What people are saying about …

Walk It Out

“Tricia Goyer lives a life that will challenge readers to step up and walk out faith in our homes, communities, and the world, and ultimately experience all the joy promised when we are in His will and doing His work.”

—Francine Rivers, New York Times bestselling author of more than thirty novels, including Redeeming Love

“For several decades, I have watched Tricia and her family take large and small steps of faith. If God said it, they did it. Every time the results have been extraordinary. I’m so glad she’s captured the best of those experiences in this practical, deeply inspirational book. She demonstrates how, when we listen and do what God asks us to do, He always provides, directs, and blesses us many times over. If you need motivation to get your life back on the path that leads to joy and great hope, grab this book and ‘walk it out.’ A radically changed life awaits you!”

—Robin Jones Gunn, bestselling author of Victim of Grace and Spoken For

“Tricia Goyer doesn’t just walk it out; she compels us to do the same. This is one of those rare books that changes you. There is no abstract spirituality within these pages. Walk It Out is practical and inspiring for every reader who needs to know what it means to follow Jesus in the everyday moments of life.”

—Amber Lia, bestselling author of Triggers: Exchanging Parents’ Angry Reactions for Gentle Biblical Responses

“I didn’t get past the introduction of Walk It Out before my heart was moved and soul shaken by the words of an everyday woman who decided to just want God. I hope hundreds of thousands of people read this book. It’s that important. Tricia Goyer truly walks out every word of this true story turned guidebook of the surrendered Jesus life. May deep call to deep and move us all to such obedience. Gratefully, I endorse this powerful book.”

—Lisa Whittle, speaker, author of I Want God and Put Your Warrior Boots On

“Walk It Out is compelling, thought-provoking, and encouraging. Tricia takes readers through her personal journey to discover what it meant for her family to truly walk out Scriptures that instruct us all to care for the ‘least of these,’ while inviting all of us to move away from our comfort zones and into God’s will. A must-read for anyone who needs a reminder that serving is not about a bigger to-do list or striving but about a deeper connection with Jesus.”

—Crystal Stine, freelance writer, communications consultant, author of Creative Basics and Holy Hustle (fall 2018)

“Tricia Goyer doesn’t dictate how you ‘should’ live by faith in God’s Word. She walks it out. Sharing her own redeemed struggles, Tricia guides your heart to embrace Jesus’s unique purposes and helps you ‘take hold of the life that is truly life.’”

—Heather MacFadyen, creator and host of the GodCenteredMom podcast

“Many of us have the desire to follow God, but few of us actually know how to. I can’t think of a better person to show us through her inspiring life story than Tricia Goyer. Walk It Out will give you a first-hand look at what a life, even through the most trying circumstances, genuinely lived for God actually looks like!”

—Ruth Schwenk, founder of TheBetterMom.com, cofounder of FortheFamily.org, coauthor of Pressing Pause and For Better or For Kids

“Hindsight is always 20/20, but Walk It Out is a gift of foresight—one of those rare finds that prepares you for what is to come, and helps you right where you are today. While providing a look ahead, Tricia’s new book helps you learn to recognize your defining moments or turning points as they happen, and she shows you how to respond in faith instead of fear.”

—Amanda Bennett, author and speaker

“If anyone has walked out their faith by leaning on the Word of God, it’s Tricia. Fully knowing the only book we need in life is the Bible, it sure is helpful having a trusted friend like Tricia to demonstrate how she’s done this in her own life and guide us to do the same in our own.”

—Sami Cone, blogger and media personality, bestselling author of Raising Uncommon Kids

“Tricia has written a beautiful guidebook that takes our hands and shows us how we can follow God beyond our comfort zones—where life really begins. Filled with powerful stories from her own life and practical wisdom she learned along the way, Tricia inspires and equips us to live out our faith no matter our season or situation.”

—Kat Lee, author of Maximize Your Mornings, founder and director of HelloMornings.org

“Walk It Out is my favorite kind of book: one that makes you reach for your highlighter and dog ear its pages. Tricia Goyer shares her story with an honesty that inspires me to be more vulnerable in my own life; she shows us that revealing our brokenness can lead to healing and forgiveness and can help us to help others. The priorities she outlines for her family are so good I sat down and discussed them with my husband. Tricia presents real ways, both large and small, to translate belief into action. If you yearn to live out your faith and discover how God can use you to make a difference here on earth. I highly recommend this book.”

—Dawn Camp, editor and photographer of The Beauty of Grace, The Gift of Friendship, and The Heart of Marriage

“From the moment I first met Tricia, her life has challenged me to look at my own life differently. What is God’s Word clearly calling me to do? How can I live out His desires for me daily? Where is fear holding me back from stepping out more boldly for Him? Walk It Out beautifully illustrates what can happen in our lives when we surrender our plans and dreams and embrace the path God has for us—regardless of how many bumps there have been on the road behind us. Within the pages of this life-changing book, we hear about Tricia’s story and even catch glimpses of where some of the heroines in her fictional books may have gotten their inspiration. We get to experience how God used the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of her life to bring about His glory and His love to so many lives. It’s simply amazing!”

