My alarm went off at 4:30a.m. We pulled out of the driveway by five, heading to Miami for the second time this summer. A long, hard drive for sure. Naturally, I took a little something for the road.
In addition to traveling with my darlin' husband and my sweet son, I held a special companion in my hands. Yeah, I had a little Peace for the Journey--Elaine Olsen style. And I so needed peace on this journey.
About six hours into the trip, the air conditioner in the truck stopped working! We spent the next four hours--and, no, I'm not exaggerating about the time either--in a dealership waiting room while mechanics installed a new compressor.
And guess what I did during those four hours? That's right, sweet girl, I read Peace for the Journey.
Elaine writes about having peace in our lives wherever we are along life's hot, dusty road. Even in a dealership waiting room. Or in a hospital waiting room. We can have peace if we know Jesus Christ because He paid the price for our peace.
Elaine teaches from lessons that she learned through her own seasons of suffering and struggling. She inspires us to walk closer to our Savior than we've ever before walked. She prays for us.
Most importantly, Elaine challenges believers to reject the easy road and to walk down the path of a higher level of obedience to our loving God. She writes, "Some of the best work we will ever do with God will be fleshed out upon the sands of a heated obedience."
Elaine doesn't claim that this kind of whole-hearted obedience will be easy. The fleshing out of our obedience is never easy, but the reward of complete devotion and obedience can't be surpassed.
The reward "of a heated obedience" is peace.
Everlasting peace.
And Jesus Christ, Prince of Peace.
For He Himself is our peace (Ephesians 2:14a).
How about you? Do you need a some peace and encouragement for the road you're traveling? If you aren't already following Elaine's blog, why don't you check it out?
On my last post, I promised to give away a copy of Peace for the Journey. And the winner is mchristiangirl!
This book is definately one for the road.
Sweet dreams,
Deb
I love it when my read...is just what I need for a trip. Hope the trip was a good one....even with the ac troubles.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good one - I'll have to check it out!
ReplyDeleteDeb,
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will visit Elaines site today as she has urgent needs of many prayer requests today.
Love and Hugs ~ Kat
Blessings and prayers,
ReplyDeleteandrea
I imagine there will be a few more chapters to write along these lines in days to come...
ReplyDeleteLove you.
peace~elaine
Miami? You were in MY neck of the woods, Deb!!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to look into that book, too.
Elaine truly lives out her words of peace. What a wonderful woman of God she is. Praying much for her now as she goes through another phase of her journey. Reading her post yesterday, I found myself encouraged by her faith in the midst of her own need.
ReplyDeleteHope you are doing well. You are another one who inspires and lives what she writes.
Love,
Andrea
sounds like a great book. I love your writing.
ReplyDeletewill definately have to read the book. Sounds like a good read. Hope you are doing great! xo
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed your call! We'll talk soon. In the meantime, would you send me the name/address of the winner so I can send her the copy from here? Let me know what you want to do.
ReplyDeletepeace~elaine
The book sounds like a gem! I love this phrase, "heated obedience"! I will definitely pick up a copy when I am done editing!
ReplyDeleteBTW, sorry about the car trouble. (:
I have always loved Elaine and her blog the first time I came across her place about a year or so ago. I make it a point to visit and read her heart as often as I can.
ReplyDeleteAnd her book is surely on my to buy and to read list.
Thanks for this post. You write with such honesty and your words are few and on target!
Love
Lidj
I'm learning to have that peace in the journey! It is definitely a gift from God and not man-made!
ReplyDeletecame back to say hi...and hope you're enjoying these last few summer days.
ReplyDeleteHi Deb,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that you had Elaine's book with you on your journey! It sounds like it was exactly what you needed, right when you needed it. Hope your A/C holds out for the rest of the summer.
Love your new blog look. Very pretty!
and a great reminder of the value of the written word - to encourage, to strengthen and to bring life to those who read the words..
ReplyDelete