When Moses came down from Mt. Sinai after meeting with God, his face shone so bright he had to wear a veil. My writing friend and blessed sister-in-Christ, Mrs. Lori Hatcher, has that same effect. In her case, God shines through her words. As both a friend and writing mentor, Ms. Lori has taught me the importance of “the power of story.” After praying with me about my Christian writing journey at a writer’s conference in Spartanburg, SC, she reminded me that Jesus Christ taught in parables. He used the power of story to impart knowledge, understanding, and wisdom in His ministry. She added, “If it worked so effectively for Him, then imagine what He can do through us if we follow His example.” If you get the opportunity to read one of her heartfelt devotionals, weekly blog posts, or hear her speak at a ministry event, take it. You too will then understand how her words exude both passion and compassion as she encourages us to join her in seeking a closer relationship with God. 
It is my privilege to share an excerpt from her new book, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart. I’ve been blessed to pre-read this tremendous work, and can’t wait to receive a final copy, read it again, and share with those seeking real hope for their lives. As her book demonstrates, He is the God of hope (Romans 5:13). I pray you enjoy this post and encourage you to communicate your thoughts with Ms. Lori, after you order your own copy of course. Here’s that excerpt from her book. Enjoy this week’s guest post.
God is Patient
“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”
1 Timothy 1:16
When you’re so bad they don’t even want you in prison, you know you’re bad.
Really, really bad.
That was Jimmy MacPhee.
Jimmy didn’t start out bad. In high school he was a two-sport athlete who made good grades and enjoyed classes. When a part-time job gave him money and freedom, he made new friends who cared little about school. His new lifestyle included fast cars, promiscuous sex, a plethora of drugs—and an armed bank robbery. Jimmy pulled the trigger, critically wounding one man and killing another.
A judge sentenced him to die in South Carolina’s electric chair. He was twenty years old.
“I had become everything I despised,” Jimmy said. Angry. Violent. Condemned.
But God hadn’t forsaken him.
He sent Frankie San, a soft-spoken man who served as the jail’s volunteer librarian, to shine the light of Christ into Jimmy’s dark cell.
“I love you, and Jesus loves you,” Frankie said through the bars. “He doesn’t care what crimes you’ve committed. He will forgive you if you let Him.”
Jimmy wasn’t interested.
While he awaited execution, a technicality in the law commuted his sentence from death to life in prison, but even this lifesaving grace didn’t soften Jimmy’s heart. Each year he grew more angry and violent.
Although Frankie San continued to speak words of life and hope whenever he delivered books to Jimmy’s cell, he sank deeper into a mindset of rage and hopelessness. A final vicious attack on a guard removed him from the prison population and sentenced him to solitary confinement for the duration of his sentence. Jimmy was forty years old.
There in his ten-by-ten cell, he took stock of his life. He’d spent two decades in prison and had nothing to show for it except death and destruction. Hopeless, he wrote to Frankie San, his old friend from Death Row. “I’m tired of my life. I desperately want something different, but I don’t know what.”
Frankie wrote back and shared the same words he’d spoken to Jimmy twenty years before: “I love you, and Jesus Christ loves you. He doesn’t care what crimes you committed. He will forgive you if you let Him. Give all your pain, anger, and brokenness to God, and he will heal you.”
This time, Jimmy took Frankie’s words to heart. “I bowed my head, and as the tears flowed, I asked God to take what little life I hadn’t destroyed and do with it what He would. I prayed, confessed my sins, and asked His forgiveness for all the pain I’d caused.”
Silently, almost imperceptibly, a peace settled over his soul. Despite his sentence to spend the rest of his life in solitary confinement, Jimmy knew he’d never be alone again. For the first time in years, he felt a flicker of hope.
Saul of Tarsus followed a very different path than Jimmy. Born a Roman citizen and taught under the esteemed Gamaliel, Saul was an up-and-coming wonder boy. His extensive knowledge of the Torah allowed him to preach in the finest synagogues. He prided himself on his educational and professional credentials.
Yet his heart was as violent as Jimmy’s. In his religious zeal, he stood in solidarity while an angry mob stoned Stephen the apostle. “I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man,” he confessed in 1 Timothy 1:13. “I persecuted the followers of this Way [Christians] to the death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prisons” (Acts 22:4). As was the case for Jimmy, Paul’s anger and violence almost consumed him.
