Faith Archives - Joy Margetts

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

GOD CAN HANDLE OUR QUESTIONS WHY

March 22, 2026March 21, 2026 joymargetts

My eldest grandson comes to play at Nanna’s house with his younger sister at least once a week. They love coming. They love the toys, the snacks, our garden, and our company. This last week they came as usual, but things were a bit different. Having injured my back and being still in recovery mode, I was not as active as I usually am. I couldn’t get down on the floor to play or join in kicking the ball in the garden. I was cautious and careful and less present. Our boy must have picked up on this. As the time came for last cuddles before we took them home, he came bounding over, and as he usually does, proceeded to try and climb up onto my lap. That was too much for my poor aching body, and I gently repositioned him to sit beside me on the sofa instead.

‘Oh Nana,’ he said with exasperation. ‘Why do you have to be so old?’

Frustration

Now I could have taken offense. I am in fact the youngest of all four of his grandparents – by some way! But in that moment, I did actually feel old. The pain in my back and legs has left me hobbling and exhausted, acting older. He wasn’t wrong.

I could have been angry at his disrespect. I dare say if his parents had been there a rebuke would have followed. But instead, I smiled, laughing to myself. He wasn’t being rude; he was just as frustrated as I was that we couldn’t have our usual cuddle and voiced it in a way that made sense to him.

I don’t think he was expecting me to answer either.

As I drew him closer and tucked a cosy blanket around him, he leaned into me as we watched a favourite video together. I knew he wasn’t really upset with me, just with the circumstances. He still loved me and knew that I loved him.

Photo of two small children sitting on a rug in the garden with a grandparent

Asking God ‘why?’

As I have been mulling over this little incident, God has been speaking.

How many times have I asked God ‘why?’. How many times have accusations against Him popped into my mind? When things happen that I don’t like, or don’t understand. When He doesn’t seem to be answering my prayers, or responding in the way I want Him to? Even in the last few weeks where the back pain has limited what I can do, made me feel really low, gone on longer than I hoped. When people have been praying for my healing, and it hasn’t seemed to have made any difference. There have been times when the temptation to blurt out my exasperation at God has found voice.

Psalm 22

I love the Psalms, because the Psalmist is so human. So many times we hear him ask questions of God and be honest about his feelings. This last week I read Psalm 22 again. It is well known to be the Psalm that foretells much of Christ’s suffering on the cross. Jesus quoted from it as He hung in agony,

My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?
Why are You so far from helping Me,
And from the words of My groaning?

The Psalm talks of intense human pain, but it is not all negative. In fact, the verses describing suffering are interspersed with ‘buts’ as the Psalmist reminds us, and himself, of the character and faithfulness of God.

But You are holy,
Enthroned in the praises of Israel.
Our fathers trusted in You;

But You are He who took Me out of the womb;

From My mother’s womb
You have been My God.

And it ends with a celebration of answered prayer,

For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted;
Nor has He hidden His face from Him;
But when He cried to Him, He heard.

Image of a Bible open to the book of Psalms

God can handle it

Now I would not dare to compare my back pain to the suffering that Christ endured, but I do take comfort from His Word. I have endured tougher times than this before and I have questioned God. But my testimony has been that He is faithful, He does answer prayer, He does deliver and heal, He can be trusted.

So, if in a moment of exasperation, I want to cry out ‘Why, God?’, it is OK. God can handle it. He won’t take offense. He might gently chide me but not in anger. He won’t punish me by pulling away. Instead, He pulls me closer and holds me tighter. He whispers words of understanding and love. He reminds me of His goodness, His faithfulness, the hope I have in His promises. He asks me again to trust Him, and I find my peace restored when I make the choice to do so. When I put down having to know the reasons why, and just lean into His love.

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.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian blog, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Grief, Healing, Jesus, Lessons from life

EXPLORING INDEPENDENCE

March 7, 2026March 6, 2026 joymargetts

As regular readers will have gathered my grandchildren are an endless source of inspiration when it comes to this blog! So often God speaks to me through them, and usually it is a really timely word. Today is no different.

A spirit of independence

Our eldest grandson is almost 5. He is at school full time and growing up quick. One of the signs that he is growing up is that he is definitely developing a very strong will. A spirit of independence is emerging – a demand to have things his way. Sometimes what he asks for is reasonable and we can accommodate his wishes. Other times his demands are far less reasonable, and even non-sensical to our adult understanding. We can’t magic up a replacement when he refuses to wear the jumper his mum has packed into his bag. It may not be the jumper he wants to wear – but until we take him home, it is what he must wear. Or get cold.

