My very worst subject in school was writing. Not only did I despise it, but I
was also very bad at it. The idea of putting anything down on paper-especially
essays!-literally gave me cramps. I can remember staring at a blank sheet of
paper for hours with my face and my mind totally blank. There were never any
original ideas. What I would eventually put down was always bland, boring and
dry, and it was always the result of hours of searching. It isn't surprising
that although my mom always kept my drawings throughout my school years, she
never kept any of my writing. Who would have wanted to?
How happy I was when I finally graduated from University. I was free from all of
those painful essays. I had long before figured out how to avoid writing to my
parents. I would send them recorded cassettes, and when I could afford it, I
would call them. Isn't technology wonderful? My only remaining nightmare was
writing Christmas cards!
You would never believe my surprise when God told me to start a prayer ministry
(See "The Invitation"). I knew in my gut that this would involve writing, and I
came close to disobeying for this very reason. But then when God told me to
begin writing devotionals, I was sure I had heard wrong: "Me? Uh . . . You're
kidding, right? I am not gifted in writing. In fact I hate writing. Now I know
someone who writes beautifully. Why don't you . . ."
"I want YOU to write!"
I was immediately reminded of Moses' reaction when God told him in no uncertain
terms that he would be God's instrument for freeing the Israelites from slavery
in Egypt: "But Moses said to God, 'Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and
bring the Israelites out of Egypt?'" (Ex 3:11 NIV); "Moses said to the LORD, 'O
Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken
to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.'" (Ex 4:10 NIV); and "But Moses
said, 'O Lord, please send someone else to do it.'" (Ex 4:13 NIV)
Moses didn't object to the task one time. He didn't object two times. He didn't
even object three times! Moses objected FIVE times! In the end however, he
obeyed; and as a result, he was not only able to experience God on a personal
level, he was able also to fulfill his true purpose in life.
When God gives us a task, it is always a God-sized task. One that will make us
feel uncomfortable. One that is never based on our strengths or experiences.
When given such a task, reliance of God is not one of many options; it is the
ONLY option. And God provided Moses with all that he needed to successfully
accomplish his purpose in life. God was in charge. Moses was just His follower.
Although I am far from being a Moses, what was requested from me looked
humongous and impossible. I quickly humbled myself though and exclaimed: "Not my
will, but thy will Oh Lord!"
The amazing thing is that now I enjoy writing. In fact, I look forward to
weekends, for they provide me with the time I need to write for God and to
experience Him on a direct, personal level. As I sit down in front of my
computer, I can feel His presence, and before I know it, I am compelled to
write. But the words don't come from me, they come from God! In fact, without
any thought on my part, the words just flow. Amazing!
When I was young, writing the simplest of papers would take me hours. Now, a
lengthy story or devotional takes no more than an hour. And I am personally
experiencing the truth that God-sized tasks are fulfilling, for they permit you
to experience God, and they permit you to be a blessing for those God intended
you to bless.
The Good News is that God has a God-sized task for you as well. He has a purpose
for you in life. You have the right to turn Him down, but you would miss the
opportunity of a lifetime. You may feel very inadequate for the task. This is
good, because it reminds you that you ARE indeed inadequate, and it forces you
to depend upon Him. Through dependence upon Him, you will experience success.
You will be a blessing for those you are in contact with. Be aware however, that
many will oppose you.
If you want to know His purpose for your life, come to Him and ask Him about it.
You won't be disappointed. "This is the confidence we have in approaching God:
that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that
he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him." (1 John
5:14-15 NIV)
At first you will be terrified, for God-sized tasks always drag you outside of
your comfort zone. As long as you remain in His will however, regrets will never
haunt you. You will be blessed beyond anyone's imagination.
"For everything, absolutely everything, above and below, visible and invisible,
rank after rank after rank of angels - everything got started in him and finds
its purpose in him." (Col 1:16 The Message)
"Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on
us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is
working out in everything and everyone." (Eph 1:11-12 The Message)
May we all have the same purpose as Jesus, our Lord and Master. "You've heard me
tell you, 'I'm going away, and I'm coming back.' If you loved me, you would be
glad that I'm on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose
of my life." (John 14:30 The Message)
Would you like to make a difference in life?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.