SSPS

Good stuff from I Corinthians 4 this morning--this is from The Message. See if some of this relates to what we all do in this writing ministry:

"It seems to me that God has put us who bear his Message on stage in a theater in which no one wants to buy a ticket. We're something everyone stands around and stares at, like an accident in the street. We're the Messiah's misfits. You might be sure of yourselves, but we live in the midst of frailties and uncertainties. You might be well-thought-of by others, but we're mostly kicked around. Much of the time we don't have enough to eat, we wear patched and threadbare clothes, we get doors slammed in our faces, and we pick up odd jobs anywhere we can to eke out a living ... I'm not writing this as a neighborhood scold just to make you feel rotten. I'm writing as a father to you, my children. I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up."

So, what do you think of that?

Personally, when I started this writing journey I went through a season of SURRENDER where God closed every writing door until I focused on His face, rather than publishing.

Then I went through a season of SERVICE where God had me giving and serving in life ... and not with words.

Next, I went through a season of PRODUCTIVITY. The words were there as I depended on God to achieve what was impossible by human standards.

Now, I feel I'm going through another season of SURRENDER. I've had some huge writing disappointments, lots of illnesses and life challenges, and even writing struggles. But God is reminding me to again focus on His face, not my to-do list. To focus more on being an influence for Him rather than for my work.

So today these words hit home: "I love you and want you to grow up well, not spoiled. There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up."


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