There are days when it seems like I'm just filling in time rather than accomplishing something for the Lord. I feel guilty for being ineffective and I'm ashamed of my failures.
Even so, I take comfort in Old Testament prophets who weren't heeded. They didn't fail because nobody listened to them. God even told them they wouldn't be taken seriously. Zechariah 1:4 (KJV) says, "Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, 'Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings:' but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD."
I also take comfort in the fact that God will reward us for good works which we didn't even know we did. Matthew 25:37 (KJV) reads, "Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, 'Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?'" This shows that we have no idea of the ultimate end of what we've done to and for the Lord.
In those frequent moments of discouragement, I remind myself that what I do now can be greatly used by God for his glory, even if it seems like a futile effort now. My hope and prayers are that my latest book and my blog will be edifying and a great comfort to my fellow believers in the long run.
You're mistaken Bruce! Your words have had an impact. I know this from the comments in this very blog!
ReplyDeleteBruce--you have a ministry unique to YOU and God's calling on your life. Sometimes all we can do is persevere so I'm praying that God will give you joy and encouragement as you journey all. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteBruce, one of the hardest things for me to remember is that my job is to be faithful to God's calling on my life. The results are not up to me and may never be known this side of heaven. You are very faithful to share the words he has given you. Who you are and what you do makes a difference. Blessings to you
ReplyDeleteHi Bruce! I've had similar feelings now and again. You are not alone in this my friend! On the other hand, think of how great it is to love writing. Just being obedient to developing skills as a writer is a blessing in itself. God gave the world the greatest book ever and not everyone gets excited about this book either. Keep at your writing Bruce! I'm not published as yet but perhaps one of these days before I become a really old guy I'll see my work in the hands of other people. Until then, like you Bruce,I keep writing!
ReplyDeleteI appreciate this current blog as I have appreciated other blogs you have posted. You say at the end of this piece, "My hope and prayers are that my latest book and my blog will be edifying and a great comfort to my fellow believers in the long run." May God grant you peace in knowing that your words do bring comfort and inspiration to your fellow believers.
ReplyDeleteAs for those outside this InScribe fold or the fold of believers, you may not know whom you have reached by your writing and your life. The fact that you have overcome obstacles to learn the true faith and to write in spite of physical challenges speaks volumes to me. Thank you, and keep writing faithfully.