Good morning, sweet friends! This morning I’m grateful for all of you who have shown me so much love and encouragement on this ministry journey. I’ve learned over the past few years that there’s no time like right now to pursue your purpose. If anyone had told me two years ago that I’d be ministering to people in more than 90 countries from the comfort of my home, I would’ve laughed out loud, literally, but that’s where I am, and that’s what I’m doing.
Truly, it wasn’t my dream. I’ve always been an exhorter/encourager with a genuine passion for helping others grow to their full potential, but I never considered using my gift for writing as a ministry tool. That was God’s idea. I didn’t have that vision, but he did, and he revealed a snippet of his plan for me to me as I was penning a letter of recommendation for a teacher at my school. I recall that someone else was supposed to write the letter, but she handed it off to me on the day it was due. No pressure there! I wanted to do her justice, so I just prayed to God for the words, and he gave me a masterpiece.
That evening when I got home, all I could do was think about writing. I had even pulled out some old writing samples — short stories, essays, and articles I’d written as an undergraduate. The divine call to use this gift seemed urgent, and I couldn’t push it to the next day like a load of laundry. Since I’m using domestic duty references, it was more like ridding your house of the stench associated with baking salmon. I love salmon, but I wouldn’t dream of leaving the dishes in the sink ’til the next day. That’s the type of urgency I felt — like my mother-in-law was coming over, and I hadn’t dusted or mopped in weeks. There was no time for hesitation, deliberation, or cogitations. He wanted me to push the publish button, and tell the world that there’s hope in him.
When it comes to expressing your love for the Father, your desire to know him more, or your complete transparency about not knowing him at all, there must also be a sense of urgency. Where do you stand on this continuum? I know it’s a little scary, but it won’t be for long.
At this moment, I’m asking you to leave all those anxious, uncomfortable feelings behind you in the past where they belong. Today is a new day — a great day to stand on solid ground and declare your status and make an effort to be better than you were yesterday. That’s a vow, a commitment, a promise you can make to yourself publicly or privately. Remember that what you tuck in the deepest part of your heart is still visible to God. He’ll serve as your accountability partner — even when this is the message you’ve tucked there:
I don’t believe in God.
Does he even exist?
I’m mad at you, God, and I don’t see that changing.
Why would you do this to me?
Why have you forsaken me.
Can you even change my circumstances? Heal my husband? Give us a family?
This problem is too big — even for you, God!
I know firsthand that he hears your prayers — even the ones you can’t verbalize, and even the ones you attempt to hide from him.
Would not God find this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. ~Psalm 44:21
What you’re seeking can be found in him. Only he can fill that void that you’ve tried in vain to fill. Just know that nothing changes if nothing changes. Give God your heart today because he already loves you. In fact, he thinks you’re to die for.
Before you leave today, take a few minutes to listen to my Music Monday selection for today by Colton Dixon entitled “All That Matters.” Enjoy, and may blessings abound! <3
You definitely did get a call to write! I am glad you followed through. Had to laugh about putting something off like laundry or mopping. I’m tempted to say I could put cleaning off forever, but I found myself dusting and vacuuming before each of the two grandsons came to stay a week. What was on my mind was Jesus’ saying he would prepare a mansion for each of us. Since Jesus is doing that for me, I should prepare a place for our grandsons in our earthly home so they will know how much they are loved. They probably won’t/didn’t notice, but I did.
Thanks so much, Ann. I’ve always enjoyed writing, but I credit my third grade teacher with discovering that hidden jewel. I’ve wanted to thank her for years, and I recently ran into a classmate (on Facebook) who said she would get a card to her for me. Now, God’s fingerprints are all over that. I put the card in the mail yesterday. 🙂
Amazing! God is awesome. I wrote about my grade school teachers once, but they were all dead by then.
🙁
Thank you, Michelle, I needed that today!
Reblogged this on Fearless and commented:
Boy, I really needed this for today. I had a very difficult night last night. Couple hours of spasm and cramping and doubt. I’m exhausted today, but after this post I’m feeling much better! I hope it blesses you as well.
Thanks for the reblog, my friend. 🙂 Prayers for God’s healing power to soothe your thoughts and your body…
And back to you!!
Congrats on two years. I sometimes say baba aka God why are you not helping. I feel a bit for he has said it all but sometimes i dont understand.. but i love him for he loves me unconditionally
Baba Al Fi Sama, Mafi Tani Ze Inta…a song we sang in church a while back…very powerful…by the way, I’ve only been blogging a little over a year. November will make two years.
Another excellent read my dear friend!!!
Thanks, sis! <3
Beautifully written Michelle! It is so true that we must do the things that God has called us to do with a sense of urgency. Like you’ve said, sometimes it’s our own fears, insecurities, and doubts that prevent us from doing so at times. Thank you for sharing this amazing post. You used: nothing changes if nothing changes–incredibly! 🙂
Thank you! I hadn’t heard that quote before, but it’s so true. I used it in a meeting yesterday (and I smiled…recalling where I got it). I hope this message finds you well, sis.
You’re very welcome! Wow, it’s great to see that it had such an impact! I’m definitely humbled. Thanks so much sis! 🙂
Michelle, you do have a gift, and I’m glad you’re sharing.
Each of those messages tucked away in our hearts that you mention ring so true to me (and, I suspect, to many others). I recognize that I have created a painful divide in my relationship with Christ.
Despite this, I do have faith that Christ, in His boundless mercy, is waiting for me to shrug these wounds and resume my walk with Him.
For what it’s worth, my brief time while enjoying your blog is a powerful reminder of the path I have strayed so far from, and the path I need to return to.
Thank you
Gabe, thanks so much for the kind words. Veering off the path is normal. Getting back on track is necessary to be in right relationship with God. Don’t beat yourself up over; just find your way back little by little and day by day.
Stumbling across your blog has been fortuitous. I suspect you already know this, but I will join the ranks of others in expressing my gratitude for your regular messages and engagement in the blogging community.
While I still have a long way to go (and anticipate quite a few more stumbles along the way), I can see that I’ve been prepared for long, impossible seeming journeys with difficult to conceptualize destinations. While this spiritual stamina is reassuring, its even more encouraging to know that this isn’t a solo mission. And that there are guides to offer timely direction allow the way.
We just need to remember to look around every once in awhile.
Amen! I have the pleasure of following many talented folks. Wednesday evenings are a treat for me because I get to spend a couple hours reading your work and engaging with you. It brings me such joy . Since I no longer have hundreds of essays to read (and grade), I can build my stamina here. This has really been fun (but with lots of stumbles along the way).
Reblogged this on Dream Big, Dream Often and commented:
This is Two Are Better Than One!
Isn’t God good? God already knows and wants only for us to know Him! Good writing, Michelle
I actually felt better after reading this. Thanks Michelle:)
Thanks so much!
I can testify to how enriched I always feel by your posts and I’m sure glad you answered this call to write. You always convey your messages in such a calming and uplifting way.