I remember a time last year, when playing games with friends, that someone asked a frantic question while trying to earn points for their team, “What does Jen do?” the answer shouted out was, “She’s a writer!” I wanted to look behind me for the “real writer.” I thought, “There must be another Jen in the room.”
I wasn’t used to anyone referring to me as a writer. I had a difficult time owning it. But over the last year, I’ve been on a journey – a God journey. And I’m finally ready to own it.
Let me tell you something, friends: This God we serve is adventurous and exciting. He leads us through uncharted territory and expects us to follow Him while owning the wide open spaces. The land is absolutely beautiful!
I’ve been through my share of struggle, heartache, and shame for situations I could not control. I’ve passed through Job’s neighborhood; I’ve felt Hannah’s pain. And, recently, I’ve been awakened by my own type of burning bush.
God gives us unexpected surprises within moments of personal struggle. (Tweet that.)
Don’t think just because you are still standing in the land of Job that God doesn’t have something amazing for you – a way to bring Him glory and settle peace deep inside your soul. Because He does!
I’ve crawled, stood, walked, jogged, and am finally running through a new land.
For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and springs, that flow out of valleys and hills;
-Deuteronomy 8:7
The Lord gave me that passage on February 1, 1998. I highlighted it and wrote a note next to it in the margin of my Bible. He spoke it to me as a promise. And here I am 16 years later. I finally understand it. He was preparing me for my gift – a gift to bring Him glory.
It is NEVER all for nothing. You too have a beautiful land to explore. It may take you through deserts. You might feel like Job or feel the same pain as Hannah, but if you open your eyes, you will see the burning bush. It will represent a promise. You have a gift. Use it to bring Him glory!
I write and speak. I tell the stories of His fingerprints all over my life to bring others hope and encouragement.
What is your gift? And, more importantly, how do you use it?
Have a beautiful weekend!
Love,
Jennifer
I’m joining Lisa-Jo Baker for Five Minute Friday. She has a wonderful new book that just hit the store shelves this week! Check it out here.
That’s great. Thanks for the encouragement! Visiting as your FMF neighbor!
Thanks for reading, Julie!
Jennifer,
This is beautiful…flowing with pear blossoms and joy and excitement! It goes well with my own thoughts for our prompt today. Sometimes I am afraid to share – my writing, myself with others. But like you said, if this is God’s Gift and can be used to help and inspire others (like you’ve done for me) then why hide it? Thank you for sharing your writing today – writer!
Thank you, Erika. Have a wonderful weekend!
How do we reply to hate? A Christian girl was pulled from her car and murdered by Muslims in the middle east and the world is silent. When the story was shared on a Christian site it was met with vows of retaliation, hatred and threats of muslim genocide! Doesn’t say “Revenge is mine saith the Lord?” Why is praying overshadowed by buying a gun and self protection? Shouldn’t our trust be in the Lord to protect us? Sorry Jennifer for venting to you. I really need help with this one
Hi Margie. You can vent to me anytime, I just can’t ever promise that I will have the answers. This world is not our home and so much of it is evil. It is sad. We can only control our own hearts and make a commitment to pray for others. The bottom line is prayer, hope, and faith. It’s all we can do.
I love how you are able to share here about what He has done for you in your life. I love stopping by to read your blog.
Thank you so much, Deanna!
I totally hear you on this one. I don’t think of myself as a writer at all but yet it’s what I do every day. Maybe it’s time for me to take ownership of it and things will flow even better.
Have a beautiful Monday!
Beautiful blog! I hope to connect in the future. Following on Twitter now! I guess I need to get connected to 5 minutes Friday. 🙂
@carmelmoments
Thank you! Have a wonderful day!