Lately, I’ve been struggling with my writing. I may have set some lofty goals that often seem overwhelming. While I know in my heart that I’m on the right path and that God wants me to pursue this, the feeling of overwhelm can easily lead me to fall back into old patterns of giving up when things get tough. It’s funny; I never thought of myself as weak or a quitter. I often say, “Go BIG or go home,” and sometimes I choke on those words. But by the grace and mercy of my Lord, Jesus Christ, I don’t have to rely on my own plans or abilities or wonder if I’m on the right path.
Bless the Lord for confirming to me this morning that I’m doing what I should be doing. It doesn’t matter how it turns out if I know I’m doing what God has called me to do. My job is to obey and go where He leads me. God understands. He knows I get weary and sometimes let grief overtake me, rendering me useless for days at a time. But God is so good; He doesn’t leave me there. One of my favorite Bible verses is Psalms 46:10, which says,
“Be still and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.”
This morning, I was still long enough to hear from the Lord.
My morning ritual starts with two things: reading devotions and drinking coffee. My best friends will tell you that calling me before noon and asking, “Have you had your coffee yet?” is essential. If I say no, they hang up and call me later!
As a camp counselor at my former church in Smyrna, we taught the children to spend ‘quiet time’ in the mornings, reading their Bibles or talking with the Lord. It was a blessing for me and the other camp counselors to have time to prepare for the flurry of daily activities for the 600+ teenagers at the camp. Now, it’s my habit to spend time with the Lord first thing in the morning, and it helps me start my day with a much better attitude. Even on days when I have to hurry out the door or get sidetracked by my dogs or my family’s demands, I still try to set aside time to listen while driving or walking. If I take the time to ‘be still’ and talk, think, or pray to the Lord about whatever is on my heart, my day just goes better. I share this to encourage busy moms and dads to find a way to have quiet time with the Lord.
This morning, I got my coffee and sat down in my favorite chair to read my devotions. I usually start by opening the Bible App on my phone, with my notes and my Holy Bible next to me for further reading or studying. Today’s Bible App verse is from Acts 20:24 (NLT):
“But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God.”
Currently, I’m writing on two different blog sites, taking online classes, and actively participating in two different writing groups. I’m also working on publishing a book written by my son before his passing. He wrote two versions of his book and had several unwritten stories, which are all buried in emails and on various thumb drives. As for my own writing, I’m working on two books: a memoir and a creative non-fiction collection of short stories. Last night, I read a message from a friend who said, “I pray you will be able to blog again soon.” That sent me into a ‘blue funk,’ and I felt guilty and started making excuses, feeling pretty sorry for myself. I went to bed feeling defeated, thinking there’s not enough of me, not enough time, and I just can’t do this anymore. Wouldn’t life be easier if I stopped everything—took a day off, or even a week or a month? Quitting entirely seemed pretty inviting.
Then I woke up this morning and the first thing I read was Acts 20:24, and I knew immediately that was exactly what I needed to hear. I even shared it on my Facebook page, wondering if anyone would care. (Several did care enough to post encouraging words—thank you if you were one of them).
Today is Sunday, and the church service started with the type of music I love—country, bluegrass, and older hymns. The Pastor’s sermon was titled “Lord, Clear the Way!” and everything he said encouraged me to keep on keeping on with what I feel the Lord is calling me to do. How many times have I said that very thing, ‘Keep on keeping on,’ to others this week to encourage them? The Lord has a great sense of humor and often reminds me of my own advice that I’m obviously not taking.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, it says:
“Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.”
Pastor Morgan reminded us that one of the joys of the Second Coming of Christ will be meeting people we led to Christ, either directly or indirectly. Someday you may find out that someone who met you was encouraged by your faith, or something you said to them turned out to be a blessing for them. I believe that everything we do will have an impact, and I want it to be for the glory of God. This sermon also reminded me that it is Satan who blocks the way, causing me to doubt and tempting me to give up, thinking that my labors might be in vain.
The conclusion was clear:
• Satan Blocks Our Way
• Our Lord Jesus Clears the Way
The scriptures, songs and verses that I encountered this morning is an example of how the Lord sometimes speaks to me. It is through scriptures (His Holy Word) and through other people He uses to nudge me when I don’t want to do something because it’s too hard, or when I doubt my ability. God always sends words of encouragement, a sermon that resonates, music that means something special to me, a ‘God Wink’ that only the God who sees me and cares for me would know. I just need to be still and know that God understands.
I love the saying ‘Settle Down’ that the Pastor referred to in his sermon. That’s something my Mother used to say to me when I was upset. It’s up to me to settle down and hear and obey what I believe God is calling me to do. It is in my weakness, my lack of ideas, energy, or talent, that He is strong. Trust that God will clear the way. He will direct your path. It always amazes me, even though I know we serve an omnipotent, all-knowing God, how He always finds a way to let me know that He hears me, understands, and loves me. I am not special, but because I believe I am a child of God. I can ask God to speak to me and let me know when I am on the right path. When He answers then three things must follow:
- Faith
- Trust
- Obedience
This is what God requires from me and all who seek His guidance. I love that! We serve a living God who cares about everything we do and will reach out and guide us if we seek him.
And what do you know, I’ve written another post! I hope you enjoy reading this and you seek God’s will in all you do. He will not fail or forsake you!