His frustration sometimes shows itself outwardly. There are loud tears and even a bit of thrashing about. He can’t, or won’t, hear what we are saying when we try to explain why he can’t have exactly what he wants when he wants it. Does it mean that we don’t love him? Of course not. Does it mean that we don’t want him to be happy? No. It just means that he has to accept that not everything is going to go his way.

Image shows a small boy wearing overalls and a woolly hat. He is grinning.

Things don’t always go the way we want

Life is like that. As we grow older, more and more we have to accept that things don’t always go the way we want them too. We have our own desires, our free will, our independence, our ability to make choices for ourselves. But still we don’t always get what we think we want, even when those are good things.

We have a Father in heaven who loves us intimately, and cares deeply for us. He loves to bless us and give us good things. He also created us with free will, the ability to make independent choices and decisions. Sometimes we get it wrong. We take the wrong path or ask for the wrong things. Sometimes difficult things happen to us, or we have to experience going without the things that we think will make us content.

There are times when I have cried loudly, thrashed about a bit, railed at God. Usually, it is when I just don’t understand. Like my grandson, my understanding is limited. I struggle to see why I must endure unpleasant things. Why suffering must come to me or those I love. I know God knows why, that He sees the bigger picture, that His ways are higher than mine. And I have had to learn to trust Him, even when there are no answers.

Tantrums only hurt me

I have just navigated a season of loss with God. It has been tough, and healing is still in progress. During this time, I haven’t screamed and cried much at God, even when it really hurt. Through previous life experience I have learnt that reacting that way doesn’t actually do me any good. Just as my grandson’s tantrums only really hurt him. I am the one who suffers more if I don’t deal well with disappointment. If I do have a moment of anger or frustration, I know that God will be patient with me. He looks on in love and waits for me to work it out. If I sit in the negativity, I sacrifice the peace He is offering me. My self-pity steals my joy and can lead to hopelessness and despair.

Trusting God to know what is best

Our loving Father in heaven knows that we can’t always have all that we want. He knows that we are going to have to endure hard things, have our independence curtailed. He knows and He cares. I love my grandson, and I want him to give him everything that he asks for. I also know that it wouldn’t be healthy for him if I did. Isn’t it good that we can trust a perfect Father to know what is for our best and what is not?

After the storm has passed there is a quiet resolution. A cuddle and a few soft words and everything is settled. Our boy knows that us loving him doesn’t mean that we will always give in to him. He remembers all the love (and the things) that we have lavished him with already. He loves us and still wants to be with us.

I don’t want to be independent

I would love life to always be pain-free. Just this week we have had some more sad news. Grief has resurfaced, and the questions threaten. I have decided not to scream and rant at God, I need His peace too much. I need His loving presence close by to help me, and those I love, navigate this storm. I need to hear His soft words of comfort. He knows that I don’t like it, that I wish it could have been different. But I don’t want to be independent at the moment. I want to be fully dependent on Him, and that means using my independence, my free-will to choose to trust Him with it all.

Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah.

Psalm 62:8

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Book Review, Books, Christian blog, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS

February 26, 2026February 23, 2026 joymargetts

BLESS THE WORK OF OUR HANDS Prayers and Reflections for Creatives

Author: Jane Walters

Published by: BRF ISBN 978-1800394186 RRP £9.99 – £12.99 144pp

Image of the front cover of the book, with the title and sub-title in gold on a dark green background, surrounded by gold leaves

BLURB

Pausing to think, pray and yield to God at every stage is a natural, vital element of the creative process. Bless the Work of Our Hands offers prayers, reflections, and biblical character studies to encourage Christian creatives to commit themselves and their projects to God. Written for hobbyists and paid professionals alike, playing and working in every genre, it encourages an honest, open-handed and open-hearted approach, in order that all we produce and all that we become from our creative toil may bring glory to God.

MY REVIEW

My first impression as I unwrapped my copy of Bless the Work of Our Hands was just how lovely the cover was, and what a handy size the book came in! I was excited to look inside and was not disappointed. This truly is a beautiful little book!

I am a creative, as are all of us, in some way or other. That is no surprise, as we are made in the image of a creator God (Genesis 1:27). The drive to create and produce things of beauty and worth is there inside of us, but its outworking comes in many different ways. I love to write creatively, but I also crochet, and bake, and occasionally make things out of paper. My husband takes photos, does DIY, and designs his garden. What I love about Jane’s resource is that is for everyone – however you express your creativity, and whether you do it as a paid job, or as a pastime.

