YadaFactor

The Greatest Gift: Connecting With God

“How I spend time with God has changed everything for me. Not so much the circumstances in my life–but the faith I have to face each day, knowing and believing God is in control.” -Julie

Some of you saw Julie’s testimonial video in the spring, or you read a snippet of her story in our recent Yada letter. Now, take a deeper dive into her journey.

The Descent Into Darkness

In the darkest corners of life, where declining mental health, life-controlling issues, and addictions held my teenage daughter, Kate, captive, I found myself drowning in despair. Hopelessness enveloped me like a suffocating fog, and I felt powerless to save her. Kate’s struggle with severe anxiety and depression had reached a point where it felt like the ground beneath us was crumbling. 

My desperation drove me to explore any avenue that could offer me a glimmer of light. During this desperate search for help, a friend mentioned YadaFactor’s free class. With nothing to lose, I enrolled, unsure of what it entailed or how it could make a difference.

The Turning Point

YadaFactor changed everything for me. The class taught me to quiet my heart, open my Bible, and ask God a simple yet profound question each day: “What do you want to say to me today, Lord?” This practice became a lifeline, connecting me to a source of strength and guidance I had never fully tapped into before.

For over a year, I wrestled with God, pleading for Kate’s freedom and salvation. As her struggles intensified, so did my cries to the Lord. Things had gotten so bad I wondered each morning if today was the day I would wake to find her lifeless. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, God spoke promises over me about Kate and my whole family, assuring me that He had not forgotten us.

His Divine Intervention

He walked me through Philippians, Hosea, 2 Peter, and the book of John, all the while assuring me that His presence is unwavering and He meets broken people where they are and can transform them instantly. He wept with me before working miracles, just like Jesus did with Mary and Martha in John 11. And through the raising of Lazarus, He demonstrated that life can spring forth when He shouts into the abyss.

Hope Shines Brightly

In early November, a sudden breakthrough occurred when Kate, out of nowhere, requested help—a real and serious intervention beyond what we could provide at home. On the eve of Thanksgiving, we enrolled her in a year-long residential program that offers her freedom from her life-controlling issues through the power and love of Christ. While we are apart, she will receive Christian discipleship, academic support, and critical life skills training to become mentally sound, emotionally balanced, socially adjusted, and spiritually alive.

He Calms The Storm

God is calming the seas for us, just like Jesus did for the disciples in John 6:16-21 when they got caught in the water during a raging storm.  The strong winds blew, and the waters raged. Their boat pitched and rolled. Their feeble efforts did little to get them anywhere. Oh, how I could relate.

Then came Jesus, walking on the water toward them. They welcomed him into their boat, and verse twenty-one says, “Immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.”

While the road ahead for my family will continue to be undoubtedly challenging, I find solace in the promises spoken over me during this past year in my Yada-time with God. He has already reassured me that this was His plan and that He can and WILL  turn things around.

A Glimpse of New Life

Two weeks ago, a message from the school director brought us unexpected joy. Kate had painted a fantastic self-portrait, a testament to her newfound strength and beauty. It is a tangible sign that she is on her path to recovery, and I saw glimpses of her returning to life—but this time, a new, abundant life in Christ.

The Power of Community

Motivated by a profound gratitude for the tools I was given, I became a YadaFactor coach. I want to guide individuals toward a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord. Becoming a coach has not only allowed me to pay forward the gift of a deeper connection with God but also opened the door to a vibrant community of incredible women. Together, we navigate our faith journeys, support each other, and rejoice in a more intimate relationship with the Lord.

YadaFactor has been more than a tool for hearing God; it has woven me into a community of like-minded believers—my Yada brothers and sisters. Their unwavering support, prayers, and encouragement have sustained my family through this difficult year.

Today, I hope you are reminded that if God can grant me the faith to endure such trials, He can guide us ALL through the storms of our lives. If you have never taken the online YadaFactor course, it’s only seven weeks and free! Sign up today for the next session before all the spots are full. Maybe you’ve taken the class, but you need a refresher. Sign up again. I took the class twice before I started coaching. 

A Final Message From Julie

The YadaFactor classes are only free because of the generosity of our donors, who give their resources so everyone can access the tools that help them reorient their lives vertically, wrestle truthfully, and listen fiercely to the voice of the Lord. Please consider giving to YadaFactor before the end of 2023. I hope my story shows you that YadaFactor is truly changing lives. 

