Today, I’m beginning a four-part series in which I’ll share testimonies about my journey.
Part 1
Years ago, the word “sojourner “ unexpectedly found its way into my heart, and let me tell you, it was like a divine headline I couldn’t ignore. It’s not a term you hear every day, but its meaning struck me deeply. A sojourner is someone passing through a world that often feels unfamiliar.
When I think about it, it reminds me of our journey through life. We’re all sojourners, aren’t we? Each of us is navigating our path, encountering new experiences and challenges along the way. There’s something beautiful about that! Like the sojourners in the Bible, we might find ourselves in unfamiliar places. Yet, in those moments of uncertainty, we often discover who we really are and what we truly believe.
In this series, I want to share the lessons I’ve learned along the journey, the moments the Word of God brought clarity to me, and the hope that has carried me through. I believe that together, we can embrace the adventure of being a sojourner, trusting that there’s something greater waiting for us just beyond the horizon.
I can’t help but think of that old hymn
“This world is not my home; I am just a travelin’ through. My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heaven’s open door, and I can’t feel at home in this world anymore.”
Those lyrics remind me that we’re not meant to feel completely settled here or when we don’t fit in; we’re on a journey, and that’s okay! But we should never lose the excitement of our life’s journey.
Looking back on my experiences, I see how being a sojourner has shaped my life. Each twist and turn has brought lessons, whether moments of joy or times of great struggle.
Honestly, some of my most challenging moments turned out to be the ones that helped me grow the most.
They pushed me to trust God more and to lean into my faith.
You know, each of us has a story about the Lord’s faithfulness in our journeys. Over the years, I’ve had the incredible privilege of praying alongside so many people facing tough times. And let me tell you, it’s in those moments that we see God show up in the most remarkable ways.
Every prayer, every tear, every moment I’ve watched as people have faced their battles, feeling overwhelmed and lost, only to find peace and strength that can only come from the Lord.
So, if you’re going through something right now, remember—you’re not alone. God is with you, working behind the scenes, even when it feels dark. Your testimony matters, and it can light the way for others.
My Testimony/Mountain of Peace
A Song for the Journey
We had just lost our home, not by our doings but because someone we trusted lied. We had worked so hard for a few years to restore and make our house liveable inside and all the outside decks. The battles, while I lived there on that land were my spiritual boot camp, and lessons during our stay taught me great faith to bring to this journey.
We didn’t know it was for sale when we were told it had sold! The individual sold it right out from under us. We found out when the new owners came to our door. We were in shock!
The individual we had trusted told us we only had three days to move.
I will someday share the battles and miracles in more detail and how they were the greatest blessing in disguise that could have ever happened to us!
We held on to;
Exodus 14:13-14 Moses responds with great courage.
And Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the LORD, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The LORD will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.”
A day later, another bad report came in. Brad’s job, a new opportunity that was to begin, didn’t start.
It was a Saturday evening, after all we were told, and we had been packing all day, and honestly, I felt like I was wrapped in a heavy blanket of fatigue. Did I say that I was 5 months pregnant with our daughter?
Life threw some tough challenges, and my heart ached for what we were going through. But during all the chaos, I was learning to walk every step by faith—with no home, no job, and very little savings left. We had three days to pack and find a place to live while getting the kids settled, and we also had our little dog, Zacchaeus.
A few years before this happened, I had rededicated my life to the Lord and Brad a year later. We were both filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and let me tell you, that was the most beautiful part: we could pray together, and our hearts were unified. Even if it was not easy, please believe me: “When you lean on Him, you will not fall.”
As the sun dipped low and painted the sky with hues of orange, I sank into the moment, feeling a mix of anxiety and hope swirling inside me. It was like the world was continuing, moving forward, while we were caught in this uneasy stillness. But you know what? A little spark inside me—a reminder that faith is all about trusting God when the road gets rocky.
Brad was right there with me, a steady presence in this whirlwind. We had faced storms before, but this one felt different. It felt raw. We were being tested; the most challenging part was that it had been our little boys’ home.
“Let’s take a moment to breathe,” Brad said softly. I closed my eyes and smiled back, feeling the truth in his words.