“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me,” Paul testified in Galatians 1:15–16, he was transformed. Paul went from denying Christ to proclaiming Him.
After his conversion, Jimmy threw himself into study. He read his Bible and other books for hours each day. Little by little the truth of God’s Word changed him from a blaspheming murderer to a Spirit-filled peacemaker.
Sixteen years after he was sentenced to solitary confinement and twenty-five years after he was sentenced to die in the electric chair, Jimmy was released into the prison population. He continued to apply for parole, but most agreed he’d probably spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Jimmy invested the next twenty years into becoming a writer, speaker, teacher, and mentor to troubled younger prisoners and gang members. He led many men to the Lord as a servant leader. In 2017, he was chosen as one of only a few inmates to pursue a Bible college education from Columbia International University through its prison initiative. There he was trained to be both a missionary and a peacemaker to the most dangerous prison yards in South Carolina.
Paul’s transformation, described by the awestruck disciples, was equally glorious: “The man who formerly persecuted us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy” (Galatians 1:23). Paul testified of Christ to Caesar, wrote thirteen books of the New Testament, and planted numerous churches throughout Asia. As the self-proclaimed “worst of sinners,” Paul shared his story as living proof of God’s immense patience for those who think they are beyond redemption.
Paul became the apostle to the Gentiles and partnered with the disciples he once persecuted, evangelizing most of the known world. Jimmy became an ambassador to the prison population, sharing Christ with the inmates he once terrorized.
Paul was executed by Nero around AD 67 after spending the remainder of his life in prison. Jimmy was released on March 18, 2020, after forty-five years and seventeen parole board hearings.
Now an ordained minister and founder of On the Rock ministries, Jimmy speaks in churches, youth groups, and prisons. His message brings life and hope to those who wonder if God’s patience extends to them.[1]
“If He did it for me,” Jimmy says, “He can do it for you.”
Take Heart
If you or someone you love feel God’s Spirit drawing you, no matter what you’ve done, it’s not too late. God’s patience makes room for you.
From the Heart
Father, sometimes I lose heart when I see the path my friends and loved ones are taking. I want them to surrender their lives to you, but I see no evidence that you’re at work. All I see is death and destruction. Thank you for Paul’s testimony and Jimmy’s that prove that you are infinitely patient and always at work, even when I can’t see it. Soften my loved ones’ hearts toward you. Deepen their desire for your ways. Give me hope, as I continue to pray, that, one day, your patience will bring about their salvation and transformation. In the strong name of Jesus I ask, amen.
This devotion is an excerpt from the book, Refresh Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart and is used with permission. Requests for permission to quote this book should be directed to: Permissions Department, Our Daily Bread Publishing, PO Box 3566, Grand Rapids, MI 49501, or contact by email at permissionsdept@odb.org
Book Links:
On Amazon: https://amzn.to/3UswCC3
On Christian Book: https://tinyurl.com/4kndjhc3
About Lori
Lori Hatcher is an author, blogger, pastor’s wife, and women’s ministry speaker. Her writing has appeared in numerous publications including Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. A contest-winning Toastmasters International speaker, Lori uses high-impact stories to impart transformational truth. Find out more about Lori and her well-loved 5-minute devotions at LoriHatcher.com.
Give-Away Opportunity for Refreshing Your Hope, 60 Devotions for Trusting God with All Your Heart
While no purchase is necessary, you do have to enter. To enter, share this post on social media and leave a comment for Ms. Lori to both encourage her writing and help promote this hope-instilling book. I will randomly select the winner from the names of those who both share this post and leave a comment. Good luck and God’s blessings.
When you trust God with all your heart, His hope becomes a wellspring for your soul. Let Him Refresh Your Hope today. #RefreshYourHope Share on XGod’s Blessings,
[1] “Death Row to Abundant Life: Jimmy MacPhee,” On the Rock Ministries, accessed October 13, 2020, https://ontherockjimmy.org/.
Lori is such an encourager. She critiqued my manuscript at the Spartanburg conference, and her tone as well as her tips were so uplifting.
What an amazing story in Jimmy MacPhee. His testimony encourages me for loved ones on my heart.
