Fifty-three years ago, my wife, Jan, was a student at what was then known as Multnomah School of the Bible. We would eventually meet on campus when our paths crossed one day which led us to love and a life-long commitment to each other.
One of Jan’s classes was taught by a beloved professor, David Needham. The class studied the book of Isaiah. The students were required to read all of Isaiah before the semester’s end. During the last night of the class, Jan had not yet read Isaiah. Jan stayed up most of that night reading Isaiah to honor the request of her professor. In that reading, something was awakened in Jan, especially in chapters 30-66.
Jan began to read those 36 chapters again and again over the years, unable to shake a stirring in her heart. That limited reading went on for the next 50 years until several years ago when Jan began to write books of blessings. As Jan studied Isaiah and explored supporting works of research, her love of the book expanded and encompassed the entire book once she discovered God’s heart in each chapter.
A few months ago, Jan completed book four of the five volumes of her books of blessings from Isaiah. I call these five volumes Jan’s opus. Volume five will be finished toward the end of this year. Jan’s passionate exploration of Isaiah began one night over 50 years ago when a single act of honor sparked a major part of Jan’s life calling. She will leave behind a set of five books that will unpack the heart of God through blessings using some of the very Scriptures Jesus referenced in His ministry.
I learned something from Jan’s experience. Many times, the very thing we don’t want to do – like honoring a professor’s request – can open the door to parts of our life and calling we would not entertain until our obedience is complete. Honor is a powerful tool in God’s hands. He can use it to begin a good work in us that will lead us to destinations we would never entertain had we not taken the first step of honor.
“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
(Jan’s first four books of blessings from Isaiah are available on Amazon or through our website at www.garriselkins.com).
I love Isaiah’s encounter with the Lord in chapter 6:1-8. It is symbolic of the Lord purging His church of sin so that He can send us.
The timing is perfect since so much of Isaiah reads like current events now! Her books contain both timeless and well-timed blessings. Our school of ministry is studying Isaiah now. Thanks Jan for being in sync with the timing!
What a powerful lesson and I’m sure Jan’s Blessing books are doing exactly that for many. Professor Needham authored one of the most influential and formative books of my life which I read 45 years ago called Birthright.