“Go. Break In!”

This is the final portion of a four-part series. You can read the first post here. The second part of the story is here, and clicking this takes you to the third segment.

Sheri’s irresistible invitation to break into the garden had us hightailing it to Sunset Drive. She told us how to gain access.

How could we resist experiencing this miracle in the making?

After easing the bulky chain with the giant MASTER padlock over the metal fencing, we ventured in. 

Yes, God, You are Master over all—every detail, all timing, each gift, this moment, I thought. 

Photo: Angie Byers

The tranquil sanctuary seemed magical. Towering trees cast their shade over quaint stone walls and smooth walkways. Peace perfumed everything. Talk about an idyllic oasis for lingering, listening, or leaving weighty concerns.

Traipsing down the sloping walk, I stopped midway. A unique rock strategically encased in the corner of a concrete landing captured my attention. A cornerstone, I said to myself, then wondered who placed it there and when.

It felt heady—finding myself in one of God’s redemptive stories.

Replaying the sequence of events that brought me to North Carolina, then discovering the little purple shop, and now this patch of earth gifted in answer to prayer left me sobered. And speechless. 

There are no coincidences for a child of God. 

Lord, this place is going to minister to so many people. Will You bless Sheri as she prepares this garden sanctuary to receive and welcome all who come here?

Photo: Angie Byers

When I finally made my way down to the gurgling river, a powerful urge to get in took over. 

I spied a flat grassy spot allowing an easy, though mindful, transition from the steep incline to the shallow river. Casting off sandals, I calculated each move. Cautiously stepping on the grassy pedestal, I eased one foot into the chilly water. Rocks slick with moss, and the strong current made progress dicey. Once I found sure footing and braced myself against the relentless force, time seemed to stop. 

A string of events leading to this moment raced through my mind in concert with the whizzing water. 

      My persistent friend’s zeal to execute a memorable birthday adventure. 

      Another friend’s statement—I think God is going to do something spectacular on your trip. 

      Plus, multiple testimonies of God’s faithfulness. 

Memories of His abundant provision, in remarkable ways, resurfaced as the charging surge barrelled around my ankles. 

The richness of faith—anchored, accepted, and appropriated by grace, helped me realize God’s stabilizing comfort. Especially during the tsunamis of life. Christ, the Cornerstone—forever my solid ground. No. Matter. What.

Photo: Angie Byers

Submerged in the cold rushing river, tears brimming, arms stretched out wide, and face turned upwards—I worshipped. Like the symbolism of baptism, the water seemed to whisk away every evil. All the pain, anguish, and disappointment of the past—gone. I drew a deep breath. Exhaling slowly, I surrendered to the moment. 

Fixed firm amidst the strong current, the waters of the New River simultaneously jetted away sorrows while drenching me with fortifying grace, hope, and oceans of love. If I had a change of clothes or even a towel, I would have been on my back. Instead of just my feet, I would have sprawled out in the flow of this healing flood. 

My following-Jesus lifestyle led me to a river named New. Now God was doing a new thing in my heart. 

Deluged by the driving surge and overwhelmed by the forcefulness of God’s radical goodness, I melted spiritually. His care, presence, and provision swamped me. 

As I relinquished myself to Him, He filled me with supernatural refreshment. Life received, consuming, and brimming over left me spiritually saturated. My tear-streaked face—waterlogged like the river. My heart—swelling with His love. 

Photo: Angie Byers

Sunbeams peeked through a blanket of breeze-tickled leaves. The rippling water glistened. As I wiped my sopping cheeks, an intermittent flashing caught my gaze. Gingerly bending down, I lifted the sparkling stone from the river. Aware that one unbalanced movement could send me toppling over, I carefully tucked the treasure in my pocket for safekeeping. 

I stepped out of the New River—changed. God’s presence—palpable. His love—immense. 

God had orchestrated everything. The trip, meeting Sheri, hearing of His handiwork, this place, the New River healing.

And the timing—God saved the best for last. We were heading home the next day. Humbled by it all, I thought I might burst into smithereens.

Photo: Angie Byers

Does it thrill you as much as it does me to know that our unchanging God is forever creating? He is always bringing about new things and new life. 

The prophet Isaiah penned these powerful and prophetic words,”Forget the former things, do not dwell on the past, behold, I do a new thing. Do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert.” Isaiah 43:18-19

Parting the Red Sea and leading His people through the wilderness were monumental moments. But these would pale in the brilliance of humanity’s rescue through the coming Messiah—God’s ultimate deliverance.

When I am preoccupied with the past, I cannot see the new thing God is doing. Desert dwelling and wilderness wandering can become the norm unless I am attentive, engaged, listening, and obeying Him. I must remember God’s faithfulness

Photo: Angie Byers

Following the Way Maker means we go where Jesus goes. He teaches us as we walk together. And in His perfect timing and loving ways, He brings us into realms where living waters flow. Where new things are the norm and delight in Him buoys us through life. 

Later, when I scrutinized the sparkling river rock, fresh tears flowed. The pulsating stone I drew from the river was in the shape of a heart. 

Placing my Ebenezer (1 Samuel 7:12) in my palm, then closing my fingers tightly around this beauty, I closed my eyes. My thankful heart—melting with gratitude.

God, thank You for inviting me to follow You. I marvel at Your constant care, ever-flowing grace, and goodness. I am constantly astounded by the intimate ways You meet and minister to me. Keep it coming! And, Lord, will You please enlarge my capacity to receive and contain all the blessings You send?

Friend, how are things going for you? Where has God taken you lately as you follow Him? I am eager to hear if you would like to share. We can rejoice together! Or pray. Better yet—we can do both!

And by His grace, I plan to continue following Jesus. Besides, what else is there to do?

This means that anyone

who belongs to Christ

has become a new person.

The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 

2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT

All that is to be done to rescue sinners, and to bring the believer to glory, is little, compared with that wondrous work of love, the redemption of man.

Matthew Henry

After writing this post, I dashed out to do some errands. Toby Mac joined me. Well, through the radio station in my car. The lyrics from his song, Cornerstone, acknowledge this winding road we traverse called life. He concludes our only safety is standing on the Rock—Jesus Christ. Listening felt like a hug from heaven. You can find the lively tune here.

And if you would like a glimpse of what to expect in the new prayer garden, click here. This news broadcast captured the initial prayer movement at the little purple shop. I can only imagine the wonders He has planned. Soli Deo Gloria!