Search
Search

A Glory Story: Ge-Anne. When It All Finally Became Real

LISTEN NOW!

2 Corinthians 3:17–18 (NIV)

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

CONSIDER THIS

I met Ge-Anne at the New Room Conference last fall. It turned out we were both eating a boxed supper alone at separate tables on site when I walked over to join her table. We have continued in friendship throughout the unfolding of this story and since. Without further adieu, meet Ge-Anne.

It’s almost August. It’s been about ten months since my encounter with Jesus at New Room. I’ve spent a lot of time wondering why my healing was so specific. Surely body dysmorphia is not high on the Savior’s list, right?

Who cares if I walk into a room with confidence? Or if the accusing voices in my head are silent? What does that bring to the body of Christ?

I’m still not 100 percent sure, but I know that immediately upon my return home, the Holy Spirit started prompting me to tell the story of how Jesus flooded my heart with his presence. How he finally became real to me. This began a strange web of connected community that I have the privilege of watching as it continues to spread. People are hungry to know God more and they show up for each other and share the stories of how they are seeking a deeper relationship with him.

There’s a story that Corrie ten Boom told about how she asked her father a difficult question and he took down his suitcase and asked her to lift it. She couldn’t and told him so. He patiently explained that some things were too heavy for us to bear in the moment.

I’m glad I had no idea what God was up to.

I’m writing this from the living room in my condo. A year ago I didn’t have a condo. I’m writing this without a wedding ring on my finger. I’m writing this from the most broken place I’ve ever been.

But Jesus has never left my side. He’s teaching me to encounter him inside of this storm … to reach out to others and pull them into the shelter of his arms. And, to allow them to do the same for me.

He’s teaching me how to let other people love me. I never did that before. I was the caretaker. I was the one giving. Of course, this means I was the one far too proud to let others see the real me.

Today, I *think* I’m beginning to see why he healed me in the specific way that he did. He allowed me to see his light in my eyes so that finally I could value myself the way he does and finally walk away from someone intent on tearing me down to keep from facing his own pain.

He healed me in a way that is so obvious to people who have known me for years to refer to my former existence as “the old Ge-Anne.”

So, I’m thankful for the safe place I’m in. I’m thankful for the community he’s providing. I’m thankful for the buckets of tears that I still continue to cry because he’s been faithful to heal every hurt I surrender to him.

My Holy Spirit story? While he’s worked mightily in my life, it’s this season that he’s transforming me.

He’s my Comforter and my Counselor.

This is the way—from glory to glory. 

THE PRAYER

Abba Father, thank you for this awakening story. I am encouraged to see you working so tangibly and powerfully in a person. It raises my faith to believe more could be possible in my life. We thank you for the courage shown here to share and we pray deepened transformation as a result—from glory to glory. Praying in Jesus’ name. 

THE QUESTION

How does this story encourage your faith? How does it challenge you? 

For the Awakening,
J.D. Walt
Sower-in-Chief
seedbed.com

Subscribe to the Daily Text Here

Share today's Wake-Up Call!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

WHAT IS THIS? Wake-Up Call is a daily encouragement to shake off the slumber of our busy lives and turn our eyes toward Jesus. Each morning our community gathers around a Scripture, a reflection, a prayer, and a few short questions, inviting us to reorient our lives around the love of Jesus that transforms our hearts, homes, churches, and cities.

Comments and Discussion

One Response

  1. I have known Ge-Anne for a handful of years, and the story she shared is just the beginning. She is a champion. A true hero. Heroes save lives and she helped save mine. She is a servant. Servant are selfless and the Lord has used her to serve others and that is why like it says in 1 Cor. 1-3 comfort is cyclical. He-Anne is paying it forward and so her comfort in another’s valley necessarily becomes comfort for others down the road. It’s time that comfort comes back to this amazing, selfless lady. Pray for Ge-Anne and not just for her comfort…for her to keep doing the Lord’s work.
    —David

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *