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| Annette M. Irby |
We’re building on our study of Galatians 6:4-5 in the Message
Bible. Today let’s consider the third line:
Make a careful exploration of who you are
and the work you have been given
and then sink yourself into that
It’s time to lose yourself in your calling. Once you know
what you’re called to do, God gives you permission to lose yourself in that
calling. To become immersed. Learn everything you need to learn. Commit to
being successful. Put aside things that might hinder your full pursuit.
Pruning.
God has often pruned me—led me to cut back on areas that weren’t
profitable in my life. He is determined that my time be used wisely. And He
knows if I am stretching my limbs to work on too many things at once I will be
moderately helpful in those areas, but never truly over-the-top successful at
any one of them. Those seasons are about prioritizing, even at the risk of
other people’s disapproval. But when God begins pruning your activities, it’s
best to learn how to humbly say no to those asking you to take on more and get
back to what’s highest on His priority list for you.
So what can stop you
from sinking yourself into your calling?
Doubt. “I thought
I knew how to write. Judging by this chapter, I was wrong!”
Accusations.
Setting up materials at a book signing with a fellow author who is bestselling
and award-winning, thoughts come: “Who do you think you are?”
Fear. Not just
fear of failure, but fear of success. There’s
comfort in the familiarity of anonymity. What happens if we succeed? Our books
become bestsellers and suddenly there is a greater demand on our time? More
visibility?
Let go.
God knows your dreams. He called you. He knows what you
need. In fact, the closer you’ve gotten to the Lord, the more His aspirations
for your life have become your own (Psalm 37:4). Let go of your own hold and
let yourself sink into His perfect plan. Let go of control and striving. To
turn our analogy a bit, did you know that the best way to float on water is to
let go? You go limp, letting your legs rise. If you strive to float, you’ll
tighten up and sink. So, to get where you want to go, let go. Give your dreams,
your calling, your writing to God. Let Him make of it what He will. Let
yourself sink into His plans. Don’t panic. Just relax into God’s purposes.
Give yourself permission to sink into the calling, the work,
God has given you. No more excuses. And no more guilt.
Be your creative best!
~~~~~
Jordan Ambrose is looking for
passion. From her husband. And, as Randy Ambrose will tell you-she's great at
pushing his buttons. The problem? He's hiding out from intense emotions, like
passion. So their love life is lackluster. Well, except for those letters.
Jordan discovered a box of love letters in her husband's home office closet. Why doesn't he act like the "R" from the letters, so clearly written to "J"? If she can drag him away from his writing desk, they can talk about it. But will Randy stop hiding and love with abandon?
Jordan discovered a box of love letters in her husband's home office closet. Why doesn't he act like the "R" from the letters, so clearly written to "J"? If she can drag him away from his writing desk, they can talk about it. But will Randy stop hiding and love with abandon?
This series first appeared on Seriously Write in 2009.
