Into the Fire

Some Christians think God only ministers to us, speaks to us, and answers us through His Word. I'm not of that persuasion. He speaks to me in various methods. Sometimes in complete sentences. Sometimes in flash frames. Sometimes in nuances.  Sometimes in dreams. Sometimes in overwhelming burdens for those I don't know. His voice along with his methodology resonates. Distinctive. Instructive. Firm. Powerful. Gentle. The gamut. Unmistakable. But not always.

He doesn't choose to answer my every request with a specific gesture. Sometimes He's quiet. Sometimes the "no" couldn't be clearer if He stood in front of me. And don't misunderstand me here. He does speak through His Word, but usually with me He chooses other methods.

So what about this writing gig? I say He told me in exact words what He wanted me to write when I offered any talent He might've given me back to Him. Did He also give me specific orders for novels two through seven and eight, nine, and ten? No. He did not. He gave me characters and storylines. I had zero, zippo, nada without Him. I can't speak for anyone else and how they come by their stories or their directions. I stand by mine. The Lord is close to me even when I'm distant. Even when He feels distant. The gospel is real to me. My relationship with Him is the ultimate – and yet I'm inept, insufficient, and often pathetic. His grace reaches into my humanity and salvages whatever He can use. I pray there's something there . . .

I know this is for now in my life. No doubt. As unsuccessful as it must seem to some of my fellow writers, I know – even such as it is – I rest in God's will and purpose. He's that way with me: I know. I can brag about nothing. But I can answer the title question firmly about certain things: Yes, we can know. Not about everything. Not always. All ways. But, yes, when He determines it, we can know.

Father, my gratitude is often corrupted by fretting and frustration, but I am so thankful for your graciousness to me. I've never deserved it and yet it's been there in abundance. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.