Many times over the years I have been asked to teach or speak when I am not really gifted in public speaking. So many know so much more than I do and many are able to speak with ease and poise. Why was I asked? is always my question. Thankfully God has been able to use my futile attempts--even when I wondered what I said when it was all said and done.
Writing comes MUCH easier for me. Give me a computer or a pen and paper and I always have something to say. What has been a REAL surprise is that God has slowly morphed my writing into a style of devotionals. NOW--those who really know me and know my story are shaking their heads and wondering
I am NO shining example of how we should live our lives. In fact, those who know me best would for sure testify I have feet of clay---on my best days. And yet God has chosen to use me for His glory. My audience may be small, but God has faithfully placed a subject to write about on my heart over and over. He has chosen to use me---as unlikely as that may seem---with words on a screen.
The Word is filled with examples of God using the Unlikely. Perhaps there is no more poignant picture than the inaugural announcement of The New Born King to the shepherds in the fields. There you have it folks--the bottom of the professional chain---those who are only able to perform this menial work. Can you imagine what they thought when those angels hovered in the night sky over them? In case you have never been in the country where there is no light at night-IT IS REALLY DARK! I would have probably ducked into the nearest cave or run for the hills had this appeared to me in the deep dark of the night. The shepherds went to find the baby---they were the first visitors to see the promised Messiah. The low man on the totem pole is who God chose to announce the arrival of His Only Son to. The most unlikely of the unlikely were given the opportunity to see the beginning of the life of the man who was to save us all. OH, how I love how God works!
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
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15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
God does use the most unlikely of us for His purpose, doesn't He? We may not see ourselves as worthy, but He knows differently. I'm so glad He's called both of us to write, Lulu.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, and Merry Christmas!
I know you feel the same urge I do to put my thoughts down on a page, Martha. For one thing it helps me to process those thoughts and the second it helps me to remember the gems He gives me.
DeleteBlessings, My Friend!