Author: joymargetts

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Seasons of life, The Word of God

HE KNOWS BETTER THAN I

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It’s been a while since I have felt inspired to write anything that might possibly bless anyone. It has been a season where I have felt unable to share much, due to the weight of grief, loss and uncertainty that has marked it.

Then today I heard God whisper to me. I have heard Him whisper many words of comfort and encouragement during the last few months. In my spirit, through His word, through the kindness of others. But today I think He meant me to share what He said to me, with you.

Joseph’s prison

I was prompted to think about the life of Joseph ( the one with the coloured coat, not the earthly father of Jesus) by a Kingdom Story Writers Facebook post. It was a writing challenge on the biblical character, and my immediate reaction was, as it has been for months, to dismiss it. To inwardly say, ‘…not for me. This isn’t a writing season. Let others respond.’ But it seemed that God had other ideas.

The thing that came back to my memory was a scene from the animated film ‘Joseph: King of Dreams’. I haven’t watched it for years, not since my own children were small. But I vaguely remembered Joseph in his dungeon prison in Egypt, wrongly accused by Potiphar’s wife.  There in the prison was a shoot of a dead branch, with one live leaf. As Joseph sings (‘You know better than I’), we see him support and tend that feeble shoot and leaf, and as time passes that sprig turns into a rooted, fully flourishing tree, under the single shaft of light above him.

There is still a glimmer of hope

I knew God was speaking to me. When we feel like life has thrown us into the darkest of places, where we feel alone, stripped of the familiar and unsure of the future. When it seems that life as we knew it has ended –  there is still hope. It might only be the smallest glimmer of hope, but we need to tend and protect it. We need to let it take root and grow in our hearts. Knowing that God really does have a greater plan for our lives, as He did for Joseph.

Photo image of a pair of hands holding a seedling rooted in soil, against a green, light filled background

Giving it back to God

Watching the video clip again today (YouTube link) the words of the song touched me deeply. It is a declaration of trust in the most hopeless seeming circumstances. It is an acknowledgement that sometimes we have to give up our own understanding, and just give it all back to Him

…to see the best that I can do, Is put my trust in You.

For You know better than I, You know the way.

I’ve let go the need to know why, For you know better than I.

A personal word

But it wasn’t just hope and trust that God was speaking to me about. It was something much more personal. This is what He said to me,

Take what you have, what I have given you, even in this season. That gift that feels shrivelled and barely there. Tend it, pray over it, hold it in your heart, and then watch in grow and develop. Because what was rooted in the darkest place, what just started as a glimmer of hope, of a life beyond, will grow into something glorious, life-filled and fruit bearing. Even in the dark places my light finds a way. Even where there seems no easy way out, I am still working behind the scenes. There is more for you. I never abandoned Joseph. I will never abandon you.

I knew God was speaking, in part, about my writing. I need to not abandon the gift He has given me, but where it feels feeble and barely alive, to tend it, and hold it out to His light. So I listened, and today I wrote this. I pray that His light and truth will bring it alive as you read it.

He knows better than I

Joseph’s story ends well – you can read it all in Genesis chapters 37-50. He becomes more than he could ever imagine, and God uses him to miraculously save millions of people, his family included. Now we may not all become people of influence and status, we may not all do incredible things that change the course of history, but God does have a big plan for each of our lives if we choose to trust Him. A good and perfect plan, better than we can possibly imagine. He knows why we have had to walk the difficult paths and where they might lead. He knows better than you, and He knows better than I.

Photo of a desert landscape with the words of Jeremiah 29:11 and Genesis 50:20 imposed.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. ‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023 and her latest 40 day devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published 7 February 2025

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Devotional thought, Grief, Lessons from life

QUESTIONS GOD WON’T ANSWER

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I am currently living through one of the most difficult seasons of my life. Grief, loss and uncertainty are my constant companions. I am saying goodbye to dear loved ones, and experiencing the loss of other things that have given my life stability and certainty for many years. I have questions. Lots of them. The ‘why’s?’ The ‘why now’s?’ The ‘when’s?’ and the ‘what will it look like?’ And the big one, ‘what will my life look like when all this has passed?’

