone to heaven!’ she exclaimed, beaming at everyone.

Recently, I headed to a nearby medical facility for an injection into a troublesome shoulder. I was certainly not expecting to see anyone I knew there—or anyone who knew me. All I was thinking about was whether my scheduled injection would help alleviate the pain I was experiencing. Eventually, a young woman called my name and ushered me into a small room. We chatted together as she prepared the injection for the doctor to give. A few moments later, it was all over, and the doctor left. But then the young woman suddenly said, ‘You must be the author, are you?’

I was stunned.

‘Um … yes, I am, but … how did you know?’ I eventually managed to ask.

‘Oh, I’ve read some of your books!’ she told me then. ‘I borrowed them from my mother.’

So that was it! She must have recognised my name from the patient list—mystery solved. But I was still curious.

‘What would your mother’s name be? Perhaps I know her.’

Sure enough, I did, from two or three occasions in the past.

‘Well, it just shows we have to behave wherever we go, don’t we?’ I joked as I left. ‘You never know who you’ll meet!’

Beneath my joking, however, I was also trying to remember what sort of comments I had made to her. I was so focussed on myself that I had not put much thought at all into anything I said. Had I been polite and considerate towards her? Had I listened well? Had I honoured God throughout our conversation?

It was too late now anyway. The exchange was over.

I came away from that experience realising again that, wherever I go and whether I feel like it or not, I am God’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20). I never know whom I will meet. I never know who will recognise my name, even though I am not a famous author—yet! And I never know who will be listening or watching. But I’m so thankful God does. And I’m so thankful too that God’s Spirit is with me and in me, ready to give me those words of grace to share with others and the wisdom to act in a godly way. But I need to listen, to keep any unwise words in check and then to say those things that will bless and build others up.

May I remember to do that next time, because you never know …

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

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It really is!

Recently, I could not resist buying a non-fiction book by one of my favourite fiction authors, Charles Martin. I wanted to see how he went about writing non-fiction and how the book compared with his novels. But as well, for some reason, its title simply caught my attention.

The book is What If It’s True? and is sub-titled A Storyteller’s journey with Jesus.

At first, I silently scoffed at using a question like this for a title. Of course it’s true, I thought—I’ve believed that for ages! Yet as I reflected further, I realised it is not only a good, honest question for anyone new to understanding who Jesus is to grapple with, but also a good, honest question for those of us who have believed for years to consider—because, over time, we can become almost blasé about it all, can’t we? Over time, we can even become immune to such deep truths, like that frog who starts off in cold water but, as the water gets hotter and hotter, simply stays there, oblivious to the fact that it is slowly being boiled to death.

My memory of Good Friday in our household during my growing-up years is that it was a day of sadness and reverence. Somehow, it didn’t seem quite right to have fun or make too many loud noises. For a time in my early teens, I would head to our local Anglican church for the special three-hour service from midday. Then on Easter Sunday, we would usually make it to Sunday School or church—and I remember the relief I felt that Jesus had won, that death was not the end for him, even though I did not understand the significance of it all back then.

Thankfully, in my mid-teenage years, I came to understand the love and grace of God so much more. One night, after hearing the good news of Jesus clearly proclaimed, I welcomed it with open arms. I was overwhelmed to realise Jesus Christ knew me and loved me and died for me—and my life changed from that moment on. Today, by God’s grace, I still know these truths deep in my heart, but … well … have I somehow allowed the significance of the events we remember at Easter to become blunted in my life?

In his introduction, Charles Martin writes:

What if the death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ is the singular most important event in the history of mankind, and what if one drop of His blood is the most powerful thing in this universe or any other? What if dead and crucified Jesus came back to life by the power of the Holy Spirit and He is alive today? …

What if His story is true?

What if this Jesus, the One who walked out of the tomb shining like the sun, holding the keys of death and hades, is alive—in you? In me? I write fiction for a living, and that’s either the craziest thing I’ve ever heard or it’s the most important word ever spoken.

It is indeed true—all of it. May we never forget that—and may it change our lives forever.

I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies… John 11:25

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