What does it mean to walk closely with God? On the Thursday edition of Live the Promise Susie welcomes singer-songwriter Jessica Joy Hutchens to the studio to share her music, faith journey, and battle with Lyme’s disease.

“Early in 2012 I was 15 years old. I went from being extremely healthy and active to having random symptoms of chronic pain, shooting pain.”

In the midst of her diagnosis, Jessica learned to worship and follow God. She shares the stories behind her newest album, Nothing Wasted.

What Faith Can Do

“I called it ‘Ben’s Song.’ In August of 2011, I was up north go-karting with my cousins and I started getting a bunch of text messages saying ‘pray for Ben [a close friend].’ He had a massive heart attack, and he was only 16 years old. Throughout that week he was fighting for his life.”

Jessica visited him several times in the hospital. After a particularly discouraging day, she came home and started meditating on Matthew 17:20. Within one hour, the song was written.

Beauty for Ashes
Jessica wrote this song when she was thirteen years old after a friend was rescued from sex trafficking. Jessica wrote it to encourage her in God’s redeeming power.

“We all have ashes and junk in our lives, and God wipes it away.”

• You Waste Nothing
Jessica admits she struggles with having such big dreams and being limited by Lyme disease. She finds comfort meditating on God’s Word, specifically Romans 8:28.

“I’ve held on to that promise that there is purpose in the pain, even when it doesn’t make sense. [God] has our best interest in mind.”

• I Am Yours

“Knowing your identity in Christ during trials is super-important. Knowing that your circumstances and what you’re walking through doesn’t define you is huge. My disease doesn’t define me.”

Key Scriptures: Psalm 126:5; Ecclesiastes 3:1-8; Matthew 11:28-30

Theme Song: High Road by Jessica Joy

Highlight : The story behind “You Waste Nothing”

The artist’s corner: Jessica Joy Hutchens