A child’s question

Those of you who read my blog regularly know that my grandchildren teach me so much. My nearly 4 year old grandson has lots of questions. He wants to know ‘why?’ an awful lot. He needs to know exactly where he is going, who will be there, what we will be doing, and for how long! A few days after my dear father went home to be with Jesus, my grandson was visiting his great nanna’s home with us. He got his toys out as usual, sat eating his usual snacks, and then suddenly realised something was different. ‘Where is great granddad?’ he asked.

Now as the grief bubbled up to the surface at his innocent question, it would have been easy to change the subject, ignore his question, lie even. But that wouldn’t have been the right or healthy response. His question was valid and needed an honest answer, however hard that was for us. He deserved to have his question answered, even if it made him sad too.

Limited understanding

He is not yet four, with limited understanding of life’s pain, and with a soft and innocent child’s heart. He had just noticed that there was someone missing, who had always been there. Sitting in a chair in the corner, with a ready smile and warm hug. Did he need to know all the details of how my father had died? Did he need to know about the trauma surrounding his unexpected passing? Of course not. We told him that great grandad got very old and tired and went to be with Jesus. We had to explain, in response to more questions, that yes he was going to be staying there, that he was really happy to be with Jesus in heaven, and that, yes, we were sure he had a really comfortable bed to sleep in there.

A ‘need to know’ basis

His parents chose not to bring our grandson to the funeral because he did not need to know what cremation was, to see the coffin containing dad’s earthly remains, or have the role of the funeral director explained to him. He did not have to see us all in tears. He did come to dad’s Thanksgiving Service and he loved it – the joy and hope and love was palpable. He got to be with family he loved and played with some of his great grandad’s ‘toys’ (military models that my dad collected and painted) as what he called ‘the show’ went on around him.

Photo of a young boy watching a butterfly displaying its coloured wings on a wooden railing.

Questions God won’t answer… for my good

God spoke to me really clearly through this. I may not be a nearly four year old, but to him I am His beloved child. I have questions, and sometimes wish I had all the answers, but God knows that I cannot cope with knowing all that He knows. He knows that would hurt and harm me. He loves me too much to not expose my already fragile heart to more that it can take. He always acts to protect His own.

His ways are higher than mine, His understanding infinite, whilst mine is finite. Yet there are certain things He does want me to hear and know. Like the reminder of the promises written in His word, the reminder of His constant presence and provision, the reminder of His unending love for me.

God whispers His answer

I know there will be a time when all my many questions are answered, or perhaps when I will no longer need answers. When I see Him face to face and nothing else matters any more.

My questions are valid, and God does not brush them off. Instead, He whispers to my heart,

I know, beloved, and I have you. You need to trust me, that I have all of this, and that I am with You. I see your pain, I hear your heart cry, and it moves me deeply. Please know that every promise I have made over you and your life, are yes and amen. This season will end, as surely as spring follows winter. I give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

All your questions are answered in Me.

Image of a deserted shingle beach with blue sky above and the words of Isaiah 61:3

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. ‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023 and her latest 40 day devotional, ‘Because of the Cross‘ was published 7 February 2025

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Devotional thought, The Word of God

BETWEEN THE OLD AND THE NEW

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Have you noticed snowdrops appearing from the cold hard frosted earth? Winter is coming to an end, finally, and spring will surely follow. From what appears dead, new life appears. The seasons of earth reflect the seasons of our lives.

Photograph of snowdrops appearing from a frost covered soil

LETTING GO

Personally, we are in what I guess you could describe as a grieving season. We are grieving the loss of precious loved ones, but also experiencing upheaval in other ways. Huge change is happening, things that we thought were foundational to our lives are being swept away, It is a time of questioning and pain as we work through letting go of the familiar and moving into a place of uncertainty.

