| May 25,
2006
God Writing Back
Romans 12:8; if it is encouraging, let him encourage;
if it is contributing to the needs of others, let
him give generously; if it is leadership, let him
govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him
do it cheerfully. -NIV
A few days ago I talked about writing to God. Let
me share with you what I recieved back from a fellow
writer:
The minute we begin to compare ourselves to others...begin
to focus on their giftedness...we see ourselves as
so much “less”. We limit what God has
created us to do. There is a work, specific to you,
that you are to enter into fully. Looking at others
in their particular accomplishments may cause you
to cower, as you may see them as far more gifted and
fear being the fool. As you focus on possible hindrances,
difficulties, or dangers, your own perception of your
smallness, alongside the greatness of the task before
you, causes you to shrink back. You feed yourself
words of discouragement.You imprison yourself with
a strong “can’t do” attitude.
It’s time to admit that those words are true.”
I am not able.” “I am so very small alongside
those great ones.” I am here, however, to tell
you that Jesus has broken the power of those words
to imprison or stop. You and I are compelled to write,
yet we are not able...but He is. We are so very small
next to those “greats”, but He is greater.
It is in our inabilities, our weaknesses, our smallness,
that He is able. He is strong. He is very great.
Each time your eyes rest upon the giant in your world
of writing, remember this scene from the end of John’s
Gospel. Jesus has asked Peter to follow Him. Looking
back to see the beloved disciple following, Peter
asks a question. Put yourself in Peter’s sandals.
Ask your Lord, “What about him?” Listen
closely as you walk along that familiar shore and
the water laps at your feet. The Lord answers you
with another question. “Who is he to you?”
Then...”You follow me.”
I feel it safe to say that we aspiring writers who
love the Lord, desire deeply to glorify Him with our
words. I encourage each of you to do just that. Glorify
Him in all that you write, be it poetry, fiction,
short story, or your personal journaling and prayers.
This passion for the written word and desire to pour
out to others is surely a precious gift. Let us not
waste one more minute in fear of failure or doubt
in ability. If God has designed you to reach the multitudes
through your writing, then may His will be done! Beyond
that, let us simply continue to do this thing we can’t
get enough of...write...write... write! May it be
an acceptable praise offering to Him, pleasing in
His sight.
Thank you Pat, for the encouragement to me and to
others, we must learn to listen for god will many
times talk to us through those we meet in this journey
with others.
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