Love Letters: God Hears the Cries of Our Hearts

By Michelle G. Willis

Love Letters is a from the heart devotional, hopeful and uplifting! It celebrates women and every aspect of being a daughter of God.

This joyful book centers on God's love for Mothers and the value of motherhood - one of God's greatest gifts and ministries. As nurturers, teachers, caregivers, and role models, mothers impact the w

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trilogy Christian Publishing
• Release date: Apr 23, 2024
• ISBN: 9798890418036

Michelle G. Willis

Michelle and her husband, Andy, have been married for over 35 years and have four grown children, Courtney, Christian, Coty, and Cyiah. She is also the proud mother-in-law of her three daughters, Kristina, Tenaj, and Morgan. She has made banking her lifelong career, holding various positions from teller to management, becoming proficient in banking operations while developing a love for people. She appreciates the opportunities God has presented during her career to influence many people from all walks of life along the way, for the cause of Christ and hopes this serves as a source of encouragement for you too.

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Trilogy Christian Publishers

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Copyright © 2024 by Michelle G. Willis

Scripture quotations marked

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are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked

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are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available.

ISBN 979-9-89041-802-9

ISBN (ebook) 979-9-89041-803-6

Introduction

In my distress, I cried out to the Lord and He heard me. This is the story of my life!

How do I begin to pen the degree of divine help mercifully gifted to me over the past 35 years? A good place to start is with this morning’s song, bellowing in my soul – Jesus, You Are Beautiful by Cece Winans. It is a testament to God’s wonderful, holy presence in my life. It has truly strengthened and kept me while on the journey of a young working wife and mother, trying to find her way.

John 1:16 & 27 (NASB) says, For His fullness we have all received, and grace upon grace. It is He who comes after me, the thong of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.

In my nothingness, God spoke into my life – Grace from Heaven!

After graduating high school at 16, I was pressed by my mum to apply for a job at a local bank, which, out of obedience, I did. I was a little reluctant as my heart’s desire was to become a medical doctor - not God’s plan! I got hired as a teller at 17 and life just sped up for me. My suitor appeared on the job as a customer, unbeknownst to me. God had a plan – the familiar scripture resonates – For I know the plans that I have for you. Jeremiah 29:11 (NASB). Two weeks before I turned 19, we got married…so much for college. Three months after turning 21, we had our first son. By the time I turned 27, we were blessed with three healthy, beautiful boys, and six years later, our lovely girl would enter the picture. At this point, I was a full-time working mother holding a demanding position in management, with major responsibilities. Faith in my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthened me and gave me the determination to press on to claim the prize that only He could give - His presence living and breathing in me now and salvation to come. I wanted to live a life of excellence. The Apostle Paul admonishes us in 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NKJV) – Whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.

Motherhood, albeit a blessing, was no scripted task, and Proverbs 1:7 was surely applicable day after day – the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, especially with three active boys! I had to trust God to direct me through His Word and Holy Spirit as I navigated the challenges while remembering the importance of teaching the Word of God to my children and leading by example. I look back now and see the miraculous hand of God Almighty holding on to me and steering me in the direction I needed to go. I might add that many mistakes were made along the way; I was far from perfect, but obedient to the call placed on my life. We experienced a difficult season when our youngest son was very ill, but God graciously demonstrated His mercy, allowing his full recovery. I was moved to pray for a daughter (it became a heart’s desire) and I encouraged my boys to pray that God would bless them with a sister, as they questioned me about one (no coincidence). My daughter arrived about two years later! I was learning to take limits off of God and to trust Him to direct my path. Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) says, But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Marriage at such a young age, although I can see the hand of God orchestrating our union, was not a walk in the park, which many would like to believe; If God puts His stamp of approval on it then all will be smooth sailing – not so! Life is not a romantic novel or movie! We were both saved for several years before meeting and grounded in our faith and church; however, we were very different in many ways. I was drawn immediately to his love for God, commitment to sharing the gospel, and the help and kindness he extended to others. He also exuded intensity and an unwavering determination to reach his goals. One of those was to acquire a home and wife early in life (in that order). I believe Micah 6:8 (NASB) describes his perspective: He has shown you, oh man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, love mercy and to walk humbly before our God. We experienced many growing pains down this love walk and now, in our 35th year of marriage, I can see how only God kept us, through the pitfalls of pride, pain, and fear. God has been God!

This book is a compilation of my personal heart cries; poems, experiences, and biblical insights. I experienced God in so many simple ways – through a particular scripture, or song during my early morning devotions. The Holy Spirit graciously gives of Himself, and without fail, imparts hope and strength to us so that we can achieve our best. As broken vessels, we are daily dependent on our Master Creator to work on us, like a construction site, filling the holes and building the blocks – ultimately, for His glory – "being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the