—Kristi Clover, author of Sanity Savers for Moms and coauthor of Homeschool Basics, speaker, blogger, host of the Simply Joyful podcast

“Is the gospel merely a set of abstract doctrines to be believed? Or is it a message that transforms the heart and finds its expression in the way we live every day? Tricia Goyer contends for a Christianity with hands and feet that reaches out to the lost and the hurting. Both convicting and compassionate, this book will challenge you to not merely hear the Word, but to do what it says.”

—Israel Wayne, author, conference speaker, director of Family Renewal

“If you prefer remain distanced from God’s tangible presence and power in your life, then you might want to grab a different book. If you ache to experience God’s nearness and activity in a way that takes your breath away, however, then Walk It Out by Tricia Goyer just might be your best next step. Lean in, friend, and discover the kind of life only God could orchestrate.”

—Michele Cushatt, author of I Am: A 60-Day Journey to Knowing Who You Are Because of Who He Is

“There is no person I’d rather hear from on the topic of walking out my faith than Tricia Goyer. Her life speaks volumes about obedience to God’s call, trusting Him in the process, and as a result, doing radically uncomfortable things. So it follows that she offers a trusted and honest guide in navigating how to walk out your faith in her newest book Walk It Out. This is not a book on living a perfect life. It’s a book for those of us stumbling through our days wondering if we can do anything meaningful for God during our short lives. A book for those of us afraid of what God might say or where He might send us when we say, ‘Lord send me.’ I offer my wholehearted endorsement for Walk It Out.”

—Alexandra Kuykendall, author of Loving My Actual Life and cohost The Open Door Sisterhood podcast

WALK IT OUT

Published by David C Cook

4050 Lee Vance Drive

Colorado Springs, CO 80918 U.S.A.

David C Cook U.K., Kingsway Communications

Eastbourne, East Sussex BN23 6NT, England

The graphic circle C logo is a registered trademark of David C Cook.

The website addresses recommended throughout this book are offered as a resource to you. These websites are not intended in any way to be or imply an endorsement on the part of David C Cook, nor do we vouch for their content.

Details in some stories have been changed to protect the identities of the persons involved.

Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION® and NIV® are registered trademarks of Biblica, Inc. Use of either trademark for the offering of goods or services requires the prior written consent of Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked BSB are taken from The Holy Bible, Berean Study Bible, BSB Copyright ©2016 by Bible Hub. Used by permission, all rights reserved worldwide; ESV are taken from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved; THE MESSAGE are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © by Eugene H. Peterson 1993, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.; NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The author has added italics to Scripture quotations for emphasis.

LCCN 2017933741

ISBN 978-1-4347-1099-4

eISBN 978-1-4347-1110-6

Published in association with the Books & Such Literary Management, 52 Mission Circle, Suite 122, PMB 170, Santa Rosa, CA 95409-5370, www.booksandsuch.com.

The Team: Alice Crider, Liz Heaney, Amy Konyndyk, Nick Lee, Diane Gardner, Rachael Stevenson, Carol Ann Hiemstra, Susan Murdock

Cover Design: Tim Green, Faceout Studio

Cover Photo: Getty Images

First Edition 2017

To John—I’m so thankful God has brought you into my life to walk this journey together. You always inspire me to walk out what I feel God is putting on my heart through His Word. Thank you for your love and your support. I can’t imagine a more perfect partner to travel through life with.

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Introduction: Living the Life I Never Dreamed

1. That Defining Moment

2. Loving and Serving from a Healed Heart

3. Creating White Space, Crafting Purpose

4. Heaven over My Shoulder

5. A Story Worth Telling

6. All the World

7. Wrestling to Give

8. Welcoming the Vulnerable Ones

9. Family Matters

10. The Work You’re Meant to Do

11. On Earth as in Heaven

Conclusion: A Daily God

Notes

Foreword

I’ll never forget the day I met Tricia Goyer. The owner of our local Christian bookstore told me, “You need to meet Tricia. She’s a writer too.”

I had no idea this woman would become so influential in my life. To be hones, when we first met, I was intimidated. Ten years younger than me, Tricia seemed to have it all together.

She already had an agent shopping her first novel. In between writing regularly for Christian magazines, she homeschooled her three kids and created children’s church curriculum that she and her husband taught each week. On top of that, her house was immaculate!

Me on the other hand? Well, I was a pastor’s wife who felt called to write but never seemed to get around to it, a mother who loved her children deeply but prayed passionately she’d never have to homeschool, and a recovering slob who couldn’t remember the last time her home was even close to immaculate.

Tricia’s gentle kindness, however, melted away my feelings of inadequacy. As we talked, it became clear this woman was passionate about writing. She’d found her purpose and was working hard to fulfill her dream. But not in a driven, look-at-me sort of way. That’s not Tricia at all. (I’ve never met a humbler person.) Instead, as we grew closer, I watched Tricia consistently do the hard work of writing, calmly persevering and trusting God even when publishing doors slammed shut.

