Doesn’t it feel good to finish something? Especially something that seems important!
A few years ago when I felt God tell me to go…write, I globbed onto this idea of blogging. It seemed doable. I could start and finish things that I wanted to write about. The possibilities of what to write seemed endless.
But what to write?
After much prayer and thought, it dawned on me that I could write about what I love most…studying God’s Word and the books that His people write.
I got off to a slow start, but in the past year I’ve tried hard to be more consistent. It’s been fun to read a great book or do a good study and process what I am learning with you, my unknown audience!
It’s been really fun discovering my voice. And I love that in a blog a writer can be as defined by the rules of writing and grammar as she wants to be, or she can write however. She. Wants.
More than anything I’ve enjoyed hearing from you! It has amazed me that you want to read what I’m writing. I’ve really struggled with the thought that there are so many other writers and bloggers out there — what could I possible have to say that isn’t already been said.
Guess how God answered that one? Not once, but twice. The first time through Holley Gerth in her book, You Were Made for a God-Sized Dream, and the second time through Jennie Allen in her book, Nothing to Prove. Both women have told me (via their written words) that I am not alone in that thinking.
Ready for this?
The enemy capitalizes on such thoughts and attitudes to keep us from doing what God has called us to do.
Here’s a great quote from Nothing to Prove:
“…we look side to side and say, ‘Someone is already doing it; my dream is taken.’ God must be thinking, Are you kidding? Do you see the planet? There are about seven billion people. The world is very large. There is room for all of you, if I have called you to do it. There is need in the world. Go for it! I actually have enough favor, gifts, talents for you to each accomplish the purposes I have laid out for you before time” (133).
So, I write.
I choose to believe that if God gives me the passion, the ideas, the words, then He means for me to write. I leave the results to Him.
That’s so freeing, and I need to remember that. Every. Day.
A couple of years ago I read Epic of Eden with some good friends of mine…I told you about that here. And after having read the book and done the study — twice, I decided it was time to blog about everything I was learning.
And it was not easy. I absolutely LOVED pouring over my notes, the workbook, and her original book for each post — but it took time. Lots of time.
But I did it. I processed that whole study…a little at a time, and I just wrote my final post.
I finished!
I write all this today not to toot my own horn but to encourage you!
Whatever it is you are in the middle of doing or have been longing to get done – start today! Put down your phone, turn off the television, find a quiet place and seek God. Ask Him to show you how to take that first step…or that next step.
God promises that He will always be with us. That He’ll never forsake us. He even says that He, the One who started a good work in you, will finish it (Philippians 1:6). Yes, He is speaking of our completion in Him when Jesus returns, but it’s a “finishing” promise. Just as 2 Corinthians 8:11 is. I love how the International Standard Version says it,
“Now finish what you began so that your eagerness to do so may be matched by your eagerness to complete it.”
Maybe there’s a book you’ve been meaning to read or a project to paint.
Or maybe there’s someone you need to reach out to or a job you need to apply for.
Perhaps you need to finish school or learn a new skill.
God will help you. His Word is full of encouraging words:
Isaiah 40:31 — “Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.”
Joshua 1:9 — “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 — “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
2 Timothy 1:7 — “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
Psalm 55:22 — “Cast your cares on the LORD, and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Friend, I encourage you to look to God today. He wants to come alongside you for whatever is before you.
You can do it! You can finish!!
Whatever it God has called you to do, He will help you finish. And…please don’t think He can’t use you. Remember, there are seven billion people on this planet — more than enough people to reach out to…however that looks for you.
Still writing,
Shelley Johnson
Shelley Johnson 