One of my favourite promise verses in the Old Testament that I have gone back to many times over my lifetime is Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord,

thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.                                                                                                                                                                                            NKJV

JEREMIAH IN CONTEXT

This year I have been reading through the book of Jeremiah. It hasn’t been easy at times! The prophet Jeremiah had it tough, really tough. Called to deliver a crushing message heralding the death knells of Judah, (all that remained of God’s once great Kingdom of Israel) he experienced depression, grief and constant persecution. Still he was obedient to speak as God asked him to.

Reading Jeremiah 29:11 in context has brought it into new light for me. A few chapters earlier God had told the people, through the prophet, that Babylonian exile was going to be an inevitability, God had orchestrated it. But that there was hope – if they chose to go into exile willingly and not resist – then He would protect them. Those who did not heed the warnings and stayed, would suffer and die.[1]

A LETTER FROM GOD’S HEART

It seems that many did indeed chose to go willingly into exile – this would have included Daniel, Ezekiel, and many other God-fearing men and women. So in chapter 29 God tells Jeremiah to write the exiles a letter – from His heart. Settle in Babylon, He tells them, build homes, plant crops, grow your families – I want you to prosper. Bless the land you live in, seek it’s peace, because then you will be at peace. Don’t listen to those who say your exile won’t last long – I have my plans and they are for 70 years of exile.

Jeremiah 29: 11 was a promise to those who had lost everything. Refugees, they were dragged away, leaving their homes, jobs, friends and maybe even family. Everything familiar had been ripped away, the old gone. These are grieving, hurting people. But God tells them  – I haven’t forgotten you, or any of the promises I have made. You are still in my thoughts. You still have a destiny, a future full of hope in Me. I have not and will not abandon you.

Image of a water-colour painting of flowers in a field in shades of blue and green, with the text of Jeremiah 29:11 super imposed on it.

GOD IS THINKING OF US

He goes in in verses 11-14 to remind them that He will always be available to them. They will pray and He will hear, they will seek Him and find Him. In The Passion Translation, v14 has these words ‘I will not disappoint you’ and ‘all that you have lost, I will restore.’

God’s very personal letter of comfort and hope, from His heart to the people He loved, speaks just as loudly to us today. We may feel a little lost in that area between the old and the new, but He is with us, constantly available. He sees our grief, He knows the hard season we are in, but His heart for us is to prosper us and give us an amazing future in Him. We have a destiny, a new thing to walk in, and in His timing, He will take our hands and lead us into it, restoring all that we have lost.

Spring will always follow winter.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

[1] Jeremiah 22:8-10

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Jesus, Kingdom books, The Word of God

BOOK REVIEW: Finding Jesus in the Wilderness, by Rachel Yarworth

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It is my absolute privilege to be able to kick off the Blog Tour for this incredible book!

Finding Jesus in the Wilderness: 40 reflections for dry and difficult times

Author: Rachel Yarworth ISBN: 978-1739257743 RRP £10.99

Image of the front cover of Finding Jesus in the wilderness

THE BLURB

Wilderness seasons come to us all: those spiritually dry and difficult times when God feels far away and the temptation to quit is everywhere. But it’s not all bad. There are treasures hidden among the difficulties that God has brought you here to find.
This book offers companionship to those who find themselves in a wilderness season – a hand to hold and a voice to encourage you to keep going. There is hope here after all. Also suitable as a Lenten devotional, where reading a reflection every day will help you to identify with Jesus’ own journey through the wilderness.

MY REVIEW

One of the really thrilling things about being in a community with like-minded Christian writers is that you get to be involved with seeing some incredible books be produced and released into the world. I was so  privileged to be able to read an early version of this book when it was still in manuscript form, and it blew me away. I was so excited by it, that I wanted to endorse it, which I did, and recommend it to everyone and anyone.

Have you ever been in a spiritual wilderness season? Perhaps you are in one now? Have you ever wondered why you are there? Or where God is in all of it? Or if you will ever come out the other side?

I think most of us can associate with those thoughts and questions. Loss, long term illness, broken relationships; there are a myriad reasons why we can find ourselves struggling to connect with God. Seasons where we feel lonely, misunderstood, weary and dry.

