He's Still the I AM

I talked about this a bit in my weekly recap on Sunday, but I wanted to come back and elaborate because...well...God deserves that. :)

Many years ago, I read Dee Brestin and Kathy Troccoli's book Falling in Love with Jesus. I loved it so much, I taught a whole season of Ladies Bible Study on it when I taught at Chapel Pike Wesleyan. That book remains one of my favorite books I've ever read. Well, Dee and Kathy went on to write Living in Love with Jesus, which I read a few years ago and liked, but not as much as the first one. They finished the trilogy with Forever in Love with Jesus, which I bought, but never read.

As I headed out for the writing retreat a couple of weeks ago, I scanned my shelves for books I've not read yet, so I could take one with me, and this one popped out. I now call it God-timing, because this is so the book I need at this point in my life.

Kathy Troccoli, if you don't know, is best known as a Christian singer, though she's also a very good author. She's somewhere in her 50's now, and she's never been married. I think that's why I identify with her so much; we share that creative flair...and life alone with Jesus.

In the second chapter of Forever in Love with Jesus, Dee and Kathy talk about the Great I AM. As I read, I saw these words, written by Dee: "Kathy shared with me the challenges and fears she had in building her home. There were so many questions she had to answer: These contractors can be a little intimidating. Who will help me? How will I do this all by myself? As we looked at the Great I AM, she realized that Jesus was truly present with her in every step of building her home."

That took my breath away.

I kept reading and found these words, written by Kathy:

"How sweet of God to give me a home of my own, a place that was the fulfillment of a little girl's dream: a place that would reflect His beauty, His peace and His goodness. I look at it now and am filled with gratitude. As I said before, when I began to build this home in Nashville, I knew I would have to face many challenges. What did I know about shingles, sprinklers, and siding? With every question, I almost heard Him whisper:

How will I build this home on my own?
I AM your Provider.

There are so many choices. Which one is right?
I AM your Counselor.

I feel so alone in this.
I AM your Companion."

And I loved that sweet moment of love from the Lord. How will I sell this house I'm living in? I AM the best real estate agent in the world. How will I find the home I need and can afford in Fort Wayne? I AM the one who will show you.

He never changes.