For years I’ve asked God for a little glance into the difference I might be making. For years, He has been silent regarding this question. So, I continually wondered “Am I even making a difference?”
Of course, you would have thought I would have learned that it is not about seeing the difference you are making – it is instead about being obedient to whatever God asks you to do. I get that – seriously I do. But yet, why do I still need the confirmation that what I say and do does make a difference? Can anyone else relate?
Maybe it is my lack of faith. Yes, me of little faith who needs to see those mysterious ways God works. However, having faith in any area means you will not see. That’s faith. You are hoping, but you are not seeing. You are following God’s direction, but you feel like you are wandering. The book of Hebrews puts it pretty clearly!
Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and
certain of what we do not see. Hebrews 11:1
I wrote HERE that I was struggling to be obedient in writing. I wasn’t just struggling, I was bickering and groaning. It’s a wonder God didn’t snatch me bald-headed and take me out to the woodshed. But instead, get this . . . He actually gave me a glimpse into how my writing was making a difference.
Last week I received so many confirming emails from gals who had read those articles or my Bible study and they actually shared personally how those Words had impacted them. I cried like a baby. Once again I was begging for forgiveness for complaining about the gifts God had given me to glorify Him and serve others. I cried because I was so touched by each email and the journey these gals had been or were on. I thanked God for the sweetness of each word as I felt God sweetly whispering, “Alene, get over yourself and get on with MY business. I’ve given you the glimpse you’ve asked to see. Now, move on, share, and love my people!”
God is so amazing! He is definitely doing a work in me (any many others) at the moment. I am growing my mustard seed of faith, following HIM blindly and wondering “What’s Next, Papa?”
In a million ways, I've asked God the very same question. In a million ways, he's kept silent on the matter. But every now and again, like you, I get some confirmation along these lines (like a nice comment to "keep writing), and I am reminded that my words/thoughts don't breathe in isolation. They do make a difference in some small way, and for as long as the ink remains in ample supply and "wet" with the prod of God's Spirit, I will be faithful to "keep to it."
I'm such a bust in so many other areas. God hasn't called me to those other "gifts." He's called me to this one. And I am thankful because I derive so much for the writing life.
Hope you are well. May God continue to bless your ministry as only he can.
peace~elaine
Oh, how often I have asked these same questions. Doubted that anything I have written has influenced or impacted…and then…the Lord gifts me with the treasure of encouragement.
Thanks for your kind words on my blog tonight. It's wonderful to 'meet' you.
I'm so thankful ordinary is amazing,
Joy
Thank you, Joy and Elaine. Glad to know I'm not the only one with questions and needing confirmation. You are right – it is such a blessing when you receive that encouragement. Thanks girls!
Hey Alene,
I think we all want to see fruit from our work. We forget He is the one directing our steps. A few weeks ago I dreamed the Lord came to visit me. He was tangible in my room. I was breathless whispering asking question after question. I took advantage of His Presence. He sweetly listened to every thing my heart wanted to ask Him. He never said a word but knowing He came to listen gave me great comfort. I was on day 3 of a fast when I had the dream. The interesting thing is some of my questions are being answered now. I think the dream was His gift to me in the fast.
The Lord is so good to encourage us. If you are anything like me, it will be interesting to SEE how long this glimpse He gave you lasts. My memory tends to be short. God have mercy on us. You are always working. Thank you for using us to share your touch. Keep writing. He is the One inspiring your words. b
Ok, after I wrote my long comment, I read this devotional emailed daily to me. He has MORE to say to us on this.
Title: Evidence of His Love
Author: Mrs. Charles E. Cowman
Devotion: Streams in the Desert
Scripture References:
Genesis 8:9-11
Do you enjoy this devotional? Send it on to a friend!
____________________________________________________________
Title: Evidence of His Love
"But the dove found no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned
unto him…And the dove came in to him in the evening; and, lo, in her
mouth was an olive leaf" (Gen. 8:9-11).
God knows just when to withhold from us any visible sign of encouragement,
and when to grant us such a sign. How good it is that we may trust Him
anyway! When all visible evidences that He is remembering us are withheld,
that is best; He wants us to realize that His Word, His promise of
remembrance, is more substantial and dependable than any evidence of our
senses. When He sends the visible evidence, that is well also; we
appreciate it all the more after we have trusted Him without it. Those who
are readiest to trust God without other evidence than His Word always
receive the greatest number of visible evidences of His love. –C. G.
Trumbull
"Believing Him; if storm-clouds gather darkly 'round,
And even if the heaven seem brass, without a sound?
He hears each prayer and even notes the sparrow's fall.
"And praising Him; when sorrow, grief, and pain are near,
And even when we lose the thing that seems most dear?
Our loss is gain. Praise Him; in Him we have our All.
"Our hand in His; e'en though the path seems long and drear
We scarcely see a step ahead, and almost fear?
He guides aright. He has it thus to keep us near.
"And satisfied; when every path is blocked and bare,
And worldly things are gone and dead which were so fair?
Believe and rest and trust in Him, He comes to stay."
Delays are not refusals; many a prayer is registered, and underneath it
the words: "My time is not yet come." God has a set time as well as a set
purpose, and He who orders the bounds of our habitation orders also the
time of our deliverance. –Selected
He sent us another sign. Oh how we love Him. B
Oh B – I am speechless. Thanks for sharing your heart and the devotional thoughts! What a blessing your dream must have been – a moment in time with Christ. WOW!
Hello friend,
Yes, I think that most of us desire to know we are making a difference. For me it is because I cannot imagine how in the world God could use someone as flawed as I. On those days when He gives me a tiny glimpse at the difference I am making, I just want to sit down and weep and praise Him. He is so good to us!!
Leah
Can I relate? Oh, only about 100%!
I know we need to trust, and I pray He strengthens me in that arena.
Trust and obey.
That is what I want to do.
But I believe those emails and notes He sends are truly gifts of love from our Father. He doesn't NEED to do it. But as we read them, and cry, and thank Him for using us, I think it makes Him smile.
Thanks for sharing your heart.
I am learning to walk by faith. It's not easy for a former control freak. But slowly I loosed my grip on control, only to embrace His hand. Oh glorious day!!!
I relate to the writing grumbles too. It seems God sends me the same kind of encouragement when I am ready to give up. Thank you for pressing onward.
Hugs,
Tiffany