I remember our conversation, Barbara. Keep writing for Him!
Yes! There is “no not one” who God believes to be irredeemable in our human race. I believe He desires that all come to the saving knowledge of Him through Christ. And yes, Ms. Lori is such an encouraging soul. I never leave a conversation with her or her husband without feeling renewed.
We are astonished at the changes God makes in our lives–as if we were two different people. We were the persons before Christ and the redeemed ones after Him. Thanks for sharing, JD. God bless!
Nancy, when reflecting on his BC (Before Christ) life, my husband often says, “You wouldn’t have liked me very much.” To which I reply, “Same here!” God’s power to transform is amazing!
Amen Ms. Nancy. While it’s hard for me to imagine sometimes, I do remember the vile, wicked man I once was. I realize too that there remains inside me, the human soul of a sinner, but I thank God each day that it has less and less control over me.
Lori is an amazing child of God. Her encouragement and inspiration have guided me through many situations. Thank you for sharing about her new book. Have a blessed day! 🙂
And where would any of us be without YOUR encouragement, Melissa. I just hear your name and I smile 🙂 See you at CCWC!
Absolutely Ms. Mimi. Ms. Lori may never (until her arrival in heaven) know how many other “Writers of Light” she has influenced with her humility, encouragement, and the example she sets.
Always a.blessing to read Lori’s words of wisdom and encouragement-an example of God’s heart and hers. Thank you for sharing one of many gems from her latest book.
God’s blessings to you, Marilyn!
It sure is Ms. Marilyn. I remember too, meeting another godly woman who became a dear and precious sister to me during those furious few days at CCWC. 🙂
Thanks, J.D., for sharing this post and for your faithful support of those who are advancing the light of God’s truth against the deepening darkness surrounding us. Hearing the stories of how God chose to reveal Himself in the most unlikely vessels offers tremendous encouragement to those of us who have loved ones who have drifted into the “far country” and seem unreachable. I’m grateful that you introduced us to Lori and look forward to exploring more of her work. God bless you for the way you use your own voice to magnify the impact of others. This was a great way to begin the new year.
Never lose hope, Ron. No one is ever so lost that God can’t find them. Blessings to you!
You bet Mr. Ron. As Ms. Lori has shown so many, and as you do also, “you get what you give”. It is truly amazing to know the depths to which God will delve to reach our innermost. The part that longs for Him, even though everything else about us rebels against it. His persistence is a key reason for my hope in Him. He simply never gives up on us.
Love what you’re doing, Lori! Keep up this great work.
Thanks so much, Gail. May your year be filled with HOPE!
Thank you Ms. Gail. Much appreciated ma’am.
I love this! And I love Lori’s heart – having read her previous two devotionals. I’m excited about this new one.
Your kind words mean so much, Candace. Blessings to you, friend.
Me too Ms. Candyce. Thank you so much for joining in as we celebrate Ms. Lori’s latest kingdom work.
Lori,
This was such an encouraging post. I have loved ones who are not walking with God. I pray for them daily and am so grateful that God is a patient God.
Never stop, Edwina. No heart is so hard God cannot penetrate it . Keep praying!
Right there with you Ms. Edwina. May we have the faith to continue praying for those loved ones, with the hope that tells us He has not removed His eyes from them. God isn’t finished yet!
Never underestimate God’s transforming power. Thank you, Lori.
Amen, Diana. If I hadn’t lived it, I wouldn’t believe it. To God be the glory!
Amen Ms. Diana. My wife and I have both said many times that, “If you knew me then, you wouldn’t have liked me very much.” Yet, God loved us through it all.
What a delight to meet you here, Lori, at J. D.’s blog! Even when we can’t see God at work, your story here tells us to never doubt that He is, indeed, active even in the lives we least expect. I will certainly be looking forward to reading your latest devotional.
Blessings!
Martha, eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor has entered into the heart of man what God has prepared for those who love him. Press on in faith!
Thank you Ms. Martha. Yes, God is always working; and that gives me hope. When I think on loved ones who are not yet saved, my hope in God remains intact. I KNOW that He is working on it, so I try and leave it in His hands. When the time is right, I pray that He will prompt me to say or do the right thing that plants the seed He needs to pierce their hearts with His truth.