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

Connecting To God’s Plans For His Future

In the tapestry of life, unexpected threads weave themselves into narratives of resilience, faith, and transformation. Jude Garner’s journey is a story of survival, purpose, and the profound impact of YadaFactor.

At the age of 16, Jude became the youngest participant to take the YadaFactor class. He had seen the powerful effect YadaFactor had on his mom’s life and wanted to experience listening to the Lord in the same way. He signed up with his dad and a few other adult friends for the only men’s class offered in 2023.

Life’s Unexpected Turn

Little did he know, his life would take a dramatic turn. Halfway through the YadaFactor course, Jude had a serious skateboarding accident. What started as a leisurely skate ride along a familiar walking trail became a nightmare. Just as Jude picked up top speed going downhill, his wheels hit an obstacle in the pavement, and he went airborne. He landed on the ground, initially unconscious.

Jude was rushed to the emergency room, where he was put under heavy sedation. In the midst of his deliriousness, Jude engaged in conversations with the men from his Yada class, who weren’t really there. He was checking to see how they were doing and telling them about his future plans to serve God with his life. Even during his own crisis, Jude asked the nurses in his hospital room if they knew Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Jude’s YadaFactor men may not have actually been in the room with him, but they were praying for him that night. 

A Scar as a Testament

Miraculously, Jude emerged from the accident with only a broken wrist and some bumps and bruises. The incision on his wrist never healed properly and left an unsightly scar. That scar serves as a tangible reminder of the day the Lord spared his life. Now, when people inquire about it, Jude uses it as an opportunity to share his testimony and the transformative power of faith.

Why Jude Loves YadaFactor

YadaFactor taught Jude how to have a deep, intimate connection with God. Through the course, he started to dive into his Bible daily and integrate what he reads into his daily life. He developed a heightened awareness of God’s presence and direct communication through His Word. 

Jude is a worship leader with a heart devoted to God. As a high school senior and the worship team leader for his church’s large student ministry, he often speaks spontaneously from the stage. He relies on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and understands the importance of knowing God’s Word and speaking it truthfully.

Since completing the YadaFactor class, Jude has taken the initiative to share his experience with others. His Yada journal has inspired his generation to listen to God’s voice and apply what He says to their lives.

A Future Defined by Faith

As Jude looks toward the future, he prepares for a unique adventure. Next year, he plans to attend Montana Wilderness School of the Bible, combining the intense study of God’s Word with wilderness exploration. Jude’s heart is open to God’s leading, and he aspires to become a vocational worship leader and further study Bible and Theology beyond his gap year program.

Gratitude to Generous Donors

Jude’s story is a testament to the power of hearing from God daily.  The YadaFactor course that Jude took was made possible by generous donors who support YadaFactor. We want to train more coaches and offer more classes in the coming year.  We are praying for more male coaches to offer the men’s course more frequently.  

Jude’s story is just one chapter in the larger narrative of YadaFactor, where the echoes of gratitude resound, and the power of intimately connecting with God transforms lives. Thank you for participating in this incredible journey as you support YadaFactor through your prayers and generous gifts. 

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

“2023 has been an amazing year, and we just want to say—Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”

Rick Ouimet is YadaFactor’s Board Chair, a licensed pastor, and pastoral counselor. He has a sincere message for everyone who has been connected to YadaFactor this year. Whether you have prayed, donated, volunteered, or simply participated, we are grateful for your part in YadaFactor.

It’s Because Of You

Reflecting on this incredible year of YadaFactor, we are grateful for the remarkable community surrounding and supporting our ministry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all the generous donors, volunteers, and prayer warriors who have played a crucial role in helping people hear God’s voice in their everyday lives through the Read It/Write It/Share It method.

Your connection with YadaFactor goes beyond your contributions; it is a testament to your deep commitment to inspiring others to read the Bible more often, integrate what they’ve read into real-life circumstances, and share weekly in their safe community of three to thrive, not just survive. 

Your generosity has fueled our initiatives and become the driving force behind the impact of our online classes.

Here’s Why We’re So Grateful

You’re Empowering Others

At YadaFactor, we believe in the power of connecting others to the Lord and each other. Your participation has empowered individuals to know God is present and speaking to them. 

Their lives changed by asking one question:  “What do you want to say to me today, God?” and then listening through God’s Word. 

