Our Dreams, God’s Calling: Jaci Velasquez and Andy Harrison
Dreaming, planning, preparing for the future—it’s in our nature to map out where we’d like our lives to go. But in the midst of our dreaming, it’s important to take a step back and ask God, “What do You want for my life?” Because He might have a different—and better—answer for us. When Christian music artist Jaci Velasquez was pregnant with her son Zealand, she knew he’d have a ministry of his own one day. But when Jaci discovered Zealand had autism, she wondered how he’d ever spread God’s love if he couldn’t communicate. Over time, Jaci learned to shift her perspective from “Why me?” to “Why not me?” and she began to see how God can use anyone or anything for good. Worship pastor Andy Harrison was raised in a Christian home, but never really felt connected to God. After attending a youth camp and a Planetshakers conference, Andy was struck by how passionate the people around him were, and he wanted to discover this Jesus that had everyone so shaken up. Today Andy’s a mentor to youth and shows them how to be strong in faith while growing up, and how, even when we don’t know where to turn, we can find everything we need in Jesus.
Links, Products and Resources Mentioned:
Jesus Calling devotional
When God Rescripts Your Life: Seeing Value, Beauty, and Purpose When Life is Interrupted book
IEP—Individualized Educational Program
Autism Spectrum Disorder - pervasive developmental delay
Jesus Over Everything album
Jesus Over Everything: Notes for the Next Generation of Planetshakers book
BibleGateway.com (Psalms 139 & Matthew 6:33)
Interview Quotes:
“I stopped asking the question, ‘Why me?’ And I started asking the most important question, which was ‘Why not me?’” - Jaci Velasquez
“Sometimes what He wants for our lives and what He wants for our families looks different than what we had pictured.” - Jaci Velasquez
“We have to continuously dive into what God is trying to show us.” - Jaci Velasquez
“He forgives you sooner than you forgive yourself. So why do we continue putting ourselves on the cross? “ - Jaci Velasquez
“Listen for His interpretation. Our dreams and God's calling are not always the same thing.” - Jaci Velasquez
“[Growing up] I knew a lot of things about God, but I didn't know Him for myself.“ - Andy Harrison
“I'm really passionate about seeing young people encounter Jesus, because that was the season in my life where I came to know Him, and I want to see other young people come to know Him, too.” - Andy Harrison
“Everything that we need is found in Jesus.” - Andy Harrison
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Enjoy these videos on Jesus Calling YouTube channel:
Audio podcast: https://bit.ly/2uCnNM0
Original Series video podcast: https://bit.ly/2WzFY0O
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