“…Because I have always wanted to write one.”
Backpacking in Europe, recording a CD, adopting a child, speaking fluent Spanish, singing the Star Spangled Banner at a professional football game, seeing loved ones saved, baking a homemade pie, writing a book…
Quite the diverse list, huh? By God’s grace we have adopted and recorded a CD. And to the delight of my father and husband I have made quite a few pies. But after some wrestling I realized that my reason for writing this book had to be more than just a checkmark on my Bucket List.
If I am just writing a book for that reason it won’t have lasting effect. But if God wants me to do it I can stay the course, even when turbulent weather threatens to capsize my dream. My small white flag of surrender hangs limp without the powerful wind of His Spirit raising it as a banner of love.
I am embarrassed to admit that I did not start out this project with the proper mindset. I reluctantly took my line item to Him, afraid He would pull the plug on this project.
God, give me a verse to stand on for this book.
And He did.
He did not tell me to disembark but He gave powerful motivation to keep crossing these unchartered waters. Isaiah 61:1-2 (my paraphrase) “Bind up the brokenhearted, release the prisoners from darkness.”
My words express thoughts on a screen, His Word impresses truth upon the soul.
Our words fall short without the power of the risen Christ behind them.
Joshua 1:8 “This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success” (ESV).
Dear sisters, let us not offer empty words that get lost among the loud waves at sea. Let’s speak the very words of Christ as a blazing beacon that can overcome the darkness. You may be standing on a small corner of the shore or rowing hard in a makeshift fishing boat. You may be steering an iron barge through choppy waters or a VIP on a fancy cruise ship. Wherever He has placed you in the waters of this world you can be used to offer powerful words of hope, help and healing.
Our words can be a lifeline to the drowning. His Word is the anchor that keeps us from going overboard.
1. I am glad you are writing. I am glad you are speaking. But is the power of His Written Word the anchor that holds you? It is exciting to go out to sea, but not before you have all you need for the journey. Stay connected to the dock until His Spirit pushes you off on the adventure of a lifetime. The scenery make get boring as you wait, but these necessary preparations will make for a successful voyage.
2. Read Hebrews 6:15-20 “And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and the oath confirms what is said and puts an end to all argument. Because God wanted to make the unchanging nature of his purpose very clear to the heirs of what was promised, he confirmed it with an oath. God did this so that, by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Take some time to meditate on these verses.
Ask the Holy Spirit to counsel you as you open your hands to His purposes.
3. To learn more about the great high priest who goes before us, head on over to Day #14 of the Psalm Series as Julie Lefebure walks us through Psalm 100.
Yes, His words have the power. His words are the truth. His words are the lifeline. Praising Him that we get to share those words! Great post, Katie!
Thank you very much Holly.:)
Thanks for linking up to Testimony Tuesday!
Loved this Katie! My favorite part is “Our words can be a lifeline to the drowning. His Word is the anchor that keeps us from going overboard.” Amen! Love being part of this community with you and for the chance to get to know you a little better. Blessings!
Thank you for stopping by Mary.:)
Beautiful thoughts today Katie. This spoke to me, “My words express thoughts on a screen, His Word impresses truth upon the soul. Our words fall short without the power of the risen Christ behind them.” I really have nothing to say that’s worth saying if I don’t feel myself with His words in the first place. Thank you! I need that reminder again and again and again. Love you! xoxo
Meredith! I need this reminder over and over too.:)
“Our words fall short without the power of the risen Christ behind them.” So yes to this. I love the way you share your heart, Katie. He is seen in all of it. Much love. xoxo
Hi Friend- Thank you for your encouragement.:)
Oh, I love this post. I have dreamed my whole life of writing a book. Being a constant reader I wanted to have my thoughts and my words on paper for people years and years ahead to read. Until this past summer I have believed the enemies lie that I had nothing special to write about so I have not started. Now I’m blogging and planning for when I have a few hours of quiet time to get started. Thank you thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you Amber-each life is special and has a special story to tell.:)
Glad to connect with you. I have always been a big reader and now am working on two books. One is a memoir about my journey out of fear, anxiety and agoraphobia and the other is how fear blurs your view. God Bless you.
Keep writing Angie!
Great job, Katie. The Word is all encouragement, all hope, all truth we can offer that will last. Amen!
Thank you Ginger!
Our words and His words… a beautiful mix!
Indeed friend.:)