Concluding the REST study in July, I sensed a lingering question hover deep over my heart. A question catching me off guard and stirring anxious thoughts. A question convicting, exposing and compelling me all the same.
“How can I rest in God, unless I know Him?”
Barely six or seven years old, I sat unassumingly in my Sunday school class. The small, narrow room held three long rows of chairs. I was seated to the left side of the middle row. My bible, tucked safely inside its purple quilted cover, rested on my lap.
As the teacher’s voice faded in and out, I remembered my mom explaining God calls us by name and we follow Him. A personal decision to make in my heart before God.
“If you want to expect Jesus as your Savior, we are going to pray. Then I am going to give you this small red bible as a gift.”
Glancing up at my teacher filled me with excitement, as he waved one above his head. I looked down at the corner and saw a box of Bibles, eager to have one for myself.
When the time came, I raised my hand and prayed a simple prayer.
Come into my heart dear Jesus.
Beginning at the opposite end of the room, my teacher gave Bibles to children who boldly raised their hand to receive Christ. I leaned forward, looking down mile long line, watching little fingers open and flip through pages.
He’s getting closer!
I held it in my hand, running small fingers against the leather cover. I couldn’t wait to show my mom and tell her how I asked Jesus into my heart. Tiny pages stuck together as I cracked open the book.
My teacher moved past me and I heard the excitement leave his breath. “Oh no. We are all out of Bibles and one person didn’t get one.”
Oh no! I don’t want to give my Bible away!
The room fell silent and we all waited to see who would surrender this little gift first.
I looked down and held my clothed Bible tight. I already have a Bible and this little girl has none.
I raised my hand turned around and gave up the gift I had just received.
The gift of God’s Word.
I have a spiritual heritage of more than 30 years. My mom taught me, through words and action, the character of Jesus. I know Him. Yet, I found myself at the end of the REST Study. Closing my Bible in Revelation trying to imagine walking into the courts of God’s presence, the question remained.
“How can I rest in God, unless I know Him?”
It was in this moment of tension, that RENOWN was purposed in my heart. To start with God’s renown, His name, His fame remembered among the nations. This is how I can find rest in Him. To know Him deeper still.
This week, I’m stepping away from writing to pray and prepare for the study. As a young girl, I handed over a gift to the girl who sat behind me. I hope RENOWN will be just the same, a gift of His Word to you.
See you on October 4th!
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