Torn

Image by Alexa from Pixabay

My devotion in Our Daily Bread reminded me that whatever I do, I should do it for God alone.

This timely reminder comes in the wake of my pastor asking me to help with the children’s ministry. I said yes, but with tons of trepidations and I’m dreading my first Sunday School class.  

For one, it’s been a long time since I taught Sunday School and I’m a little worried about handling a group of youngsters. Can I relate to them? Will I keep their attention?

Another concern, my husband won’t attend church if I’m not in the sanctuary with him. I prefer to sit with him, too, but how do I reconcile the two desires?

If I do all things for God, that means putting him first above all things. What better way than teaching his word to little ones? As for my husband, I’ll leave him in God’s hands.

Not only does this apply to my current situation, but looking back on my life, I’d have been a better wife, mother, friend, employee, and church member had I done those things with God in mind.

Thankfully, the past is past. I’ve been forgiven for my failings, and I can move forward with a new purpose.

Dear Lord, thank you for your wisdom and for the encouragement to follow your will, especially when it’s not easy. Amen.

 

 

What Really Matters

While many authors will never win a Pulitzer for literature (particularly yours truly), we all aspire to that coveted list: the NY Times Best Sellers. It is akin to winning the literary lottery and the idea that success means huge sales and a large bank account sucks you in the moment your book goes on sale. I know better, and yet the siren still calls.

Of course, all authors write in order to have their book read, but for the Christian author their audience is dictated by their genre and ultimately by God. A wonderful book just released by Terry Burns and my friend, Linda Yezak, Writing in Obedience, confirmed this insight. In Lions and Other Things (Why I Write), I explain how I came to write this particular book, And Then Came a Lion. Terry and Linda validated that experience. I am not alone in this regard, as their book clearly illustrates. I have joined the ranks of thousands called to write for the Christian market. Some receive a calling while others offer their work to Him. Both are following His will.