Bless the Work of Our Hands comprises of a series of beautiful prayers and reflections, underpinned by relevant scriptures and the occasional biblical character study. It addresses all of the issues we might come across as we approach a creative project – from getting started, through the messy middle and to the end, with additional thoughts on helpful topics such as; yielding to the Maker, purity of motives and dealing with failure and loneliness. Whatever stage you are at in your creative journey there is encouragement for you here, an invitation to work in partnership with God, even a challenge in places.

Several of the prayers spoke to me very personally. They are written by someone who understands, who has experience, and whose heart is to bless others. One of the overriding themes of the book, which I found useful to remember, is that our creative work mirrors the work of God in our own lives. As we strive to create something of beauty, so He is at works in us – we are His masterpieces ( Ephesians 2:10).

Here is an image of one of many prayers that blessed me…

I love this book – and I can see me using it over and over again. It is just the right size to slip into my craft bag or laptop case! It offers a place to pause, mid project, to re-centre ourselves and remember that God wants to work with us, and through us, to His glory. Perhaps you know a creative who would love this book as a gift? Perhaps that creative is you! I highly recommend you get yourself a copy! It is a real treasure trove.

Image of the author holding a copy of the book

Available from Amazon, Eden, Waterstones, Aslan and direct from the Publisher

Jane Walters is chair of the Association of Christian Writers and enjoys supporting emerging talent through leading workshops and retreats. Her twin loves are being creative as a musician, skilled textile craftworker, and qualified interior designer, and drawing on her love and understanding of scripture, communicating it honestly and accessibly. You can find out more about her here www.janewyattwalters.com

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Lessons from life, The Word of God

THE ONE WHO COMFORTS BEST

February 20, 2026February 19, 2026 joymargetts

Our grandchildren are amazing, and being able to spend time caring for them is a real honour. My littlest grandchild is only 8 months old and only very recently has his mum started leaving him with us. He is an easy-going little chap, and we are loving getting to know him and his foibles. He is eating solids now, and loves his food – often, if tears threaten, giving him something to ‘gum’ on will rapidly divert him. He does nap too – especially in the pram. He can be quite content with us for an hour or two, especially if his big sister and brother are around. But when mummy walks back into the room, everything changes. He sees her and his little face crumples. He wants to be held by her and nothing and no -one else will do.

Like a weaned child

I was meditating on this. While we could care for our grandson’s needs, bring him a measure of comfort, keep him entertained, we could never replace the love and trust that exists between him and his mother. The one who he has looked to, to meet his needs for all of his short life. The one who nurtured him in her womb and has carried and protected him since.

It made me think of that verse in the psalms,

‘Surely I have calmed and quieted my soul, Like a weaned child with his mother; Like a weaned child is my soul within me.’ Psalm 131:2 NKJV

The picture is of a small child who has been well cared for. Fed and provided for by one who loves them unconditionally. In the context, the Psalmist is talking about trusting God and not being worried about things too troubling or profound for us.

Image shows a young woman holding a small child

Finding comfort

I hope it is OK to imagine myself as a child being held by God. Sitting in the lap of a Heavenly Father who loves me and knows me better than anyone else does. Knowing that when I am with Him, I am safe, protected and all my needs are met.

When we are going through difficult times, we look for comfort. During a recent bout of illness, I found comfort in watching Netflix, snuggled under a blanket on my sofa! We can find comfort in food, in hobbies, in nature. Sometimes we reach out to a loved one, or friend, and they prove to be kind and loving, wise and comforting. God has surrounded us with things that bless us, good things many of them.

The One who comforts best

I have come to lean, through all the tough things that I have gone through, that however good those comforting things or people are, there comes a point when only one place of comfort will do. There will come a moment where I will be driven back to the greatest place of comfort and security. I go back to God, back to my Father, and I lean into His embrace and I listen for His words of reassurance. I know I can trust Him fully to know just the right things to say and do to bring me back to a place of peace and contentment. To comfort and quieten my soul.

I wonder is His the face you long to see above all others? His the embrace you want to lose yourself in? His the voice that will quieten all your cries? I hope that you have found Him to be the God of all comfort. He has loved you and known you since before you were born. He has lavished you with good things, fed you and protected you. He is the place of safety, and will prove Himself faithful.

