(Journal #1:  November 22, 2004) Post #2

The enemy has been trying to put sickness and fear on my body. I will not fear but trust God!  Fear is not from God.  But what is going on with me, Lord?  My heart races for no reason, I’m fatigued all the time, and I’m having night sweats?  The doctors haven’t given me any answers, just prescriptions. They are just treating symptoms without finding the cause.  When all else fails, the diagnosis is stress, but I don’t receive that. Show me what’s going on and what to do?

In Matthew 8:24-27 Jesus and the disciples were in the boat crossing the lake.  WITHOUT WARNING a furious storm came while Jesus was sleeping. The disciples were afraid and woke Jesus, but He said to them, “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then He rebuked the winds and the waves and it was completely calm.  I believe Jesus is telling me that Satan strikes without warning, while we’re “asleep.” But rather than fear, rebuke!  Calm will result.

Jesus, as I’ve studied Your Word, I have never seen you refuse to heal any one. You were pleased at the faith of those who would not let anything keep them from getting to You. You marveled at the centurion who had enough faith to ask You to just say the Word and he knew his servant would be healed. Lord, strengthen my faith.

2 Timothy 1:7 

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of a sound mind.

September 1, 2019 Post #1

I’m sure you’ve heard the term “pearls of wisdom” and must think I have this backward. Let me explain. My name, Marjorie, means “pearl.” Fifteen years ago, I began journaling to the Lord Jesus my prayers, thoughts, fears, struggles, doubts, desires, questions, and frustrations – in other words, everything.  Through prayer and study of His Word, He has shown me many revelations. These revelations produced “wisdom” to walk through every circumstance. So, what God has shown to me, “Pearl,” I humbly share with you:  Wisdom of Pearl.

I started my first journal in November 2004, right before I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma in January 2005. I am currently in my 49th journal, in my 15th year of fighting this health battle, and going through yet another round of treatment.  Journaling to the Lord is now as much a part of my life as breathing. These journals are a record of my “journey of hope.” 

He shows me things every time I join Him.  I talk boldly and candidly to the Lord; it won’t be a surprise to you how much time I spend in Psalms. I relate well to King David.  The Lord always requires me to study Proverbs, and in multiple translations.  The wisdom He has taught me from this is priceless.

For years I thought Wisdom of Pearl was to be a book, but I realized it would be a book that could never be finished.  I wish I could tell you I began this work when God first put it on my heart and gave me the title. I didn’t. I allowed fear and insecurity to talk me out of it and to procrastinate. In other words, I did not obey, until now.  Fifteen years ago I had no concept of doing a blog.  So I pray this is more about “perfect timing” than disobedience.  

What a testimony to the faithfulness of God and the evidence of His mighty hand as I now review these journals and extract all the “wisdom” He has shown to me over these many years, that I might share with you. So, this is my story.  I begin this blog from Journal #1, where I began my personal journey of hope…

I pray you will be encouraged in whatever battle you are fighting and your faith will be strengthened. God shows up in the most amazing ways.

Pray.   Wait.   Watch.   Listen.   Obey.

Matthew 13:45-46:  Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls.  When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.