4 Jun
Get Ready, Get Set, Go!
A man’s steps are determined by the Lord,so how can anyone understand his own way? Prov. 20:24
I just returned from a week at a Christian writers conference. Writers, publishers, and editors from all across the country gathered in a mountain retreat to learn, to teach, and to enjoy each others’ company. Some brought completed manuscripts and book proposals to “pitch.” Some came looking for their next projects. And some came simply to discover if they were even writers at all.
For an introvert like me, the process was overwhelming. Everywhere I turned, people were talking about their dreams and ideas and asking me about mine. Even when I sat at the most isolated table in the farthest corner of the cafeteria, someone would feel compelled to join me and ask, “What do you write?” I met novelists, journalists, poets, and essayists, Bible study writers, writers of children’s books, and several who have not yet written anything outside of their own private journals. Each one had a dream to write something that will someday make a difference in this world for Christ.
As I listened to their individual stories, I noticed a common thread: God was leading these people. Sometimes with a gentle nudge through a close friend’s encouragement. Sometimes with a hard shove as other doors slammed tight, and the writer had no options left but to write. They could “pitch” and “propose” and build “platforms” until their laptops wore out, but it was still God who was gifting, inspiring, and making a way for His message to be heard.
It encourages me to know that my way is in God’s hands. I need to pay close attention to those nudges and shoves He gives me, and I need to be prepared so that when He says, “Go!” I will be ready.
Felt any nudges lately? Maybe you have no idea why, but you believe it is time to prepare yourself. Scripture tells us to “be ready in season and out of season,” “whether convenient or not” (2 Tim. 4:2). For me, that means improving my writing skills. For you, it may mean going to school, starting a new business, or training to run a marathon. For each of us, it means immersing ourselves in God’s word so that when He says, “Go!” we will be ready to run with all our might!
Father, may we keep clear heads about everything, endure hardship, do the work of whatever You call us to do, and fulfill our ministries (2 Tim. 4:5). In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!
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Filed in: Choices, Responding to God