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith

THESE STAIRS ARE HEAVY, GOD

January 25, 2026January 24, 2026 joymargetts

My granddaughter is almost 3. She is a chatty little soul, and prone to burst out into song at any given moment, and we think she is amazing! We love how she has her own special way of putting things into words. While staying away in a holiday cottage with her family recently, she very seriously told a complete stranger that they were living in a new house now, because they couldn’t find their old one.

photo of a young girl standing in a doorway to a castle room

These stairs are heavy

One day last week we picked her up from nursery and took her home to her mum and dad. They live in a flat up a set of quite steep stairs. As I followed my granddaughter up the stairs, her little legs seemed to be struggling with the climb.

‘These stairs are heavy!’ she muttered to herself.

Feeling the ache in my own tired bones, I could not help but agree with her. The stairs were indeed ‘heavy’.

Now I know that the description of the stairs was not grammatically correct, but it absolutely encapsulated what we were both feeling at that moment (I think it is a phrase that I am going to remember and use often!).

You know, God

It got me thinking about how we are with God. There are many times when we can’t accurately put things into words. When speaking to God doesn’t come out in neat, grammatical sentences. When it is hard to explain what we are feeling.

I have definitely known this struggle in the season I have been walking through recently, and still do to be honest. I try and tell God what I want Him to understand, but more often than not I fall back on, ‘You know, God.’

The amazingly comforting thing is that He does know. The One who knows us intimately, who knows our thoughts, who knows the words we are going to say before we even do (Psalm 139). He knows. Even when we can’t find the words, He still wants us to cry out to Him. Because that is what relationship with Him means. We speak to Him, and He speaks to us. We cry out, He hears and responds.

Calling upon the Lord

David knew the truth of this. I am sure in all that he went through; hiding in caves and mountains, constantly fearing for his life, having his friends and own sons conspiring against him. In all that he endured, He knew that God would hear Him when he cried out. He knew God as his place of refuge, his defender, his provider.

In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears. Psalm 18: 6

He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters. Psalm 18:16

For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God?

It is God who arms me with strength,
And makes my way perfect. Psalm 18:31-32

Photo of wooden steps ascending through a woodland

God, this is heavy

Jesus talked about us having a childlike faith (Matt 18:3). I wonder if part of that is being comfortable with not knowing the right words to pray. To be willing to just express ourselves in a way that might not make sense to anyone else, but that will make complete sense to the Father who loves us tenderly and knows us completely.

‘These stairs are heavy. This, that I am dealing with today, God, this is heavy.’

‘I know my beloved, but I am right here with you. Behind you, beside you, all around you. And we will do this climb together.’

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Christian faith, Christian Writer, Devotional thought, Faith, Jesus, The Word of God

WALKING WITH JESUS – AN INVITATION

January 10, 2026January 9, 2026 joymargetts

This blog is a little bit different for me. Usually you get my thoughts, things God has revealed to me, or a book review. But today I am going to extend an invitation to you. An invitation to engage in a year long walk with Jesus, through the gospels, one day at a time. I started ‘Walking with Jesus’ myself at the start of this year. Already it has blessed me, encouraged me, and drawn me closer to Jesus.

My friend Rachel Yarworth, who is a writer, writing coach and lover of Jesus, has done something unique, and brave, and made it available for everyone, you included. I am going to leave it to Rachel to explain more:

Photo of a golden sunrise sky, too shadowed figures walking close together and the words 'Walking with Jesus'

Rachel, can you tell us what ‘Walking with Jesus’ actually is?

‘Walking with Jesus’ is a project based on Substack, where we follow a Bible-reading plan that goes through the four Gospels over the course of a year, taking time to hear God speaking to us through His Word, and getting to know Jesus better through what He said and did. Unlike many Bible-reading plans, a key element is the community chat room where all are invited to share what God has said, for mutual encouragement and growth.

Who is it for?

Really, it’s for anyone, from people who are just interested in getting to know Jesus, to people who have been Christians for many years, and are maybe looking to get back to the beautiful basics of faith as Jesus taught.

Why Substack and not a devotional book?

I did initially consider making it into a book, as that is what I am used to, but a wise and lovely publisher friend prayed into it and introduced me to Substack, saying she felt it would be a better fit – not least because putting the year’s readings in one book would make it very large and the printing costs too expensive for people to easily buy copies. As soon as I looked at Substack I felt God was saying this was His plan, that we could make freely available to everyone (though He did also lead me to the paid option, which challenged me, but I trust Him so obeyed).
It also fulfilled the call I felt to make it interactive, and community based. Books are quite a distant, one-way relationship between the author and their reader, but I wanted something more open for discussion, where I can be available to help if readers have questions, and we can journey together. The busy community chat has already become my favourite part of this project, and I hope it keeps growing.