Written from the Wilderness

Image of the author, Rachel Yarworth

This special book was written from the wilderness place; Rachel knows all about it. This isn’t an ‘I got through the other side and now I can see everything clearly’ book, it is real and raw about how it feels to be in that season. Yet it also brims over with hope.

Every chapter is full of truth and treasure, based soundly on the written word of God, and also incorporating some personal Holy Spirit inspired words of encouragement. Written as a 40- day devotional, each day tackles a different aspect of the wilderness experience. Rachel has chosen to alternate these so that alongside every perceived difficulty there is a chapter of hope. So although the wilderness might be a place of desperation, loneliness and fear, is can also be a place of romance, connection and preparation.

Get yourself a copy!

I love this book! Can you tell? It is perfect for Lent, but equally as good at any other time. I am currently reading through it a second time and it is helping me immensely. God is speaking deep words of encouragement to my soul as I face my own challenging season.

I cannot recommend Finding Jesus in the Wilderness highly enough. Go get yourself a copy – buy two and give one away! I truly believe this is going to be a life-changing book for many.

Finding Jesus in the Wilderness is available direct from Rachel at www.rachelyarworthwriter.uk, through Amazon in paperback and eBook form, and wherever good Christian books are sold.

If you want to go even deeper with this book, Rachel has also produced a helpful companion Prayer Journal, also available via her website.

Image of front cover of Finding Jesus in the Wilderness Prayer Journal.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Seasons of life

HIS HARNESS OF LOVE

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I haven’t written much lately; I haven’t felt able to, for many reasons. I definitely wasn’t intending to write anything today, New Year’s Day 2025, but God had other ideas.

The promise

This time last year I wrote a blog about the promise God had given me for 2024. How it was going to be an extra-ordinary year that I would look back on with wonder.

It has been an incredible year. Most notably with the launch of Kingdom Story Writers and the way that has flourished, not to mention the publication of novel #4, The Stranger, an accompanying short story, The Widow, and a certain award nomination.

However the promise last year also spoke of uncertain times, stony paths, but of a hand that was there to hold mine and keep me safe from the crashing waves.

The One who is faithful

2024 has been tough, particularly the latter part of the year. There are things that we have had to face that have shaken our foundations, threatened to trip us up in our faith walk, caused deep grief and pain.

He who promises is faithful. He has held my hand, as I have gripped tightly to His.

The need to hear His voice

As I came before Him today and reviewed last year with Him, I could see so many instances of His goodness, His faithfulness and His provision. I am so thankful! But I also needed to hear from Him again, as we face what could be a really difficult year.

He didn’t let me down. This is what He whispered to my soul as I gazed out at a rough, wave crashing sea and heard the wind whistle outside my window.

The wind will blow but your house will stand. The waves will crash but not overwhelm. In all things you will see my hand and hear my voice. Your foundations are stronger than you think. Your faith holds fast even when it feels like it is slipping through your hands. I have you, beloved. The rope might be rough and wet and slippery, and you may feel like your grip is weak, but look down. My rope harness holds you and I will not let you fall. Let me hold you, beloved. Trust my ability to hold you, over your ability to hold on to me. Let me be the strong one.

As I heard those words I had a really clear picture of me hanging off a cliff in a storm, with my hands around an old hemp rope, thinking that I had to hold on to save myself from falling, and yet feeling my grip gradually slipping. Even as my hands failed to hold onto the rope, I did not fall. I was tied tightly into a harness that easily took my weight, and on the cliff top above me stood the One whose grip will never fail.

My Hiding Place

I turned, comforted, to the scriptures and read Psalm 32.

This is the promise from v 6-7

For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

I’ll take that for 2025.

Perhaps you can take it too.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

christian fiction, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Kingdom books, Lessons from life, The Word of God

‘ER AR OO?’

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A couple of weeks ago we had the joy of going away for a few days with the children and grandchildren. All weekend the son-on-law was quipping about things he was doing, or we were discussing, ending up in my blog. He was right, but this one isn’t about him. I’m not sure if he will be pleased or disappointed about that! His time will come. My family are a source of endless inspiration for my blog it seems.

