“In God’s name, Collin,” she repeated softly,
“where the desires of one’s heart always rest.”
— A Hope Undaunted by Julie Lessman
The desire of one’s heart.
Not a dream. Not a mirage. Not a broken promise. But God’s Word, which when applied to one’s life, makes dreams, promises, and desires come true.
I am in the midst of a spiritual battle within my family, and I don’t mind telling you that the very thought of it had me shaking in my boots. I say “had,” because the victory is now mine through Christ Who strengthens me. In God’s name, His will — which is the key to happiness for each of us — will prevail if it takes my last breath and my last tear. Because frankly, family is too important to relegate to one’s own opinions, emotions, strength. And God was gracious enough to remind me of that just this morning.
You see, I am writing a Christmas novella to be included in the Seeker Christmas anthology this year, and originally I had hoped to write it about Katie and Luke from A Hope Undaunted. So to help get me in the mood and mindset for all the fireworks that wonderful couple provokes, I am rereading A Hope Undaunted. Well, just this morning I read a passage between Collin and Faith where Collin comes home late from visiting the sick boy of a female co-worker he hired against his partner Brady’s better judgment. The scene begins with Faith worrying that this female co-worker, with whom Collin was once involved years ago, will somehow tempt her husband.
As I read the scene, I remembered it as being one of my favorites, because it makes me cry every single time. Not because of the depth of Collin’s love or even Faith’s, but the depth of God’s, in Whose Name the desires of our heart lie. You see, it is the desire of my heart to have my family healthy and whole as God intended, but since the devil’s intent is just the opposite, there is a battle going on, which God reminded me through this scene, will be won in HIS Name. Leaning on His strength, His wisdom, His precepts.
Suddenly, all the anxiety that satan was trying to foist on me evaporated into thin air because the truth is, my hope, my strength, and my faith are in Him, not me. And in His Name and His Name only, I will have the desire of my heart.
And so can you!
So to remind you, like God reminded me, at the bottom of this blog is a clip from that scene. I hope it encourages you as much as it did me.
Delight yourself in the LORD;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
— Psalm 37:4
Hugs and Happy Weekend!
Julie
RARE BLOG/INTERVIEW GIVEAWAY!
Join me for a rare interview on the aTransParentMom blog the week of July 27th. I don’t have the exact date yet, but check back in next week’s Journal Jot for all the information, okay? I will be giving away winner’s choice of any of my books, including a copy of my latest novel, Unfailing Love, from the Isle of Hope series, so the winner will be the first reader to get it. Here’s the link — hope to see you there then. http://atransparentmom.com/
Excerpt From A Hope Undaunted
By Julie Lessman
“So . . . what’s Evelyn’s son like?” she asked. “Other than being a typical thirteen-year-old boy?”
Collin twirled his fork in the spaghetti and took a bite, studying her as he chewed. He drank some milk and then set it down with a heavy sigh. “I’m afraid there’s nothing typical about Tommy. He’s confined to bed most of the time, not able to play with other kids or even get outside for a little fresh air.” He bent to shovel more noodles in his mouth, but not before Faith saw a glimmer of moisture in his eyes. He quickly chewed and swallowed. “The poor guy is little more than skin and bones, but he has a mind and a wit sharper than any kid I’ve ever seen.”
With a catch in her throat, Faith placed a hand on his arm. “I’ll bet it meant the world for you and Brady to visit.”
He gulped more milk, eyeing her as it glugged down his throat. He swiped his mouth with the side of his sleeve despite the napkin in his lap. “It did, you could tell. I guess he’s starved for male attention because he lit up when Brady and I walked in.” Collin averted his gaze to focus on his dinner, his voice slow and measured. “So when Brady had to leave after an hour, I don’t know, I just felt like I needed to stay for a while, you know?” He rolled more spaghetti on his fork and popped it in his mouth. He looked up with a faint smile. “Did I tell you he’s a master at chess? Which is why I’m late tonight, as a matter of fact. Actually, it’s pretty embarrassing. The kid gave me a thrashing that would make your father proud.”
Faith grinned, relief ebbing through her at the sullen tease on her husband’s face. “Mmm . . . I’ll bet that information will come in handy if I ever need leverage. I’m sure both Mitch and Father would have a heyday with that bit of news.”
He looked at her then, his eyes as soft and intense as his daughters’ when they whispered their prayers to God. Without warning, he suddenly dropped his fork with a clatter and hauled her onto his lap. She heard his sharp intake of breath as he cocooned her in his arms with a tight squeeze, burying his head in the crook of her neck. His voice was low and gruff and so thick with emotion, tears stung her eyes. “You don’t need leverage with me, Mrs. McGuire,” he whispered, “I need it with you. I love you more with every waking moment, Faith, and I can’t help but wonder—how in God’s name did I ever find a woman like you?”
Her heart swelled till she thought she would burst, and her eyes welled at the moisture she felt on her neck. “In God’s name, Collin,” she repeated softly, “where the desires of one’s heart always rest.” She pressed a gentle kiss to the edge of his bristly jaw as a wellspring of gratitude dampened her cheeks. “The desires of our heart, my love. Both yours,” she whispered, “and mine.”
