Now that the
holidays have passed, I have once again picked up where I left off writing on
my second novel, Serene Courage; and as
I write, I can’t help but be reminded that we each have a story which is unique
and beautiful in its own way. Whether it’s a story about loss or love, despair
or hope, poverty or wealth, godlessness or godliness, tragedy or triumph, or a
little of all these things, no matter what it is and no matter how many may
struggle through the same pitfalls or soar through the same victories, no one's
story is the same because we are each unique, placed here on earth at this
exact time in history and in this exact place in the world so that we can touch the lives of
all those around us and be touched in return by their lives as well. Each and
every one of our lives tells a story, and each and every day is a new chapter
that could be the greatest part of the story yet to be told. The most wonderful
aspect of it all is that no one's story is ever fully written not until that last
breath has been taken.
How are you writing
your story? Will it end in victory or defeat? Will you be beholden or ashamed? Before
the judgment throne of God will you hear “well done” or “depart from me”? We
often forget, myself included, that the success of our story is not based on
the world’s view but on what we have and are accomplishing for Christ. Whether
you’ve allowed circumstances to control the plot, edited out the people who
really matter, or deleted God from the entire storyline, no matter how you may have
chosen to write your story, thus far, you can begin rewriting it from this day
forward by allowing God to be the ultimate author and editor. Allow Him to have
the freedom and control He deserves and desires; allow Him to guide not only
your direction but your heart, mind, and soul; and allow Him to edit out the
hate, pride, lust, and unbelief so that your unique story can touch the lives
He has placed in your path in a way no one else will ever be able. Let His love
shine through, illuminating the way so others may see Him.
In the same way
that I want the physical stories I write to bless and encourage others while
glorifying Christ and His Word, I also want the story of my life to do the same
and so much more. Today marks the beginning of a New Year which is the perfect
time to begin anew, to re-surrender, to relinquish control of the pen, and to
watch our stories unfold the way He deems best. My prayer is that 2015 will be
the year that my story and yours brings more glory to God than ever before as
we spread His message of love, hope, and life to all.
Hebrews 12:1, 2 – Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about
with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin
which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race
that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our
faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the
shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