You’re Making A Transformative Impact

Because of your support, we can continue to offer our 7-week classes online for free. 

The classes provide intimate fellowship based entirely on God’s Word for people whose life circumstances and relationships often initially overshadow the joy and freedom promised in Christ. All that changes as they learn it’s possible to

Hear God personally through reading, writing, and sharing scripture.

When someone begins to hear God with increased certainty, they are transformed. The Lord unlocks deep intimacy by His power and through His Word.

You’re Building a Community

YadaFactor is not just a ministry or classes; it’s a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for hearing from the Lord. One participant said, “The group was so supportive, inspiring, and encouraging that I found myself really looking forward to our weekly meetings.”

Many YadaFactor participants become life-long friends as they listen fiercely to God and one another.

SEE OUR TESTIMONIES

Gratitude in Action

As we express our gratitude, we want to assure you that nothing is wasted. Every dollar you’ve contributed, every prayer you’ve prayed, and every hour you’ve volunteered has allowed us to dream bigger, reach farther, and impact more lives. 

YadaFactor is not just a ministry; it’s a movement, and you are an integral part of it. THANK YOU!

Looking Forward

With your continued support, we are excited about the future and its opportunities. Together, we can continue to help more people experience God in new and fresh ways. We are currently updating our course to be more robust and effective in the coming year. We want to train more coaches and offer more opportunities for both women and men to experience YadaFactor. 

Can we count on you for your prayer support as we move into the new year? Also, for YadaFactor to continue, we are totally dependent on the Lord to provide donors with unwavering generosity. He has never failed us, and He won’t now. We believe 2024 will be the biggest year YadaFactor has ever had—thanks to people like you and our sovereign, gracious Lord and King.

Help People Connect To God And Each Other

YadaFactor runs on the donations of generous people like you who believe in the importance of hearing the voice of God and growing in our connection to His Word and each other. To continue offering this online course for free, we need financial partners to help us reach more people worldwide. Gifts of all sizes are valuable, and we make monthly donations easy.

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

“YadaFactor is simply the best way I know to help the family of God become more like Jesus.”

Ann Hollensen is YadaFactor’s course administrator, and she first started financially supporting and serving our ministry out of gratitude. She’s so thankful for how Yada has impacted her life that she wants to give back.

One day, when Ann was attending a class at church, the teacher asked a question. 

“What would you do with a million dollars?” 

After thinking a minute, Ann realized she would give it all to YadaFactor. She knew firsthand that as people learn to hear God’s voice and connect more deeply with Him, they heal and become more obedient—able to serve where He leads.  She smiled at the thought of what it would be like to give that kind of gift to YadaFactor, where God would be glorified, and others would be helped. It seemed like the very best investment.  

“Yada is the best way I know of to keep company with God and learn a life of love and listening.”  

Ann is so grateful for the coaches who first taught her how to hear God’s voice. She wants to pay it forward and share YadaFactor with others. She hopes her legacy is how she helped others connect with God, hear his voice, and learn a life of love through YadaFactor.  

If YadaFactor has blessed you, would you pay it forward and make a donation before the end of the year? You may not have a million dollars to give, but every gift of any size helps us offer our course for free. DONATE NOW.

“I want it to be around for my grandchildren and for their grandchildren. And that’s why I give to YadaFactor.” – Ann

Are You Ready For A Deeper Connection?

The greatest outcome of YadaFacor is a deep awareness that God Himself is present and speaking to you. Through the FREE online YadaFactor course, you will go deeper with God, and with training and practice you will read the Bible more often, integrate what you read into real-life circumstances, and share weekly in a safe community of three to thrive, not just survive.

REGISTER NOW

Ephesians. 5:1-2: Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. (The Message)

Help People Connect To God And Each Other

YadaFactor runs on the donations of generous people like you who believe in the importance of hearing the voice of God and growing in our connection to His Word and each other. To continue offering this online course for free, we need financial partners to help us reach more people worldwide. Gifts of all sizes are valuable, and we make monthly donations easy.

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

“Yada is the sort of experience that should be provided to everyone in Nepal.”

God’s plans are beyond our comprehension. YadaFactor founder Pegi Richardson had an unexpected connection with a young girl named Asmita from Nepal.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.” -Isaiah 55:8

While on a mission trip, Pegi visited an Awana club in the slums of Kathmandu, Nepal, where she met 11-year-old Asmita. Their connection was heartwarming as they communicated despite their language barriers.

