Faith Walk
Refuge Of Grace by Tracy Smoak is a powerful book that will enhance your journey with God. It can be read as a whole or break it down into a chapter a day as part of your daily devotions and let the words sink into your soul.
Tracy Smoak draws us near to the heart of God as she studies His word. She looks at the lives of familiar Biblical characters – David, Jeremiah, Ruth, Mary, Paul, Jonah and more – and applies their lessons to our lives today.
Each chapter has a passage connected to our contemporary lives as well as the Biblical characters. There are many Bible quotes. There are also reflections such as questions and a prayer. Each chapter invites us to look inwards and examine our lives.
As we journey through the book, there are lessons to be learnt or to remind ourselves of.
We observe that God sees us. We cannot hide any part of our lives from Him. He sees our darkest secrets and He loves us anyway. We cannot earn His love. We cannot lose His love because His love is part of His character. God is love.
We can trust God. He longs to bless us, not because we deserve it but because it pleases Him. “The Canaanite woman sought blessing, not because she ‘deserved’ it, but because she trusted God’s goodness.”
God is not a candy God. He does rebuke us when we are wrong. We need to repent and ask for forgiveness. If we stray, God lovingly waits for us to return home to Him.
God’s timing is perfect but it is not always in line with what we think the timing should be. “He may deny what you want for a time for a greater good.” God sometimes says no to what we want because He has an even greater yes for us.
God gives us dreams. “Celebrate seeing dreams fulfilled. But never forget who gave you the vision or ability.”
God also speaks through our dreams and visions. It is in the stillness that we hear His voice.
The Holy Spirit is a gift from God. He is respectful and gentle, not forcing His way into our lives but always there to help us when we need Him.
The Ten Commandments are rules for us to live by. They are not there to limit us but for our safety. We always have a choice as to whether to obey God or not. God is a gentleman who will not force His way into our lives. If we reject Him, He will respect our choice – but our choices will have consequences. Think about eternity – where do you want to spend it? I always remember a talk by Jamaican evangelist, George Miller in Bewdley a few years ago as he said “You can live without Jesus but for goodness sake do not die without Jesus.”
Refuge Of Grace is such a powerful book. I urge you to buy a copy and aid your faith walk with God.
I will let Tracy Smoak have the final word as I leave you with my favourite quote:
“God sees your trial and will secure you. His timing may not be what you want, nor His deliverance quite what you expect, but His victory in your life is certain.”
I received a free copy from the author. A favourable review was not required. All opinions are my own.
JULIA WILSON