Photo of a small boy and small girl sitting on the fender of an old railway engine

No Escape

Being with two small people 24 hours a day is great fun but also exhausting. It was tiring enough when we were fit young parents. Now that we are not so fit and not so young, it is doubly exhausting. And there is no escape. We had forgotten that. No room is off limits to inquisitive toddlers – not our bedroom at 7 am in the morning, or the bathroom it seems.

‘Er ar oo?’

‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ the little one called from behind the locked bathroom door. ‘I’m here!’ I replied, hastening to finish what I had gone in there to do. There was a pause of quite a few seconds, in which I though she had given up and gone away.  In fact she had gone for reinforcements – her brother  – and then there was a crash of toy diggers against the door, and the repeated refrain,  a little louder this time. ‘Nana, ‘er ar oo?’ .

‘I’m here’, I said, also a little louder, and resigned myself to the fact that I had been discovered in my temporary hiding place. I paused before opening the door – it was necessary, to save everyone embarrassment – and in the moments it took for me to make myself relatively decent, the voice came once more, and even more insistently. ‘NANA, ‘ER AR OO?’

Just behind the door

I love my grandchildren with a fierce intensity. I love that they want to be with me, and that a closed door is no barrier when they decide to find me. We will remember that sweet little question for a long time. It made my heart swell to hear it. I wondered afterwards if she asked the question repeatedly because she couldn’t hear my reply through the locked door. Or was she just making sure that she had my attention – making sure I knew she was there and looking for me? Wanting me to come out and love on her … and play toys.

Where are You God?’

 I wonder if there are times when you go to our Heavenly Father, and call out to Him. Repeatedly perhaps. Have you ever felt that there is a locked shut door between you and Him? Or perhaps you have been listening out for His answer and not hearing it? I have experienced that. When life gets tough sometimes we become more aware of God’s presence and peace. But sometimes in those difficult times, it actually feels like He has hidden Himself away. We knock and knock, but He doesn’t seem to be listening.

I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Hebrews 13:5

The Stranger

My latest book, The Stranger, was inspired by a time in my life where I felt I had lost contact with the God who had always been there for me. I couldn’t feel His presence, I couldn’t hear His voice. There seemed to be a barrier between us, and it was awful. Despair came calling and the temptation to abandon all that I have ever believed in was very real. Where are You, God? I called. Why aren’t you stopping this pain? Why have you left me here in this pit? Do You even care?

Image shows the front cover of the book, The Stranger, by Joy Margetts. The top of the cover, with the title, is representative of parchment paper. The bottom half of the cover design is the image of a medieval pilgrim taken from a manuscript.

Just behind the door

I wrote The Stranger because I want to spread hope. The central character, Silas, goes on the same journey as I did all those years ago. God might have seemed silent and distant at the time, but I think now that He was answering my cries and I just couldn’t hear Him. Or wouldn’t hear Him. There was a huge solid wall between us. One that I had built. A seemingly closed door made up of accusation, fear, doubt, disappointment, anger and grief. When I stopped banging and yelling. When I repented for the case I had built against Him, then gently the door began to open. I began to hear Him again. First through the words of loving friends, then through the truth of His Word, and finally in the depths of my being – that still small voice that I long remembered and held dear.

I am with you always, even to the end of the age. Matt 28:20

He had never abandoned me. He was just the other side of the door calling out, ‘I’m here, beloved, I’m here’.

If you would like to read Silas’ story in The Stranger, you can now buy a copy where all good books are sold, in the UK and the US. Or via my website at www.joymargetts.com.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel was published 22 November 2024 by Broad Place Publishing.

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, christmas, Devotional thought, Jesus, Lessons from life

JOY AND PAIN

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At the beginning of last month we had a fabulous family day out. So full of joy! We took the children and the grandchildren and visited a stunning country estate, with lush green lawns, hidden gardens, views of mountains and water, and a house full of fascinating history. The sun shone, the ice-creams were delicious, and we all enjoyed it very much. The day after I struggled to move from my bed.

