Just a couple of months ago, maybe more, I made a goal for
myself to blog at least once a week. For the sake of improving my skills as a
writer. I honestly did not think it would be difficult. Several months in to
this project/goal it is clear that thus far it's been an epic fail. This
wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact, I'm aware of the fact that unless I
commit to writing I'll never get to where I desire to be. The thoughts and
excuses that run through my mind like a movie scene are endless. What's the
point of writing? You're not competent enough or educated enough
to make your mark as a writer. Distractions are everywhere Facebook the dog and
just my own laziness played a crucial role in my lack of follow-through. My mind flashes back to she speaks 2012,
where I remember author Emily P Freeman reading a quote from Mark Batterson
which states: "the question is not whether God has called you to be a published
author, rather the question is has God called you to write?" The word called has as always been sort of a
strong word of my mind. I never really thought of the word "calling"
unless it pertains to a person serving in full-time ministry. It isn't that I
don't believe that God gives everyone a purpose, of course I do. Those purposes
are no less or more significant than the purpose of someone in full time ministry.. Can I honestly say "God has called me to write? It feels almost
arrogant to make such a claim. The truth is whether it is a calling or not, it is more a calling than anything else I've ever felt compelled to
do. The obstacle staring back at me most at the moment is what if no one
relates to my writing voice. What if I have nothing worth writing? What if I'm too transparent? What if I'm not
transparent enough? These are just a few of the thoughts swirling through my
brain. I read the first
chapter of Revelation where God tells John on the island of Patmos to write down his vision He was there preaching the word of God having
been exiled One day He was worshiping,
and he encountered a prophetic vision from Christ. I imagine the fear, doubt, and sense of
urgency he might have experienced when the Lord instructed to write down the
vision. “Write down what you have seen—both the
things that are now happening and the things that will happen.]This is the meaning of the
mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold
lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the
seven lampstands are the seven churches.”
Revelation 1:19-20
Let me be clear I have never seen a prophetic vision nor do I
expect to, but I do believe at times in life, God may offer a clear word or
direction for his children. Have you experienced
this in your own life? As I read this
and other verses where God tells his children to write down his words, I was
reminded how important writing can be for those God has given this task. .Never will there be another book as important as the bible.Know this however, it does not mean God is unwilling or unable to use present day writing to minster to others.
Writing often helps people keep a record of what God is doing in their midst. If I wait for a moment, when my writing is perfected, I’ll never share anything I write, because what I write will never be perfect. Do I want to improve yes, but as with so many things in life, my writing craft and skills need God’s grace to soak through. A friend reminded me, God does not call the qualified, but rather He qualifies the called. Most days I feel unqualified to write, but the more I write, I’m convinced God is willing and able to equip me. Have you ever felt unqualified? How did you find the courage to risk and make yourself available despite your doubts? Did your experience bring a positive outcome?
Writing often helps people keep a record of what God is doing in their midst. If I wait for a moment, when my writing is perfected, I’ll never share anything I write, because what I write will never be perfect. Do I want to improve yes, but as with so many things in life, my writing craft and skills need God’s grace to soak through. A friend reminded me, God does not call the qualified, but rather He qualifies the called. Most days I feel unqualified to write, but the more I write, I’m convinced God is willing and able to equip me. Have you ever felt unqualified? How did you find the courage to risk and make yourself available despite your doubts? Did your experience bring a positive outcome?