Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ESV
Someone once asked, “Why do we write?” But instead of “why,” perhaps that their real question was rather, “Why should we write?” Now that is a great question, and it has a variety of good answers, because it all depends on who we intend for our audience to be. For example, if I were I to make a diary entry, my hope would be that no one but myself would ever see it. On the other hand, should I be putting together a report for a property manager on what steps would be needed to get a home ready for rental, my proper audience would grow by at least one. As Christian writers, sometimes we are tempted to think that our sole obligation is to write for God. But if we would be honest, most of us also want someone besides Jesus to read what we have put on a page. Perhaps the best answer lies within the words of the hymn Frances Havergal wrote titled, “Take My Life and Let it Be.” In her challenging lyrics, she tells us that her moments, her days, and even her hands, and feet, as well as her will and wealth are all meant to be her offering to God. As writers we would do well to notice her third verse’s ending couplet:
“Take my lips and let them be Filled with messages from Thee”
As Frances Havergal notes, our messages are not just for God, they should also be from Him and for others. As writers, connecting our audiences to God is our unique and urgent calling. So, let’s shed false modesty about only writing for an audience of one. Jesus hasn’t called us to write only for Him, rather to connect with as many precious people as possible to tell them of the riches of the glories of our God and King!
How are you all doing with your writing? Do you have days, (or even weeks) when nothing seems to come? I struggle in those times because I hate to wait, but waiting is something God loves! It is usually just about then that I remember how God prefers me to be quiet, or take time out for a walk, listen to what others have to say and finally rest in the fact that He has already accomplished everything I will ever need for all eternity. It is in those moments when I finally come to a full stop, that I hear His voice again, and He breathes a gentle thought for a poem, a song or a story into my heart. Today’s poem is a reflection on that moment, and I hope it may be an encouragement to one of you today.
God is working slowly His purposes by grace And every word He’s spoken Forever stands in place
But I 'm in a hurry I really hate to wait Today I wish He’d hurry up Because it’s getting late!
But then I remember That sweetest apples grow From trees that rest all Winter Beneath deep drifts of snow
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