Remember last week’s post, Risky Faith? Well, today I’m standing on the edge of a cliff of sorts, and I’m taking the plunge.
And I need to tell you about it because it affects you.
Here goes: God is leading me to approach my writing very differently than I have so far. He’s calling me to abandon any idea of trying writing for profit (as if “writing” and “profit” weren’t already oxymorons!) He’s called me to give up on trying to “brand” myself, to quit trying to “please an audience.” I’ve even quit writing “for ministry,” to try to “meet a need.”
I’ve abandoned “trying” and embraced “trusting.”
I’m writing simply because I must. Not from some inner compulsion to “express myself,” or even to “get words on paper,” but from some primordial lava flow that won’t stop bubbling and threatening to blow the Spirit’s thoughts all over my keyboard. I must allow God to say what HE wants to say, how HE wants to say it. Without worrying about being “PC,” without fear of offending, ignoring the probability of rejection and reproof.
You see, God is calling me to shed the layers of self awareness and self protection. He has called me to abandon faithless inhibition. And though I have always striven for authenticity and transparency in my writing, God wants more.
Way more.
God isn’t interested in my best, He wants my all.
And that’s a scary place for me. So, in the weeks and months to come, I’m not going to try to write “on topic,” I’m just going to offer myself as a vehicle to write whatever He brings, however He brings it. And I’m going to trust that whatever He pours into me will overflow to you in words of hope, comfort, and strength for your own journey.
For as Scriptures says, “Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.” (I Corinthians 12:7 Emphasis mine)
So, I am praying that the words God calls forth will encourage you. I’m praying that my words will somehow empower you to tether more tightly to the Anchor who alone can hold us firm and strong and safe.
But I’ll warn you up front; this transition may be messy for me–for you. Still, I hope you’ll bear with me as God launches me into deep water with no land to retreat to, no footing to catch my breath, no horizon line for which to aim. I don’t know, you may not like it, I’m sure not comfortable with it!
However, I’m willing to take this risk–not because I’m brave, simply because I’m called to.
For Him.
And for you.
What risk is God calling you to take for Him?
Photos courtesy of Crestock.com
Comments 16
Bethany, The freedom you have expressed is truly Spirit-guided and directed–freedom is only found in total submission to Christ. Anything else, as Paul points out, is rubbish. Your writing already rings of a wonderful voice–His words through you. God Bless you in your writing and sharing, luke
Author
Thanks so much for the kind words. 🙂 I’ve always tried to write with authenticity, but God is taking me to a new level of it. I love your statement “freedom is only found in total submission to Christ.” Amen, and amen!
From the wisdom of Solomon…
“Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” Prov.16:3 (NASV)
“Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.” (KJV)
Author
I love that verse. I’ve been committing my works to the Lord for many years and have found it is an ongoing exercise of faith. Thanks for sharing it!
Woo Hoo Woo Hoo. I’m doing the happy dance. I agree with Harriet it’s fun when He’s at the helm You’re on a new adventure and I, for one, am glad to be on it with you. You know I’m praying for you but just in case it slipped your mind…I’M PRAYING FOR YOU!!! BTW, I LOVE this post!!!
I am so glad God never calls us to venture out all alone and sad like. 😉
I think I have been giving you this message for years Bethany, relax and let God tell you what to write, go with the flow, let the fun begin. It is fun when He is at the Helm. Love you so much – I think you are really on the right track now. Harriet
Author
You have, Harriet, you have! See what a quick study I am?
You go, girl. I’m proud to know you.
YOU are very, very sweet! 🙂
Someone said we don’t learn to fly until we jump off the cliff. So flap your wings, my friend, and soar. You’ve caught me in the up-current. I’m with you on this flight.
Blessings,
Karen
You know what I love to say, “It’s always friendlier with two!” Can’t wait to see what God does for YOU. 🙂
I hear you!! And I’m eager to see where God leads you even if it’s stepping out of the boat and onto the water!
I’m “eager to see where He leads” me, too! Aaaaa! 😉
Hi Bethany,
This post brought a smile to my face because this is the place He has just recently brought me to. Don’t worry about the profit, or it going anywhere, or being anything than what it is, just “WRITE” because that’s what He wants me (and you :)) to do. He is perfectly able to bring you the readers that he wants to.
Just in the time I’ve been reading your blog, it’s clear He’s been walking you towards this for a while, and I, for one, am so looking forward to what this “risky” venture reads like!!!
Blessings & much prayer,
Sarah
We just don’t ever quite know what God is up to, do we? But I’m so thankful we can trust it because it is from HIM. Thanks so much for your encouraging words. They mean a lot to this cliff jumper!