Lunch With Julie
Who would think a lunch at California Pizza Kitchen could renew your childlike love for Jesus? A couple of months ago Julie and I sat down over salad (of course) to visit. She looked at me with genuine peace in her eyes and then began to tell me the most amazing story.
Perhaps you are like me in that I was raised in a Christian home. I have always known about God even when I was living in my rebellious period. I was not one of you who had a miraculous conversion. My relationship with Jesus grew at a different pace.
Julie, however, found Jesus and her universe was forever changed. I want to share her story with you in hope that you will feel freshness in your relationship with Jesus. I pray Jesus receives all acclaim for changing the hearts of the lost. May God receive glory for the love He lavishes upon His children.
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I met Julie six months earlier when she joined my small group Bible study. She was a new believer, a babe in Christ, of only six months. Little did I know at the time that Jesus was hard at work crafting in her a new heart.
Julie came to Christ, as did her husband, because their youngest daughter invited them to church. Both were baptized on Sunday then on Monday God set Julie on the journey of epic proportions.
Immediately she was overcome with a debilitating health problem. She was constantly dizzy, experiencing vertigo, which affected her ability to live life which she was accustomed.
Julie visited doctor after doctor seeking a cure for her condition. No one could help her. No one could diagnose a condition. The days moved into months and Julie’s health forced her to make changes in her life. Permanently altered, were long standing habits.
Julie told me in the past year she would long for nightly happy hour, a glass of wine or two or four every night. “Lynn, suddenly, I could no longer drink. This bad habit was immediately removed from my life.” I sat stunned as I listened.
“Lynn, then I moved into what I describe a dark tunnel. Jesus was forcing me to reevaluate everything. Every single one of my relationships. I reviewed them all. Some were bad and I needed distance. Some I placed into perspective through Christ. But, in the darkness I found a previously unseen light”
“As I dwelled in my own perceived hell, I discovered so much about myself. I learned my husband is a good man. He has supported me through all of this. I found clarity about what really matters in life.”
“I used to think I must live life to the fullest. Don’t let a day go by because I might miss something. I found, however, through God’s word, one day we will live in a new heaven and a new earth. There we will have all the chances to do the things we have always wanted to. What a relief. I don’t carry that anxiety anymore.”
As I sat across the small table mesmerized by the transformation in this beautiful woman, my heart was soaring. What an enormous privilege to see Jesus at work. Julie told me so much more about the changes that occured over the past 12 months, too much to write here.
Julie then went on to say she recently found the right physician. She is well and forever changed. Would she tell you it was a difficult journey? Yes! Was it worth it? Emphatically!
Ezekiel 11:19 NIV
I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.
A fantastic promise for all of us!
Jesus never said our journey would be easy. He never promised we would live without great suffering or trials. It is in the suffering and trials that purification takes place. A heart of gold is fashioned.
Oh Jesus, thank you for Julie. Thank you for all of your children who share their private hell with us. Their stories of triumph inspire us and give us hope. Lord, may you receive the honor and glory you deserve for rescuing Julie and Lynn and…and…. and….….. Amen.
Blessings to dear Julie, and to you sweet one.
When we let God get ahold of our hearts, I mean really, we will never be the same. God WILL make us into the people He wants us to be, even though the process will be painful sometimes. I just recently received a “spanking” from God. I’ll post about it at some point.
As I go through a time of financial struggle and fear this post has reminded me that God is refinging me through this trial. Thank you.
Jesus, Thank You for your amazing grace upon Julie and Lynn, and…upon us as we read about your tender mercies. Praise You for the hope that you give us all through Your Word and through testimonies like Julie’s. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well done, Lynn! Amazingly written. xxxooogretchen
I, like you, was raised in a Christians home and came to know the Lord at a very young age. I love to meet adults who have recently been saved. It sort of energizes something in my heart – seeing the wonder in their eyes and the evident heart changes taking place.
Thank you so much for sharing Julie’s story. It was beautifully written and it encouraged my heart.
Wow.
What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing.
in the darkness I found a previously unseen light
Thank you so much for sharing with me this awesome story. Life is not easy, but with the accompany of the lord, we will go throught it full of peace and safety…
Wish you have a wonderful weekend.
Awesome story! I guess I’m in the middle–raised as a Christian but didn’t get “IT” until later.
Thanks for sharing Julie’s story!
…and, Iris. You know, I think we get sometimes ‘stuck’ meaning not growing. Okay, so I might be the only one. I have growth spurts, but than…for a long time nothing.
Thank you so much for sharing Julie’s story.
Be blessed…