When God whispers His call in the soul, the tug on the heart is unmistakable.

It tells us to forgive because through Christ we’ve been forgiven.

It tells us to serve others so they can experience His grace and truth.

It tells us to choose His love over the false affection from the world.

With a heart numbed by our own understanding and ears cluttered by our own desires, we may try to ignore the call. But the tug doesn’t go away.

At least, it doesn’t for me. It’s a standing invitation soaked in mercy and sent by grace.

Saying yes to Him is not always an easy choice, but it is always the right choice.

In 2014, I felt the tug. Strongly. It happened as I attended She Speaks. It’s an annual conference for Christian women who lead, speak and write, hosted by Proverbs 31 Ministries.

I’d already said yes to God’s call to write. A few years prior, my book Friendship MAPS, was published but my next steps were unclear. Clarity came at the conference. Because once we say yes to God, there is a continual yield.

My yield came in the form of a new name. Blogger. My first post was brief but heartfelt. And now five years later…
Happy 5th Blogiversary “joy to the soul” on joyawilliams.com!

From a biblical perspective, five is the number of grace. I can honestly say this writer is drenched in it. If someone is helped by this blog and drawn closer to Christ, it’s because whatever God calls us to do, He shows up in the doing.

And yet, whether our obedience forms around a mission or a list of must-dos in our daily routine, we may wonder about what’s next. Here’s what I’ve learned.

Dig deep for truth and trust Him.

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. – Nahum 1:7 NLT

God is faithful and my biggest “Amen” to this truth is seen in how much I trust Him. He treasures it.

The more I take my faith shovel and dig into His Word, it helps me dig through my soul — moving beyond hurt, fear and selfish agendas until I hear a clink.

The moment the metal of what I cherish meets the God who cannot fail, trust rises. But it must be given to Him, deliberately and consistently. I might do okay going solo for a while; but eventually, I’m tempted to veer off track. Therefore, I need help.

Desire accountability and find it.

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2 NLT

After saying yes to God, life happens in unexpected ways — some good, some not so good.

Sooner or later there are dozens of reasons to lay down the faith shovel and pickup a basket of excuses and discouragement.

But connecting with people who are wise in their observations and fervent in their prayers, keeps me moving forward. I’ve joined writers groups, Facebook groups, blogger’s linkups and established prayer partnerships.

Our individual commitment to God is personal. But connecting with Christ-centered, like-minded people is vital in seeing the commitment fulfilled.

Don’t expect easy, expect God.

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. – Ephesians 3:20 NLT

God’s ability is never lessened by what I see as an impossibility. In fact, challenges are opportunities to grow my faith.

Throughout my writing journey, His grace covers me in my rookie mistakes and holds me close if I have an inkling to quit. As I pour out my struggles and my faith over my keyboard each week, God meets me.

Thank you for meeting me here too. Whether you’ve read my blog over the years or you’re here for the first time, thank you for being a part of this journey.

He is worthy of our yes and our continuous yield.

If you sense God is leading you to take on a new role or if you desire to keep the faith where you’re already committed, be encouraged.

Be on the look out for God.

He is with us every step of the way. And on the most difficult points on the path, He still gives hope for the heart and brings joy to the soul.