Thursday, January 1, 2015

A Unique Story


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.