Yes, J. D., Lori Hatcher is a wonderful writer. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for your kind words, Laura Lee. God’s blessings to you!
Thank you Ms. L3. I think you two dear ladies share that trait also.
What hope! God is always on the move! Thank you!
Yes He is! Never doubt. Pray on, my friend.
Amen! He sure is Ms. Kathy. Often times, I feel I’m always lagging a few steps behind, but I remind myself that Christ said, “Follow Me”, not “Lead the Way.”
A beautiful and powerful illustration of the patient, loving God we serve!
How grateful I am for His infinite patience and everlasting kindness toward us!
Indeed. While I’ve never met Mr. MacPhee in person, I sure look forward to that day. To give him a hug as a brother-in-Christ and to share in fellowship and praise of our God of hope will be a blessing indeed.
Loved reading about Jimmy. God has done this in the lives of so many of us. That glorious “amazing love”. Where would any of us be without Him? Thank you for sharing this story from Lori’s newest offering. There is always, always hope.
Blessings!
Yes ma’am. Like God’s love, His hope is eternal.
Amazing story of the change God can make in a life. I pray for God to use this book to reach many people. Thanks for sharing about Lori.
Thank you Ms. Yvonne. I think that is a prayer that every Christian writer can offer up. I’m always amazed at the similarities between being a farmer and a Christian writer. We’re both sowing seeds, in prayerful hope that God will bless them and cause them to grow.
An amazing story of God’s redemptive power that can shine hope to the darkest life. Thanks J.D. and Lori!
You bet Ms. Barbara. Have I told you how very grateful I am that you and your husband are home in GA again?
Lori, what a powerful devotion. Jimmy’s story is so moving and shows us how God can redeem a life, soul, and our past for His glory!
I think that’s the key Ms. Karen. For HIS glory. Isn’t that the reason for everything we do? If not, shouldn’t it be? God’s blessings ma’am; and thank you for also being a wellspring of hope throughout this world. You too help to spread God’s hope into this darkened world.
Lori, I thoroughly enjoyed reading your comparison of Jimmy and Paul. It’s a good reminder that God is still in the business of redeeming impossibly hard hearts.
Oh, I love that Ms. Annie. He is still open for business! Our job is to become His best marketeers. We do that by letting Him do His work within us.
What a beautiful testimony of God’s transforming love. Thank you both for sharing it.
Absolutely Ms. Debbie. Thank you so much for commenting and sharing ma’am.
I’d heard Jimmy’s story on pjnet.tv, but so appreciated reading his inspiring message again here. It’s never too late to seek Jesus and now Jimmy is serving Jesus by serving others. Such an inspiring and motivating message. And a reminder for us to be more like Frankie San. Thank you, Lori, for your message and your faithfulness in spreading the Good News of Jesus. Thank you, J.D., for hosting. May God continue to bless your service to Him.
How very true Ms. Katherine. I think of Mr. Frankie-san, of which I’m unsure if he was a “guest of the state” or not, but I think about how much faith he must have had to be willing to bring God’s hope into what I could only think was a hopeless situation. Oh, how Satan must have control over those in situations like that. Only the power of God’s love can penetrate a heart that darkened.
J.D., thank you for sharing this wonderful testimony from Lori’s book. Only God can bring about such restoration. Truly His grace is amazing.
Yes ma’am. Mr. Jimmy has a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and His power to change lives. I’m so glad He didn’t condemn me to eternal separation from Him, but patiently waited for me to reach the path He laid out before I was born.
Amen.
Me too.
This is the second guest post I’ve seen from Lori’s new book. Both posts inspired me!
Thank you ma’am. Me too! 🙂
Loved reading this excerpt from Lori’s book!
It reminds us to keep telling the next generation what God has done, so that they may come to know and trust Him, too.
Thanks for sharing this, J.D.
Amen Ms. Sally. God doesn’t skip generations, we do my friend. So glad great mamas like you are out there showing God to your children and all those around you. Keep planting those seeds of faith little “farmer girl”.
I like how Lori vacillates from Jimmy to Paul back to Jimmy. Great storyteller inserting plenty of hope. But that’s our God. Thank you.
And a mighty God He is. Thank you for commenting Ms. Karen.