Last week I wrote about giving myself permission to publish my memoir, resting on the God given truth that my worth does not rest on the quality of my achievement, behavior, or anything I produce. I am not my work. This is the basic gospel of grace applied to any creative and their endeavors.
That sounds so logical. Let’s all press the EASY button. But how many people I know are paralyzed from taking action for fear of making the wrong decision or doing a bad job.
Unfortunately that includes me. I admit much of my life I’ve been like the servant in Jesus’ parable in Matthew 25:14-30 who hides the talents his master has given him instead of investing them. But that’s not the servant I want to be anymore. Why? Because during the writing process, I’ve discovered I’m quite the perfectionist, unable to let anything go until it’s without flaw.
Of course that’s impossible. So I’m in a perpetual state of clench, revise, repeat. But if God is sovereign, yet offers us free will, why was I even asking him to show me if it is his will that I both write and publish my memoir? As long as I’m not doing something that’s against God’s commandments, I’m free to do anything I want.
“Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commandments, for this is the entire duty of man.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
And if I make a mistake, act unwisely, or disobey even unconsciously, God’s overarching control is vast enough to repurpose any and all things for my good as a believer. (Romans 8:28) Perhaps I need to believe more in God and less in me.
My point is I’m free to go for it! And so are you!
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
I want to be more like Peter. Before Jesus called him and his fellow fishermen, they’d fished all night and caught nothing. Jesus, however, told Peter to put out into deep water and let down his nets. Although Peter obviously doubted, because Jesus said so, he did it! The result? So many fish his nets were about to break.( Luke 5:4-7)
This is who I want to be:
the disciple who trusts God enough to try,
knowing that the results of my labor are in his hands not my own.
And if my efforts fail or fall short, it’s my trust in God that honors him,
and brings me joy in my efforts.
Therefore, this week I’m moving ahead, picking possible photos for the cover. Here’s one of me a few months after my adoption and the hand of the wonderful mother who loved me. What does this picture say to you? Let me know in the comments.
I want it to evoke how vulnerable I was from the start of my voyage, and yet God’s hand steadied me. Even before I trusted him, he was there and trustworthy!
So whatever doubts, decisions, or struggles you may now be facing, dear reader, remember God wants you to trust him and use the gifts and circumstances he gave you for his glory.
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
From the Westminster Shorter Catechism
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever
What does that look like in your life today? I’d love to know in the comments.
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Cover photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Amen!
I love reading your blogs. I also love the picture of you in the kitchen sink. I see your Mother’s loving hand watching every move and protecting you. The duck and the cup are there for you to play with and enjoy your bath. What a beautiful baby!!!
Why did God create us?
To know, love, and serve him in this world.
Very provoking and stirring words. Thanks Ann!!