Stumbling Toward Grace

I am under vows to you, O God; I will present my thank offerings to you. For you have delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life. (Psalm 56:12-13, NIV)

Sometimes it seems like things aren't moving. There's no blinding light on the road, no voice from heaven. Just dusty roads and long nights, dry days of stumbling on like "Bunyan's pilgrim" as Malcolm Muggeridge would say.
 

And that's about right. It's not always fun, trying to write or reach a dream. Most of the time. It's often confusing and frustrating, but then we remember Jesus. He is the author and finisher of our faith. We are book that must be finished. Perhaps God has called you to write for Him. Will you be published? Maybe. Will you write anyway? I hope so. The best audience, the first audience, is an audience of One. Whether it’s journaling, articles, poetry, short stories, novels...time is required. Shards of minutes, sliced from our already overstuffed lives. And yet, we must war against the noise of it, if even for a few minutes, trusting that even as He does when we pray, when we seek Him in the Word, He will meet us. Teach us.

So take the time, giving God all your best words and secret expectations. Complete the doing this year. For God. For yourself. Fall in love with your dream again and enjoy the journey. This time, while you're dancing and nobody's looking, may be some of the best time of your life. I cry out to the dream in you in hopes that you'll take to the road of hope, even if it means you trip a few times. God knows how to catch His children.

"We have been called to be fruitful--not successful, not productive, not accomplished. Success comes from strength, stress, and human effort. Fruitfulness comes from vulnerability and the admission of our own weakness.”—Henri Nouwen

And so, in prayer, in hope, in fear, you just do it, whatever your dream is. Do it because you were destined for it, because someone is waiting for it, wrestling again with your absence, though not knowing who you are. If you enjoyed last week's Eight Minute lesson, here are a few readings for new exercises. Don't forget to set your timer!

Reading #1 (scroll down to excerpt)

Reading #2

Reading #3

Lord,

Where there has been strife, bring peace. Where we have sought power, we admit now to weakness. Plant in us the root of grace, the hope of glory. May our books—in life and on paper—end as well as Yours. May we be rooted and grounded in  your love, ever stretching out our best branches.  Help us grow down deep, Lord. Help us grow down deep.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Today's Rhythms: Crystal Lewis, Ron Kanoly, Beauty for Ashes

Comments

[Kim]

Marilynn,
This really spoke to me this morning! Exactly what I needed to hear! Thank you so much for your faithfulness! I appreciate your heart.

Thanks again!
Kim

[Cindi Hoppes]

Hi Marilynn, I,too, appreciate your writings daily!
They are sometimes thoughts I am struggling to get out,
then read your site and feel much better. Merci beaucoup, Cindi

[Robin Stanley]

Mary,
Thank you for pouring out what God puts in. Your words bridge humanity with grace and remind me where to walk. Bless you. . . . bless you.

Robin

[Nedra]

What beautiful gifts you've given us...the words, the encouragement, God's trees. Thank you for everything.

[Marilynn]

Kim,
I appreciate your heart as well. Thanks for being here. :)

Cindi,
Usually I'm struggling to get those thoughts out too. LOL Glad you could make sense of it.

Robin,
Your words do the same for me. Bless you too!

Nedra,
Thank God for the trees. I didn't catch on until it I was almost done.