That is the nature of the chronic condition I live with. I can do some of the things that I want to do, I can push myself to live a ‘normal’ life, I can spend a whole day out with my family and walk far more than I usually do. But there is always payback. This time around the payback lasted for some days, and it was painful – both physically and emotionally.

Photo of a family with three adults and two small children walking down a gravel path between grass and trees

That’s life

I took my frustrations out on God, as I always do. He is big enough to take it! And as always He spoke comfort and wisdom to my soul. He reminded me that life is actually about joy and pain. The two co-exist in tension, and will do until we all enter that place where pain will be no more and our joy inexpressible. Would I have chosen not to go out for that family day if I had known what the after effects would be? No! I would not have missed it for the world. We celebrated one another and created some really special memories that day. The pain was worth it.

Was the pain worth it?

We are fast approaching Christmas (sorry to mention it!). We will be remembering the story of a frightened young girl enduring unimaginable emotional and physical pain as she carried and gave birth to the Son of God. I wonder if Mary thought all the pain worth it? The shunning by her neighbours, the distrust from her betrothed, the looks and snide comments, the exhausting journey to a distant town, the filthy damp stable where she had to give birth. I think she did think it was worth it. For the joy of being chosen to bear the Messiah, the joy of holding her Saviour in her arms, the joy of understanding that this was all so much greater than her momentary suffering.

Jesus

And then of cause there is Jesus,

‘who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross,’ Hebrews 12:2 NKJV

None of us can ever fully understand the pain that Jesus endured. Horrendous physical pain of course, but then there was the heart pain of separation, the weight of sin and all it’s consequences, the betrayal, the mocking. But this verse tells us that it was for the joy to come that He endured it all. The joy of knowing me, and you, and millions of others who would find their life in Him. We were the joy He looked forward to as He submitted himself to the cross.

Photo of a stately home with grass and trees in front of it, water and mountains behind and a blue sky above.

There is always joy

Not all pain has a reason that we can see. God knows and He sees the bigger picture. Perhaps our pain will produce something fruitful and eternal? And we have this hope – there might be pain, but there is always joy. Jesus came to turn it all around.

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me,
…. to comfort all who mourn,
To console those who mourn in Zion,
To give them beauty for ashes,
The oil of joy for mourning,
The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness;
That they may be called trees of righteousness,
The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”              Isaiah 61:1-3 NKJV

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian blog, Christian faith, Devotional thought

WHEN THE DIGGING GOES DEEP

joymargetts

… and gets messy!

We live in a beautiful spot. From every window at the back of our house we get a panoramic view of the sea. Between our garden and the beach is nothing but a small grassy farmer’s field, very occasionally inhabited by a few sheep or cows. It is protected land, and cannot be built on, for which we are most grateful. One of the reasons for this is that the field covers what was once, many decades ago, the town rubbish tip.

Imagine our surprise when  a few weeks back we woke to find a small mechanical digger sitting in the field. We were even more surprised when two men proceeded to erect a tent in the far corner. A few enquires with our neighbours put our minds at ease. The bottle diggers had arrived.

Photo of field being dug over by a mechanical digger, with the sea beyond

The bottle diggers

Now I knew nothing about bottle diggers. Think metal detectorists, but with a fascination with old glass!  A few months ago we had noticed torch lights playing across the pitch black night sky, and woke to find a hole to one side of the field. The bottle diggers somehow knew about the status of our field as an old rubbish tip, and, in this case, had illegally trespassed to look for treasure. Apparently there is a network of bottle diggers in this country, and when the diggers with the tent found out about the night time digging, they approached the owner of the land and asked for permission to dig – in the daylight! By turning over the whole field, legally, they would hopefully discourage the less honest diggers from returning.