Image with the words: Walking with Jesus - Your invitation to spend a year getting to know Jesus better - through relationship not religion.
Rachelyarworth.substack.com

Where did the idea or inspiration for ‘Walking with Jesus’ come from?

Toward the end of 2024 I had been through several years in a kind of wilderness where many of the things I thought I knew about faith had been stripped away, including any confidence I once had in being able to receive God’s leading. I was overwhelmed by the amount of ‘noise’ (opinions, teachings, prophetic-sounding words etc) coming from Christian circles, that exacerbated the confusion of the season I had just been through.
So although I knew God was with me still, I felt in need of a kind of spiritual detox, rebuilding my faith on the only reliable foundation of Jesus Christ: Who He is and what He said – hence the pull to the Gospels. At the same time I felt my attention drawn to the practice called “Lectio Divina” – a gentle way of reading the Bible slowly while listening to God’s voice speaking personally through it. I felt those two things formed an invitation from God to build deeper relationship with Him through 2025.

‘Walking with Jesus’ seems to have two focusses – the slow meditative exploration of scripture, and personally listening for God’s voice. Can you explain what ‘Lectio Divina’ is?

I can’t claim to be an expert, but when it kept crossing my path to the point where I felt God was prompting me to look at it, I did some reading around, and learned that it is an ancient practice that translates as “Divine Reading”. It’s less about academic Bible-study – how much we can learn – and more about building relationship with God through slow, meditative and prayerful reading of small passages of Scripture. Listening to God speaking to us personally through His Word.
It usually involves several steps of quieting ourselves, and consciously coming to God’s presence; reading the given passage slowly, often more than once; reflecting on what we have read, and praying into anything that challenges us from it.

How do we learn to hear God’s voice for ourselves?

We need to remember that God does not speak audibly through our ears, but internally, Spirit to spirit. It can take repeated practice to learn to distinguish His voice from all the other ‘voices’ inside us (eg the voices of our upbringing – good and bad, of the culture around us, of temptation, of those closest to us), and sometimes people give up because they don’t “hear” anything. But often it’s a case of practicing and not giving up. Initially we might receive only vague impressions or single words that seem to stand out, but the longer we practice ‘listening’ and writing down whatever we think might be from God to test it later, the more familiar we become with recognising His voice.

What are your hopes for ‘Walking with Jesus’?

I really hope that it helps every subscriber to get to know God better – that they grow in confidence in hearing His voice, and find the beauty of a personal relationship with Him that goes deeper than they had experienced before.

How do people find ‘Walking with Jesus’ and subscribe?

There are two subscription options – the free one gives access to the reading plan with weekly (every Saturday) encouraging posts and links to the community chat room. The paid version (£3.50pcm) offers the same, but the posts are every day (except Sundays). Subscriber links as well as more information here.

(or use the QR code…)

What comes next, when this year finishes?

In terms of ‘Walking with Jesus’, I’m trying not to look beyond 2026 right now, as I want to be fully present for the community of subscribers. I’ve told God I’m open to repeating the same plan with a new group in 2027, or doing further readings with the same people, or whatever He asks – He just hasn’t said yet, and I’m fine with that.
In terms of wider writing, I do have a fiction book in progress that I am hoping will come out later this year, and I have several freelance writing/ editing jobs already scheduled for the start of this year.

Rachel, for those who don’t know you, can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

I live with my husband and three sons in North Worcestershire. When not home educating my youngest son through GCSEs, or helping others with their writing, I write books, blogs, and anything that will help people get to know God better. My first book – a memoir – Friend of God: The miraculous life of an ordinary person was published in 2022, and aims to gently encourage anyone to a closer relationship with Jesus, whatever their starting point. My most recent book – a devotional – Finding Jesus in the Wilderness (published 2024) was written during my own wilderness years, with the aim of helping readers navigate their own wilderness seasons and discover the treasure that God has hidden for them there. It was shortlisted for ACW’s Book of the Year in 2025, which was a huge honour.
Rachel’s website (including bookshop) can be found at rachelyarworthwriter.uk

Thank you Rachel!

Join me and a growing community of others by subscribing to ‘Walking with Jesus’ now!

