I had the pleasure of being introduced to Anne Jackson through a ministry partner and friend, Eric Bryant. He told me that we have a lot in common and that I have to look up this chick, @FlowerDust!
It wasn?t until six months later did I come to learn Anne?s incredible value in my life.
I struggle with acute anxiety, and it had been five years since my last burnout. Anne?s book ?Mad Church Disease? and her article in Outreach Magazine encouraged me to keep going. I kept all of her encouraging emails to me through my transition from working at Outreach Events to full time speaker & writer.
Why the long intro?
Because I believe there are hurting people everywhere (not just Haiti). Jesus said in Matthew 9:12 that the healthy don?t need a doctor. Sick people do!
I write devotionals because I myself have suffered. Fourteen years ago my mom gave me a One-Year Bible when I was in the hospital with severe eczema and told me to read it. Every day I grew closer to the father heart of God. I journaled. Cried and sobbed and threw fits. If a God who loved me allowed me to suffer-then there He must be able to exercise divine providence.
I?ve kept my word to follow Him daily and my book, ?Faithbook of Jesus? is a direct result of my daily time with Him. “Faithbook of Jesus” is the only daily devotional on the market written by a 20-somethings (me) for young people. I’ve surveyed over 300 young adults, ages 18-35 and quoted them in my book to match the day’s verse/devotional.
And if that weren’t enough, my story should inspire you because I was discovered on Twitter by my agent and publisher.
I hope my story inspires hope. Hope for a future because God does what he says will do.
Keep living.
Keep reading and follow Him daily!
That is my prayer!
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Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a ?sponsored post.? The company or identity who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission?s 16 CFR, Part 255: ?Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.?
Comments
22 responses to “Guest Post by Renee Johnson: Devotional Diva”
Renee- thanks for sharing. It’s awesome to read how God has used tough times for good.
And they all said twitter was just a phase…. :)
.-= Josh´s last blog ..Here come better days =-.
Thanks Josh! It still continues to amaze even me and I’m the one who lived it :-)
Twitter was never a phase!!!
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
Thanks for sharing Renee
You’re welcome Kyle! Always a pleasure…
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
Awesome! One little line stood out at me – probably not the line you intended. It’s the “discovered on Twitter.” I keep hearing this more and more every day. Checking out your book now!
.-= Brandon Cox´s last blog ..Three Questions for Pursuing God’s Will =-.
Every time I share that it’s amazing the kind of responses I get. You just never know what God has in store. Thanks for your comment :)
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
I couldn’t agree with you more of the importance of staying daily in God’s word! God bless you in your ministry and with your book.
.-= Kristine McGuire´s last blog ..The Persistence of a Cat =-.
Bless you Kristine. It’s one of the most important things we can do but one of the toughest! So many things competing for our time, money, and affections. Thanks for your comment!
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
“If a God who loved me allowed me to suffer-then there He must be able to exercise divine providence.” AMEN!!
Your story resonates with me because I too have faced burnout and have learned so much through that painful process.
.-= Kevin M.´s last blog ..Sermon Synopsis 2/21- A disciple obeys Christ continually =-.
Kevin, burnout is no fun at all. I was just reading another devotional today on suffering (why does God keep sending me all of them???) and I thought it might encourage you :: “When all these things begin to happen, stand and look UP, for your salvation is near!” Luke 21:28 NLT. Thanks for sharing and commenting!
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
I wish there were an introduction tracker somewhere online. I meet new people everyday (during the week at least) but never remember how or even when I met or first found out about someone.
I love how you remembered both how you met Anne and how you were discovered for your book (thought perhaps if your publisher sent you a DM saying, “Hey, can I publish you book?” I could understand the memory).
Thanks for sharing here. This tour is a lot of fun.
-Marshall Jones Jr.
.-= bondChristian´s last blog ..Learn how to trust your friend =-.
Marshall,
Isn’t it? It’s more fun than I could have ever imagined. I’m so glad I remembered this story because Anne rocks :)
Renee
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
Renee,
Thanks for this sweet little guest post. It’s clear that God is paving the way for you and it’s all His doing.
It’s great to know there is something out there devo wise for twenty somethings. I look forward to purchasing your book.
PS. I got to meet Anne last year at the conference my work puts on. I agree with you- I know why the whole world adores her :)
So neat to see how God uses people in our lives!
Thanks for sharing Renee! Awesome to see what exactly God uses for his glory. Keep up your great work!
.-= brett barner´s last blog ..On Forgiveness =-.
Thanks Brett! You are an encouragement to me as well. Thanks for the comment.
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
I love how God redeems our pain, anxiety, hurt, depression, and disasterous relationships. I love that He is able to use our stuff so that we can minister with real authenticity to others who need hope.
I hope that your book will be a huge beacon of light to those who need to know that God has a future beyond what they’re currently experiencing!
I wish it had been around some years back when I was in that scary place …
.-= Linda Stoll´s last blog ..Where Did We Go Wrong? =-.
Thanks Linda,
I love it too!!! Thanks for your kind words, that is definitely one of my prayers.
Renee
.-= Renee´s last blog ..Faithbook of Jesus =-.
I will have to check this out. I know that when I was looking for devos, I never found my niche. It was either geared at teens or it looked like Thomas Kinkade threw up on it.
Gratz on your divaness…divanity…divacity…whatever. :)
.-= Mattropolis´s last blog ..Identity Crisis =-.
love seeing someone stepping out and using her gifts for God’s glory … and keeping it centered on God’s Word – good for you & His Kingdom – blessings on your ministry ~ Mela
.-= Mela Kamin´s last blog ..Getting Laid Off =-.