When Nate was under stress, he used to talk to himself, loud enough so anyone could hear if they were so inclined. Inevitably the subject was work-related. Sometimes he was rehearsing how a difficult meeting would go, or he might be sorting through a complex legal predicament.
When I asked him about it, he said self-talk helped him sort out tough problems. It was tantamount to the way I used journaling, for the same purpose. Instead of using pen and paper, though, his journal was verbal.
Today I talked to myself in a new way, not out loud as Nate had done and not through a journal. It was by the pages of a book I wrote that’s about to be published. The final edit was due today, but before I turned it in, my editor wanted me to rearrange the 60 short devotionals into a new order we had both agreed would be beneficial.
I decided to do it by using my 60 hard copies rather than flipping “pages” on a computer, since I needed to see them all at once. I spread them out on the bed and began organizing them by topic but ran into trouble when their titles didn’t remind me of their contents. The only thing to do was speed-read each one and label them with content-clues to help me.
That’s when I started talking to myself. The words of one devotional in particular jumped off the page and came alive with a relevant application to an issue currently heavy on my mind. I started to cry in response to the words on the page and received a blessing from that particular devotional. I didn’t recall being so moved when I’d written it, but today God had somehow infused it with a remarkable power to fit my need.
There’s no end to the ways God wants to help us. He’s never without a fresh idea of how to reach deep into our hearts to uplift and also challenge us, and today he knew I was wrestling with a tough issue I couldn’t sort out in my journal or in my thoughts. I needed his help. So somehow he used my own words on the devotional page to reassure me, ascribing double duty to the effort of writing the devotional in the first place. And amazingly, when I was finished reading (and crying), I felt like I had heard from God, not me.
We have a very clever heavenly Father. Whatever flawed offerings we put into his hands, even if it’s just a simple page of words, can be converted by his authority and power into something valuable and important, something problem-solving or even life changing. It’s all because of his touch.
So my prayer for this little devotional book is that those who read it will experience the same powerful, custom-made influence of God like I did today, and that it’ll be on every page. And if they want to read it out loud, that’s fine by me.
“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.” (Matthew 28:18)
WOW! What an encouragement in more way than one!! Isn’t God amazing!
Indeed your devotional book is going to bless those who read it. You have been such a blessing to my life because you were willing to be open and honest with your struggles and victories. I pray that God will give you abundant blessings as you share your life with so many! You are loved way down in Texas!!HA
If these past few years of blogs are any indication of the POWER God graciously gives each of us through your words, there is no doubt in my mind the individuals, who read the words God has given you, will be touched, enriched, encouraged, forgiven, and blessed. Through HIM you have found strength and grace and courage….. thank you Margaret for your willingness to be used by Christ for His glory. Through your writing this book, I have been praying for you. I have also been asking God to prepare the hearts of the individuals who will read your words. May the words in this book explode and bring healing to many.
Looking forward to the final product.
As a worship leader, Jim always writes out his invocations so he doesn’t say meaningless things off the top of his head. On Saturday evenings, I hear him up in our bedroom rehearsing. It helps him to keep in mind Who it’s about.
Well! Just before I read your blog, I was praying about an event happening today; and God used your “Good Words” to encourage me! I love it!! Thank you, thank you, for your faithfulness and perseverance – can’t wait for the book! Laurin
AGAIN WE SAY THANK YOU. BE SURE YOU LET US ALL KNOW WHEN THE BOOK WILL BE AVAILABLE. I FOR ONE CAN HARDLY WAIT!!!
I too can not wait until your book is published. I have been so blessed by your blog that I am looking forward to your new adventure!! Can we pre order a copy? Thank you for your faithfulness!
I SO AGREE with everyone above; We KNOW – GOD – is the author and finisher of all things…..even this devotional….you are the instrument – He – gave you the circumstances and words to not only bless you – in the process – but be a blessing to others. I know I’m blessed, reading your blogs and knowing YOU. I feel priveleged to have been touched by God – through You! As time goes by….the blessings will continue to flow – like a wave going from shore to shore – back and forth…because of your obedience to Him….and His love for you.
I say “bask in it girlfriend”
May your new book bless others as much as your blog has blessed me. PLEASE let us know when and where we can buy your first of MANY books. 🙂
Our Savior is Alive and working in all of our hearts!
It’s “Sweeter As the Years Go By”
Margaret, I truly believe that the Lord will be using you for many more years, here on Earth. Let us know how to order the 1st book.
I echo the above sentiments!! Also, I have to say that I feel the same way about hard copies. I’m glad I’m not the only one!
I agree with all of the above. You have been such a blessing in my life and look forward everyday to your blog. Margaret, you have truly used your God given gifts to help so many. Can’t wait to get your book!
This is a beautiful story of how the Lord is using – and will use – your devotionals, and give hope and wisdom to those who read them.