Subscribe to Walking with jesus

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Bible, Christian Writer, Faith, Seasons of life, Thankfulness, The Word of God

RECLAIMING EBENEZER

January 3, 2026January 2, 2026 joymargetts

For Christmas this year I received a lovely homemade present from my daughter. She is a gifted artist, and it was done on commission. I wanted a sign to hang in the entrance way to our home, and I wanted it to bear the word ‘Ebenezer’.

Ebenezer? Not just for Christmas!

Why does Mum want a reference to Scrooge up on her wall? That was my son’s horrified response. Of course, the name Ebenezer is forever associated with the miserly ‘bah humbug’ character from Charles Dickiens classic, A Christmas Carol. But that is a shame, because it really is a beautiful name. You may have noticed it engraved on the facades of old chapels – I have seen it more than once, here in the UK.

Coloured line drawing of Ebenezer Scrooge meeting the ghost of Marley

A tough year

If you have been reading my blogs recently you will know that 2025 was a difficult year for us. It was a year marked with grief and loss. For many months of 2025 I became the chief care giver for my parents. It was a privilege to be put in that position, and I embraced the role. It was my way of honouring parents that I loved dearly and owed so much to. However, to say it was hard was an understatement. It became, in many ways, a test of endurance. Very many times I felt close to failing, falling, collapsing under the weight of it all, as I watched one, and then the other live out the last days of their lives on earth. To watch a loved one suffer is heart-breaking, even when you are doing all that you can to ease their pain, even when you know that they are going to be with Jesus soon. There were moments of joy and laughter, and an overriding peace in it all. And we were surrounded by amazing family, friends and health care professionals, who helped us more than we can say. But it was really tough.

Almost overwhelmed

As 2025 drew to a close, I was grateful. Grateful that a new year might bring less pain, more healing, new beginnings. But I was also grateful to God for being with us through what has been the hardest year of my life. So, so grateful.

Psalm 124 declares, ‘If it had not been the Lord who was on our side… Then the waters would have overwhelmed us, The stream would have gone over our soul’. This is my testimony. I look back and know, with 100% certainty, that without God with us, we would have been completely overwhelmed by our circumstances. By the pain, loss, grief and relentlessness of it all.

So, my homemade sign will soon hang proudly in my entrance hall. And it will hang there as a declaration for all to see. A memorial stone if you like, which is where the name comes from.

Wooden sign with the word 'Ebenezer' painted on it with a mountain outline, and the reference I Samuel 7 v 12

Here I raise my Ebenezer*

In I Samuel 7 we read how Israel is facing attack from the Philistines. They have already suffered defeat, and they cry out to God, through His prophet Samuel, to help them. God responds and their enemies are crushed. Samuel chooses to do something so that the people will remember what God has done for them for years to come.

Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen, and called its name Ebenezer, saying, “Thus far the Lord has helped us.” v12

‘Ebenezer’ literally means ‘Stone of Help’. The word ’Ezer’ or help is found many times in the Old Testament, and it almost always refers to God. It is the word God uses to describe the woman in Genesis 2:18, the ‘helper’ or ‘help meet’ that the man needs. It does not mean someone lesser, a servant, or an aid ( why God uses it of the woman is the subject for another time!). To state that God is our helper means to declare than the almighty, all powerful One has deigned to step down and stand beside us, surround us, support us and provide for all that we need. He has helped us, like no other can. Because He is faithful and good, because He is strong, powerful, wise and kind, because He is far greater than we are. Because He loves us.

Our eternal Ezer

It was important for me to make a similar declaration to the one that Samuel made as I stepped from one year into the next. As my family moves on into a new season. As we continue to heal from what has passed and look with quiet hope to the future. I wanted to mark this moment.

Thus far the Lord has helped us. We could not have done it without Him. And we will never have to endure anything else, whatever might come, without His help. He is our eternal EZER.

And as for Ebenezer Scrooge? Well, I read A Christmas Carol again this year, and do you know, by the end, he is a completely transformed man! A really loving, kind and generous soul. So perhaps Ebenezer isn’t such a bad name after all!

*From the hymn ‘Come thou fount of every blessing’

She has also written two non-fiction devotionals. More information on Joy, and her books can be found here

Blog Tour, Book Review, Books, Christian publishing, Christian Writer, Faith, Kingdom books

BOOK REVIEW: POLISHED ARROWS by Jenny Sanders

May 24, 2024May 22, 2024 joymargetts

Being a writer of Medieval fiction you would think that I might know a thing or two about the crafts of fletchers, bowyers and arrow smiths. I thought I did too, until I read Jenny Sander’s new book, Polished Arrows.