Pegi felt a strong sense of responsibility for Asmita that she couldn’t ignore. She contacted a Nepali pastor to ask how she could help her. In his response, he cautiously and respectfully asked, “Why Asmita? There are hundreds and hundreds
of kids in the Kathmandu slums.”

Pegi responded with a simple truth, “Because God won’t let me forget her.”

Today, Asmita is a thriving 22-year-old woman who has been saved in more ways than one.

Connecting One Young Girl to the Voice Of God

Asmita began her YadaFactor journey at the young age of 13. Pegi, who has assumed the role of Asmita’s mother, led her to the Lord and taught her to hear God’s voice in her everyday life through Yada’s “Read It, Write It, Share It” method. With training and practice, she read the Bible, learned how to integrate what she read into her real-life circumstances, and shared her journal weekly with her mom.

Before discovering Yada, Asmita faced a world where sharing her thoughts and experiences was often challenging. In Nepal, as in many other places, societal norms* restrict open communication about personal struggles. Asmita’s journey with Yada, however, changed this. It allowed her to share her life, her joys, her pains, and her trust in God, first with her mother and then with another Yada sister in Nepal. Now, Asmita is also a YadaFactor coach helping share Yada with other Nepali women.

For nearly a decade, Yada has helped Asmita discover what God is saying to her through His word.

But Asmita’s Story Doesn’t Stop There

Asmita recognizes the potential for Yada to bring about positive change in her community. She believes everyone in Nepal should have access to this transformative ministry.

In a society where many women, particularly from the older generations, face challenges with education and English proficiency, there is a need to translate Yada into Nepali. Doing so would allow countless women to enjoy the same benefits and opportunities that Asmita and her friends have gained.

Making A Difference In The World Through Connecting

The heart of Yada lies in its ability to connect people and God through listening, writing, sharing, and supporting one another through prayer. Like Yada participants here in the United States, Asmita found her Yada Sister. They meet regularly to share their journals and their deep awareness that God Himself is present and speaking to them. This kind of connection to God and one another is something that is often missing in traditional cultures across the globe.

Imagine the difference it would make if more people worldwide could experience YadaFactor.

Asmita recognizes the broader need for this type of support in Nepal, especially among women who may have been denied education or remain limited by language barriers. YadaFactor is a lifeline for many, and Asmita is eager to give back and support our ministry through her prayers and whatever other means possible.

Asmita’s Appeal to You

In her moving video message, Asmita appeals to those who have already experienced the transformative power of Yada to support YadaFactor and ensure that more people know Jesus every day and understand what God wants to say in their lives.

Her story is a testament to the change that Yada can bring to individuals and communities.

Asmita’s journey with Yada is a reminder that, in a diverse world, the voice of the Lord should be accessible to everyone, regardless of language barriers or cultural differences.

Let her story inspire you to consider what God can do through Yada that exceeds our wildest dreams.

Let’s Share Yada Around the World

The impact of the free online YadaFactor course has already been felt in our local communities and in several other countries around the world.

And God’s not done!

YadaFactor runs on the donations of generous people like you who believe in the importance of hearing the voice of God and growing in our connection to His Word and each other. To continue offering this online course for free, we need financial partners to help us reach more people worldwide.

Gifts of all sizes are valuable, and we make monthly donations easy.

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

*Wikipedia states that less than 2% (1.76%) of the population in Nepal are Christian. In this antichrist society, it makes it 10 times harder for people to trust each other and share their personal lives. Some Christians who have shared their testimony of Christ have been sent to jail for trying to convert others. Yada provides a safe way to for Christians in Nepal and other countries to connect more deeply with God and each other.Gifts of all sizes are valuable, and we make monthly donations easy.

“I told myself that I could never fail,”  Jess reflected on her struggles from a year earlier. “I needed to be in control because I needed things in my life to go a certain way, and that kept me from connecting authentically with other people. I didn’t want anyone to think poorly of me. What if someone corrected me? I had fears about what that would say about me.”

When Jess signed up for the free online YadaFactor course, she embarked on a journey without clear expectations. Little did she know the profound impact it would have on her life. Armed with her Bible and journal, she approached the experience with a simple prayer, “Jesus, help me break free. Move me from head knowledge to heart knowledge.”