Unearthing treasure

And they knew their stuff. They dug deep, down to several feet, and turned up hundreds, maybe even thousands of bottles of all shapes and sizes. We watched as they examined them, throwing some into sacks, placing others more delicately into crates. Who knew that old bottles could be so valuable? They were happy to chat and share their knowledge – and even gifted us a few of their finds. Including a 70 year old Australian wine bottle that apparently is worth quite a bit in Australia! We won’t be going any time soon… They didn’t show us the most valuable pieces, but did assure us they had more than covered the cost of the digger hire and diesel. They also dug up lots of broken glass and crockery, and made a lot of mess!

Photo of old glass bottles in different colours and shapes

Restoring the surface

One of the conditions of being allowed to dig was that the bottle diggers were to level the field, remove any surface glass, and sow new grass seed when they had finished. As I look out at the field today, it is still very obvious that someone has dug it over, but grass is beginning to appear. In a few months time it will be as if the bottle diggers were never there.

A messy business

Why am I telling you all this? Well God spoke to me very clearly through what I observed. Sometimes in life God wants to do some deep work in us. He wants to bring treasure to the surface, but the process can be messy, and unearth more than things of eternal value. Digging deep into our hearts and souls can also bring a lot of rubbish to the surface. That is not a bad thing. If the deep work exposes both good and bad, then both can be dealt with through His grace at work in us.

Real treasure

I was dwelling on this. Knowing that in this season of my life God has done some deep work, bringing things to the surface that have long been buried. It has not been comfortable, and has even been messy at times.  I know we have had to face some rubbish together, but I also believe He has brought some real treasure to the surface.

 I wonder if it is visible to anyone else that a deep digging has taken place in my life? And does it matter if it doesn’t? If others look at me and see me as they have always seen me? I know that the  ‘bottle digger’, that is the Holy Spirit, has been. In fact He is still here. And if I am the only one who ever appreciates the work He has done in my life then that is OK. The treasure is all His.

Text of Psalm 139: 24-25 in The Passion Translation, on a background photo of a beach in early evening light.

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian Writer

AWARD WINNING AUTHOR?

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A few days ago I received a most surprising email. Out of nowhere I discovered that my publishers had put one of my novels forward for an industry recognised award. Incredibly, they were contacting me to let me know that ‘The Bride’ had been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the CRT (Christian Resources Together UK) Fiction Book of the Year Award. What an absolute honour! For any author to know that their work is considered potentially award winning, is such a huge encouragement. I was ever so slightly overwhelmed!

CRT Award Nominees 2024
Fiction finalists

Award Nominee

The news of my award nomination came at a really good time. Life has been challenging lately, with a number of discouragements and difficulties affecting us, and those we care for deeply. I was really grateful – to my publishers, and to those who had short-listed my book of course, but to God as well. He knew how much I needed to hear some good news. Some really good news. Something definitely worth celebrating.

If I win, and by the time you read this, I will know which way the voting has gone ( I am up against two other fabulous authors, both of whom I respect immensely)… if I win, I will be entitled to call myself an ‘Award Winning Author.’ I am not sure how I feel about that! Is it OK to wear that as a label? Those closest to me absolutely think it is. My publisher will be immensely happy to describe me that way. My family and friends are really excited.

Award Winning Author?

But honestly? Amongst all the other things that are happening in my life at the moment, I do think I feel more strongly about being known by other labels just now, even if ‘Award Winning Author’ does have a certain ring to it. In this particular season I want to be known as a good and caring daughter, a loving wife, mother and grandmother, a trustworthy friend, a wise spiritual mother, a servant – hearted leader. And above all… a lover of Jesus. He must be the centre of my world and the object of my joy, above all else.

Image of the front cover of Joy's book The Bride

So, So Thankful

Being an award winning author is an amazing accolade, and it is not that I don’t want to win. I would be delighted! But perhaps, in terms of what is of most value eternally, the way I live in relationship to those whom I love is more important than the fact that I wrote a decent book, or two. And yet I know that God has given me my writing gift, enabled me to see those books published, blessed others in the reading of them. I take none of those things for granted. I am so, so thankful. Maybe my written words will bear eternal fruit in the lives of some who might read them. That is my prayer.