Eventually, those doors opened (boy, did they open!), but over the years I’ve watched Tricia regularly set aside her dreams so she could follow Jesus. Saying yes to God over and over, even when it meant turning her perfectly ordered life upside down. Stretching an already full and busy life to make room for another piece of God’s will. It’s been breathtaking and beautiful to behold.

At first, Tricia was my writing mentor. But over the years, she’s mentored my life as well. Showing me what it looks like to lay down my life rather than save it. How to love and serve people, not just in word but in tangible, life-giving ways. How to step out in faith when God calls, fully believing He’ll lead and empower me as I go.

In this book you’ll be inspired to do the same—to be more available to God than ever before—but expect to be challenged as well. Walk It Out has certainly challenged me as I’ve read its pages. There are points I’m still mulling over with Jesus.

Please don’t rush through this book. Let the stories and Scriptures probe any unsurrendered corners in your heart. Make notes in the margin. Take time to journal through the questions at the end of each chapter. Be honest with yourself and with God. Dialogue with Jesus, inviting Him into any resistance you may feel. Ask Him to make you willing to follow no matter where He leads. Invite the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom as to what steps of obedience He wants you to take.

In this process of putting feet to your faith, you are never alone. Philippians 2:13 reminds us, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Isn’t that great news, my friend? God works it in. And because of His enabling power, you and I can walk it out.

Happy trails!

—Joanna Weaver, bestselling author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World: Finding Intimacy with God in the Busyness of Life

Acknowledgments

This book started on a drive from my home in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Dallas, Texas, where I was attending a conference. My editor, life coach, and friend, Alice Crider, had just been hired for a role at David C Cook, and I was calling to congratulate her. As we talked, I updated her on everything God was doing in my life. I told her about the inner-city church we were attending, the teen moms I was mentoring, and the children we were adopting. I shared how God had impressed it on my heart to come to His Word with the conviction that I was to just do what it said, no matter the cost.

“This sounds like a book,” Alice’s encouraging voice said on the other end of the line. “I know the title—Walk It Out.” A chill raced up my arms as she said those words, and I knew she was spot on. A few days later I spoke with my agent, Janet Grant, who agreed with Alice. I stood there, amazed to receive the confirmation that the journey John and I were on wasn’t just for me but for readers too.

If it wasn’t for Alice, Janet, my editor Liz, and the amazing team at David C Cook, you wouldn’t be holding this book in your hands. And if it wasn’t for my husband, John, our children, our friends, and our community, I wouldn’t have anything to write about. This book happened because I had an editor and agent who urged me to share the steps God was leading John and me on. But this journey also happened because God surrounded John and me with friends and family who pray for us and care for us as we step out to do all we feel God is calling us to do.

My heart is full of thankfulness for our neighbors, Tracey Loyd, Bruce and Cindy Mauer, and Chris and Laura Walker, who truly walk out this journey with us as they’ve helped with our kids on numerous occasions. I’m thankful for my assistant, Christen Krumm, who makes me look as if I can do it all, even when she’s doing most of it. I’m thankful for my number one prayer supporters: Tracy Steel, Kristi Clover, Rebecca Ondov, Teri Lynne Underwood, Rebecca Altman, Amber Lia, and Cindy Coloma, who I know I can text day or night and they will pray. I’m thankful for the staff and friends of Mosaic Church in Little Rock, especially Harry Li, Mike Clowers, Deb Salder, Cai Lane, Alex and Erin Diaz, and Stephen and Alicia Geppert, who involve themselves in our lives to provide all types of support that our family needs. And I’m thankful for Mary Lester, who volunteered to tutor Maria and turned into a dear friend.

I wouldn’t be doing Teen MOPS without Jan Jeffery, Lottie Jernigan, Jennifer Gonzales, Shamim Okollah, Georgia Morris, Benilda Tillman, and Brooke Montgomery. You’re all amazing leaders and mentors. And John and I are thankful for our best friends Kenny and Twyla Klundt, who actually think it’s fun to go on vacations with our big, crazy family!

I’m thankful for the caring therapists at All Children’s Academy and the Child Study Center, both of Little Rock, Arkansas. You’ve guided me and helped in providing tools for healing for my kids. I’m also thankful for my Coeur d’Alene writer friends and my Mastermind Group who continually encourage all my writing and lift me up in prayer. And I’m filled with love and deep gratitude for our church family in Vysoke Myto and Olomouc, Czech Republic, who love and care for our daughter Leslie so well.

Finally, I have to acknowledge my older kids Cory and Kate, Leslie and Honza, and Nathan for urging Dad and me to open our home to these kids. You truly are our biggest helpers and prayer warriors. And for all our other kids—Maria, Lauren, Jordan, Florentina, Bella, Alyssa, and Casey—what a great God to bring you into our lives! And our bonus daughters and son-in-law—Kayleigh, Andrea, Lili, and Regi—our lives wouldn’t be complete without you. Finally, my grandkids—MaCayla, Audrie, Donovan, Clayton, Chloe, Maya, Te’o, and Adrianna—I can’t wait to see what God will do in your lives and in future generations as we continue to walk out His Word for His glory!

Contents

Foreword

Acknowledgments