Front Cover Image of the book, Polished Arrows, showing an archer with a bow and arrow primed to shoot.

But Polished Arrows isn’t a book solely describing the art of arrow making. Jenny has done her research and it is thorough; every step of the transformation of a stick to a lethal weapon is described in detail. But not as a research aid to history writers! Instead she carefully and cleverly uses each step of the process as a framework to describe the redemptive, refining processes that God wants to take each one of His followers through. In order that we might be as effective as possible for Him.

Maximum Impact

The question the book asks is this – as Christian people, how do we have maximum impact in a world that needs to see that God is alive and well? Jenny takes as her inspiration this verse from Isaiah 49:2

He made my mouth like a sharp sword;
in the shadow of his hand he hid me;
he made me a polished arrow;
in his quiver he hid me away. ESV

Our expert arrow maker is a God who loves us, wants the best for us, and has so much grace available for us, that we too can become as polished arrows in His quiver. The process is not easy, and there are no short cuts. From coppicing to stripping, removing of knots and imperfections, to being polished and fitted with flight and arrowhead. Each arrow making stage corresponds to a different stage of the formation of our Christian character, under His skilful hands

Biblical Examples

Each step of the process is given its own chapter, and further illustrated by a biblical example of men and women who God took and moulded for Himself. Chapter one, for example, talks of Coppicing, the process by which sticks are chosen for their potential and cut and taken. For her biblical example Jenny takes the Apostle Paul, whom God chose and called when he was still Saul the persecutor. The most unlikely choice from our human perspective. But God knew what Saul/Paul would become in His hands. He saw his potential as a formidable weapon for the Kingdom.

Polished Arrows is a challenging read. Deep, thought provoking, and well grounded in scripture. It can be read as it is, or used as study aid for individuals or groups, with helpful discussion questions included. It is a call to spiritual maturity, a reminder that we are called, not only to be different, but to represent God and His truth, and to advance His kingdom. To be weapons of warfare in His hands.

If you look at society and wonder how you can make a difference, how you can be most effective for God, then this book is for you.

Photo of Author, Jenny Sanders — Jenny Sanders

Polished Arrows was published by Instant Apostle on 17^th May 2024. RRP £12.99

Available where all good books sold. For more information about Jenny and her writing, go to www.jennysanderswriter.co.uk

If you would like to win a free copy of Polished Arrows then do sign up to my newsletter, and you will automatically be included in this month’s free giveaway draw.

‘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.

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

Bible, Christian blog, Christian Writer, Faith, The Word of God

CLOSE ENOUGH TO HOLD HIS HAND

May 16, 2024September 26, 2025 joymargetts

Holding On

I have two grandchildren and they are a delight. Not that I am biased in any way! My grandson is 3 now and quite the little chatterbox. He is bright, and imaginative and sweet natured (most of the time). My granddaughter is just over a year old, and is already developing her own, very different character. She gives you such a hard stare at times it makes you want to crumple. I think she’s going to be a feisty one!

She is trying to walk now and wants to be on her feet all the time. She stands and takes tentative steps holding onto things, but has not yet been brave enough to try to walk on her own unaided. When she wants to move from one spot to another, instead of crawling, she will look around for someone she trusts and hold out her hand. If one of us responds to her, offering her our hand, she will use it to steady herself as she stands and then will walk with you to where she wants to go. She doesn’t walk anywhere without holding on to the hand of someone stronger and steadier than herself.

Photo of two small children watching Tv. The smaller one is kneeling with his arm supporting the smaller one who is standing leaning on the TV cabinet.

His Hand

It made me think of how I am with God. I know He is there, and I know He is infinitely stronger than me. He loves me unconditionally and I can trust Him fully. His wisdom is unsearchable. His guidance, His understanding and His protection are there for my safety. I know all this and yet sometimes I forge ahead in life, without waiting to take a hold of His hand first.

His hand offers me strength but is also is there to direct me. If I am walking close to Him, close enough to hold onto Him, then I will not stumble, fall or step off the path that He wants me to walk on. As the song says ‘He will hold me fast’.[1]

When I am feeling unsteady, weak, vulnerable, unsure of myself, it is perhaps natural to hold out my hand to God and ask Him to help me. But what about when I am doing well? When I feel confident, strong, in control? I wonder even in those times if God is still waiting patiently for me to reach out a trusting hand. How often have I set out on a path, without thinking of reaching out for Him first?

Close enough to Hold His Hand

There will come a day, very soon probably, when my granddaughter will find she can take steps on her own. When she will stop looking for a hand to hold on to. We call it growing up. We will applaud and celebrate it as an important milestone in her development.