So if I do win the award, it is dedicated to Him of course, and to those who have supported me in this incredible journey.

Let every activity of your lives and every word that comes from your lips be drenched with the beauty of our Lord Jesus, the Anointed One. And bring your constant praise to God the Father because of what Christ has done for you!

Colossians 3:17 TPT

P.S. I didn’t win, but my lovely friend Jo Sheringham did, for her book ‘The Perfect Companion’ which I had the pleasure of endorsing and that I reviewed here. I am happy to be known as an Award Nominee, knowing that I was in very good company!

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Devotional thought

God’s Embrace

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Grandchildren are the best

It is such a privilege to be able to care for my grandchildren. I know we are blessed to have them living close by, and to be a part of their young lives. I don’t take it for granted. It is a real joy to have them in our home, to lavish love on them, to have fun, to even do the mundane things together, and the difficult things. Like nap time. Nap time doesn’t always go smoothly. In fact sometimes it can be a bit of a challenge.

My eighteen month old granddaughter hasn’t been coming to us for long. Her mum didn’t go back to work after having her, so we weren’t needed so early in her young life. Over the last three weeks we have trialed having her for full days with her brother, and it has gone generally well. With our grandson we had ‘cracked’ nap time; we had a little routine of stories, milk and cuddles, and he inevitably settled without much trouble. He now no longer even needs a nap. But his sister does.

Photo of a small child playing in the garden

The first two weeks went actually surprisingly well, but this last week was not so smooth. She objected to everything and there were lots of tears. Now I am generally the one who does the ‘settling to sleep’. I am also the one who does the nappy changes, the meal prep and the telling what to do. Grandad is the fun one who mostly just plays with them! And our granddaughter loves her Grandad and always reaches for him first. So as she is crying because she is tired and yet refusing to sleep, she decides that Nanna just won’t do. Grandad is all she wants.

Close to tears

I admit that in this instance I found that really difficult. Already feeling emotionally fragile because of other things happening in my life, this Nanna found herself close to tears, as her beloved granddaughter rejected her cuddles and chose Grandad instead. It was probably an overreaction – later in the day she played quite happily with me, smiling and laughing. But just in that moment I felt hurt, and that I wasn’t enough for her.

Sharing about this with a dear and very wise friend, she immediately said,

 ‘You’ve got a blog there. How do you think God feels when we go to other things or people instead of Him?’

She was right, on both counts. Here is the blog!

God’s Embrace

I took time to meditate on what she said, and it challenged me deeply. Even in  my  current season, when I have sometimes felt overwhelmed, upset and confused, where have I gone to for comfort? Food? Social Media? TV? I know my weaknesses!

It is not that those things are necessarily bad in and of themselves, but there is One who loves me passionately, who has all the comfort I need. Who is standing there with His arms wide open waiting for me to come into His embrace. Instead I go elsewhere, until finally I realise that the arms I have rejected are the ones I need the most. How often have I hurt God by choosing not to accept His embrace? How many times must I learn that those other things are just distractions, and that His voice, His Word, He Himself are my real places of refuge.

Now I am not God, and my husband is not comfort food! But, yet again, God has spoken to me  about my relationship with Him through the antics of my grandchildren. It is incredible how they are teaching me. How I see in our time spent together powerful representations of how my heavenly father wants me to be with Him. Childlike, trusting, accepting of His loving embrace.

Image shows the text of Psalm 131

Joy Margetts is a published author and blogger. Her books are works of Christian Historical fiction. Set in medieval Wales against the backdrop of Cistercian abbey life, they tell stories of faith, hope and God’s redemptive power. Her debut novel ‘The Healing‘ was published by Instant Apostle on 19 March 2021.

‘The Pilgrim‘, her second full length novel, was published by Instant Apostle on 22 July 2022, and her third novel, ‘The Bride‘, published on 20th October 2023. Her first non-fiction book, an Advent Devotional, ‘Christ Illuminated‘ was published in September 2023.

‘The Stranger‘, her fourth full length novel is coming soon! Due for publication November 2024

More information on Joy, and her books can be found here