When We Struggle To Connect Genuinely

Connecting with others on a deep and meaningful level is something we all crave. It’s a fundamental part of being human and intricately linked to our spiritual well-being. But despite our desire to connect, many struggle to form genuine, lasting bonds with others. Control issues and other sin struggles cause significant roadblocks to creating authentic connections with the Lord and others. 

Like Jess, many people find the core principles of YadaFactor help them trust in God and build more profound, meaningful connections with others. Genuine connections thrive on authenticity, empathy, and understanding. These qualities flourish when we learn to wrestle truthfully, reorient our lives vertically, and listen fiercely to the Lord and each other. 

Six Ways Yada Helped Jess Genuinely Connect

1. Believe God’s Truth

Jess began her transformation by wrestling truthfully with the Lord about her control issues and insecurities. She started evaluating her feelings and thoughts against God’s Word—the ultimate truth.  

In a posture of humility, she approached Jesus with her emotions and experiences, allowing Him to speak into her life. Through daily journaling, God graciously revealed a profound truth to Jess. She is not (and never has been) the one in control. 

The truth of God’s word began to transcend her feelings, fears, or thoughts about any situation. She began to place her confidence in the Lord and trust that he wanted to speak to her.

2. Trust The Lord

Trust is a cornerstone of genuine relationships, and it became a central theme in Jess’s Yada journey. The Lord’s trustworthiness became increasingly evident as she learned to break down Scripture and apply it to her life. 

Trusting God was the key that allowed her to surrender control. Jess realized that trusting God leads to spiritual growth and not vice versa. Her trust in God’s grace and peace fueled her spiritual maturity.

3. Seek The Holy Spirit

Jess’s journey led her to a profound realization: the Spirit of God resides within her, and she can hear him speaking. She began seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and the Lord became her strength, conviction, and comfort.

4. Find Authenticity

Jess’s desire for others to perceive her as someone who loved Him had overshadowed her genuine identity. She had forgotten what it felt like to rest in the identity He declared over her and simply rest in Him. Jess found real connections thrive on authenticity and accepting herself as Christ made her. 

5. Listen To Others

Authentic connections require active listening, empathy, and understanding. Yada taught Jess how to listen thoughtfully and attentively to others. Instead of listening solely to respond or control the conversation, Yada allowed her to step back and truly hear others. Jess has transformed her approach to listening. She now listens thoughtfully, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance on how to respond. 

6. Listen To God

Her time spent with her Bible and journal has evolved into a meaningful conversation with the Lord. The more she engages with Him, the more she recognizes His voice. Although sometimes listening to God’s voice might be challenging and require persistence, God consistently shows up and speaks to those who earnestly seek Him. Looking back at her journal entries, Jess recognizes that the wisdom she found there was not her own—it was divinely inspired.

Jess’ Story Can Be Yours 

Jess’s journey is a testament to the transformation that can occur when we relinquish control and place our trust in God, allowing authentic, meaningful connections to flourish. She would not have experienced this transformation without the impact of the free online YadaFactor course, which gave her essential skills and pointed her toward listening to the Lord in her daily life.

We run our courses several times a year. We intentionally keep them small and intimate, which means they also fill up quickly. Sign up for our emails and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to find out when our next session of courses is open for registration. 

Help People Connect To God And Each Other

YadaFactor runs on the donations of generous people like you who believe in the importance of hearing the voice of God and growing in our connection to His Word and each other. To continue offering this online course for free, we need financial partners to help us reach more people worldwide. Gifts of all sizes are valuable, and we make monthly donations easy.

GIVE NOW.

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter.

The holidays are just around the corner and now is a great time to consider how God may want to use you to give generously to your favorite charities. The Bible provides a rich tapestry of teachings and examples that guide believers toward a life of generosity, emphasizing not only the act of giving but also the heart behind it. 

In this blog, we will explore the concept of biblical generosity and the transformative impact it can have on our lives and communities.

1. Understanding Biblical Generosity

Biblical generosity goes far beyond monetary donations or material gifts. It encompasses a spirit of openness, compassion, and love. A central verse that encapsulates this principle is found in Acts 20:35 (NIV): “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'”

This verse highlights the idea that generosity is a blessing, not just for the receiver but also for the giver. It speaks to the transformative power of giving, suggesting that it enriches our lives in ways beyond the material.