But didn’t Jesus ask us to have child-like faith?[2] The faith that trusts without question in the one we know loves us. The kind of faith that knows we can’t walk through life on our own without risk of falling, or being led astray. His hand is strong enough for us to hold on to in every season, good and bad. He desires that intimacy, that connection.

And I need to remember that I am better walking close enough with Him that His hand is always within easy reach of mine.

Phot depicting an adult man's hand with a small child holding onto his finger.

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

[1] Keith and Kristin Getty, ‘He will hold me fast’

[2] Matthew 18:2-4

Christian faith, Faith

EXHAUSTED BUT STILL GOING…

May 1, 2024April 30, 2024 joymargetts

EXHAUSTED BUT STILL GOING…

That phrase could sum up my life, quite easily. Living with the chronic effects of M.E., I am always tired, often exhausted, in fact. But life goes on, and so must I. And there is much to get out of life and enjoy, even with the limitations my health condition enforces. I love my family, my church, my home life, and, of course, my writing. I also love the vision God has put on my heart to build a community of encouragement for writers who want to write for His Kingdom. *

STILL IN PURSUIT

I was reading in the book of Judges today, about Gideon and his 300 strong warrior band of God selected men. They had won a great victory but God hadn’t finished His dealings with Israel’s enemies and told them to pursue the stragglers.

Judges 8 verse 4 says this:

When Gideon came to the Jordan, he and the three hundred men who were with him crossed over, exhausted but still in pursuit. NKJV

Here is the same verse from The Passion Translation,

Totally exhausted, Gideon and his three hundred crossed the river Jordan and continued to pursue the enemy

The Hebrew word translated exhausted means just that, ‘faint, weary, parched, famished‘. At the end of your physical endurance. Yet still those warriors kept going, because God still had work for them to do.

KEEP GOING UNTIL YOU DROP?

I wanted to pause and think on that.

Is God actually asking us to push ourselves to the place of exhaustion in His work? We hear too many stories of church ministers and missionaries working themselves to the point of burnout and collapse. I really don’t believe that is God’s heart for any of us. Those called to full time Christian work, those called to pursue Christ’s victory in every day life, those who have been given a vision to spearhead a work for Him, a calling to follow. He doesn’t want any of us to fail! To fall exhausted in a heap. But He does want us to keep going, even when it is hard.

WE ARE NOT ALONE

So what does that look like? I had to ask God that question, feeling particularly disappointed about another battle I was finding myself fighting from the place of exhaustion.

The key is Him. If we believe we are at the centre of His will for us, even when it feels tough, when it feels like a fight, then we are not alone in the battle. We have those He has placed around us – our own 300 – those who walk with us, pray for us, encourage us, and help share the burden. But most importantly we have Him. He is in command, He is our strength, He is our victory.

Gideon and his 300 won extra-ordinary victories, over enemies that vastly outnumbered them. It was nothing to do with how good at fighting they were. God found Gideon hiding in a winepress, lacking courage and confidence, and yet He still used him to set a nation free from oppression. It was all God’s power. It was all Him.

So when I feel exhausted and weary, that is good. Because in my weakness is His strength.

Photo of a lake surrounded by trees and rocks with a blue sky above/

WEAK PROUDLY

As I am writing this a song has come on from my playlist that sums this up perfectly – Jillian Edwards’ ‘Weak, Proudly’. Do go have a listen. It is at the end of myself that I realise my need of Him. His strength is made perfect in my weakness. In our insecurities about ourselves and our ability to keep going, is the reassurance that we don’t have to – without Him covering us and making up for our insufficiencies. We can be proud that we know our weaknesses!

JUST KEEP GOING

Twice, in his New Testament letters, Paul writes these words to the early church, a people struggling under persecution and hardship,

…let us not grow weary while doing good Galatians 6:9

… do not grow weary in doing good 2 Thessalonians 3:13

Don’t give up. When it feels exhausting make sure you aren’t on your own. Make sure you have people around you to help and encourage you. But most important make sure that you are walking close to God, leaning into Him, giving Him your weaknesses in exchange for His strength. He will not walk with you on a path He has not given you to walk. That will become unbearable and unsustainable. But if you know He has asked you to pursue something, if you feel His hand on it, and know it is a victory that He wants to give you. Then keep going! And find your rest in Him.

*for more information on Kingdom Story Writers follow the link www.kingdomstorywriters.co m

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