Saturday, May 23, 2015

Radiant with Joy


When we acknowledge our need for help, God will help us. ~Ben Carson


Her face is lustrous, glowing with a brilliance which does not come from a bottled cosmetic. Francine Rivers is someone whose bright eyes and joyful smile beckoned me each day I sat in her classes and joined her at lunch. I didn't want the week to end. 


Does Francine Rivers' glow come from her RITA awards, her induction into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, or the feature-length film version of her novel, The Last Sin Eater? Her novels have been translated into nearly thirty different languages, but even that doesn't produce her glow.


I believe her shining countenance comes from Psalm 34:4, Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy. Francine wrote for the secular market before Christ saved her. She realized she wasn't writing edifying material and worked hard to make sure none of the titles would be reprinted. 

She looked to Him for help --

Help to deal with a three year writer's block after her salvation.

Help to face her past abortion and to write The Atonement Child.

Help each day while Francine writes as a form of worship, challenging her readers to draw closer to God.


If you desire your face to be radiant with joy, go to God for help in facing each trial and opportunity God brings your way. Help for the grief in losing a loved one, or sadness dealing with the sins of one you love. Help with the pain in rejection or lost dreams. Help with fear as you step out in the ministry God gifted to you. 

 




4 comments:

Joy said...

I read some of her books and she is an inspiration. Thanks for encouragement Pamela. God bless your heart!

Karen said...

Thankful that God listens!!

Sharon said...

I've read some of Francine's writings, and she is indeed special. But I love how you point out that we can ALL be special, radiant with joy as we reflect the Son!

GOD BLESS!

Aritha V. said...

I read them in Dutch and love the books.