Yet, a persistent and sweet melody danced in my mind in the weariness, and I heard a song of hope. I knew I had to write. As I settled down with a piece of paper, the words began to tumble forth, mingling with my tears as they flowed onto the page.
Each word felt like a note in our melody, a testament to our journey.
As the night wrapped around us, I began singing the new song. It reminded us that we were never alone and it brought a peace that surpasses all understanding. With every line, it felt like the burdens were lifting, replaced by a sense of purpose and clarity.
Here is a portion of the lyrics from Mountain of Peace
I’ve found a mountain, a mountain of peace. The higher I climb it, the farther I can see.
It’s Rocky in spots, but there are clear running streams. I found a mountain, a mountain of peace.
Come, let us go up to the mountain, to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob, and to the rock of our salvation; he will teach us his ways, and we shall walk in his path
Oh, come house of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the Lord.
I don’t climb my mountain alone anymore. He’s there to protect me in peace and in war. The sweet name of Jesus is all that I need.
I’ve found a Mountain, a mountain of peace.
Brad took my hand, squeezing it gently, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of the night, our song became a declaration to move forward and not look back.
Sunday morning arrived, and I stood in the choir, my heart still echoing our song from the night before. The minister stepped forward, his voice steady and strong, declaring the words of Isaiah 2 with a fervor that made the air shimmer. He spoke of the Lord dwelling in Zion and invited us to ascend to the mountain of the Lord. As he continued, I felt an electric thrill—my song, my testimony, as if he was reciting the words that had poured from my soul just hours earlier. “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,” he proclaimed, “for there is a rocky terrain, oh, but there are clear running streams.”
The atmosphere was charged with God’s presence, a sacred invitation to encounter Him. The minister turned to me, his eyes bright with understanding, and said, “You have something to share.”
With my heart racing, I began to sing “Mountain of Peace.”🎵 The words flowed from me like water from a spring, carrying with them the weight of my struggles and the beauty of His promise. As I sang, I could see faces illuminated by the light of the Spirit, tears streaming down cheeks, hands lifted in surrender. It was a moment suspended in time, a glimpse of heaven breaking through the ordinary.
The altar soon filled with souls, each drawn by a longing for connection, healing, and peace. No one knew my song’s backstory, the tears that had watered its seeds, yet they felt its truth resonate deep within. The song had become a bridge, uniting us in a shared experience of worship and longing for the divine.
Later, as the sun dipped below the horizon and the echoes of that sacred morning lingered in my heart, I reflected on the miracle of it all. This was an expression of my journey and a reminder of how God weaves our struggles into something beautiful. He creates melodies that can uplift, heal, and transform our weariness.
From that day forward, I found myself more inspired than ever. Did our circumstances change? No, but later on in this series, I will be sharing how everything has its timing.
We are often reminded of that Sunday, when the Holy Spirit moved among us and the power of a song connected us with God’s heart. I knew my journey as a songwriter was beginning, and I awaited eagerly for the next chapter He would write through me. For in the hands of the Master, even the slightest whisper of a tired heart can become a symphony of grace.🎵
I still have a cassette tape of that service, a tangible reminder of the divine appointment that unfolded on my journey.
As I wrote Mountain of Peace during that tough time, this is the scripture that God used to put the melody of peace in my heart, and I needed it to destroy the lies of the enemy.
Isaiah, which means “Yahweh is salvation” or “God saves.”
Isaiah 2
“Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
To the house of the God of Jacob;
He will teach us His ways,
And we shall walk in His paths.”
It’s been a journey, and I truly believe that opening up about my experiences will help move this ministry forward into the new year. I pray it will also encourage you along the way.
So, let’s remember that life isn’t just about reaching our destination; it’s about the journey itself. Let’s lean into the experience of being a sojourner, finding joy and purpose in our walking path. After all, the journey shapes, molds, and ultimately leads us closer to our true selves.
I’m so grateful you’re reading, exploring, and connecting with my website through julielakeministries.com. I created a page on Facebook to give you the opportunity to share it.
Remember, you’re not alone on this journey—let’s keep growing and learning together!”