2. Biblical Examples of Generosity

The Bible offers numerous examples of generosity that can inspire and guide us. One of the most prominent is the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this parable, a Samaritan helps a wounded man on the roadside, going out of his way to provide assistance. The lesson here is that biblical generosity involves sacrificial love and compassion for others, transcending cultural and societal barriers. Another inspiring example is the story of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44). A poor widow gave all she had, emphasizing that generosity is not about the amount but the heart’s disposition. It teaches us that every act of kindness, no matter how small, is significant in the eyes of God.

3. Generosity as a Way of Life

Biblical generosity is not just about sporadic acts of kindness or tithing; it is a way of life. As 2 Corinthians 9:7 (NIV) states, “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” This verse emphasizes the importance of joyful, purposeful giving, devoid of coercion. Living a generous life involves helping those in need, supporting charitable causes, and expressing love and care through our actions. It’s about making generosity a habit, not an exception.

4. The Transformative Impact of Generosity

When we embrace biblical generosity, it transforms our lives and communities in remarkable ways. It fosters a culture of empathy, love, and selflessness. Acts of kindness ripple through society, creating a more compassionate and caring world. Moreover, generosity has been linked to improved mental and emotional well-being for the giver.

Biblical generosity is a guiding light for Christians, reminding them of the importance of giving, not just for the benefit of others but for their own spiritual growth. It encourages us to give with an open heart, without expecting anything in return, and to make generosity a way of life. By following the principles and examples provided in the Bible, believers can experience the transformative power of generosity and contribute to building a more loving and compassionate world.

We are so grateful for the generosity of those who support the ministry of YadaFactor and join us in helping people know it is possible to hear God personally through reading, writing, and sharing scripture. 

Let’s all spread holiday cheer this season to build God’s Kingdom! 

Written by Emily Reed, Marketing Assistant

I have found great comfort in knowing that God is with me always! When I stumble he upholds me. When I am overwhelmed he lifts me up. When I cry out to him he listens. No matter how hard things may be, I remain in the truth that God is with me, always! 

The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand. 

Psalm 37:23-24 (NIV)

As I reflect on Psalm 37:23-24, I realize I have a part in this so that God is delighted in my ways and making my steps firm. I am reminded to keep God at the center and to pause and recognize all that is good in the midst of chaos. But the hard part of the stumble can be the period of time waiting for God to uphold me. 

The space between the stumble and being upheld may not always be immediate.

But I have come to know that God works in the wait!  And sometimes it’s the wait that can be important. Am I joyful for what I have or too fixed on what the future will look like?  Waiting can be so hard sometimes – it can be confusing, emotional and discouraging. But remaining in the truth that God will uphold me provides firm ground. 

I want to be joyful in the wait and notice all that is good every day. Pausing to notice nature, personal connections, and the peace that is available to me. I don’t want to “pass the time.” I want to be intentional, trusting God every step of the way, knowing he will always uphold me in ways that honor him. I am learning that the space in the wait can be so beautiful when I pause, pray, and trust God! 

How are you spending time in the wait?

I encourage you to notice the ways God is upholding you! 

Written by Christine Brevik, Executive Director

Am I a wee little part in God’s big story, or is he a wee little part in my story? There’s really no need to answer this verbally, for my life reveals the answer clearly to a watching world! “Oh, thou who has the hearts of all men in thine hand, form my heart according to the Word, according to the image of thy Son.” (The Valley of Vision, “Christ the Word”) Amen! 

Perhaps one of the worst of all lots in life is found in Ecclesiastes 6:3, one whose “soul is not satisfied with life’s good things. “ Verse 9 says, “Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the appetite.” My translation? Be content with what you have and stop chasing after what you don’t have. Verse 12 asks, “For who knows what is good for man while he lives a few days of his vain life, which passes like a shadow?” The only conceivable answer? God!! And if he knows and we trust him, then won’t we lean in and be satisfied and stop wandering? The Israelites wandered for 40 years because they did not trust.

Am I trusting or too busy wandering? Will I embrace my little part in his big story and be satisfied? Or will I continue wandering, trying to squeeze a little bit of him into my story? I encourage you to ask yourself if you are satisfied or wandering too? How are you including God into your story?

Author: Jessica Davie is a YadaFactor coach and describes her first YadaFactor class as a needed breath of fresh Holy Spirit filled air. As a coach she is excited to see the transformation and growth of course participants and finds it incredibly fulfilling to be a part of another believer’s journey to finding deeper intimacy with God.