God Uses Words:

I get very excited when I have an opportunity to do something different and learn something new.  I have always been a big fan of going to conferences.  Similar to loving going to lectures in college, I love sitting there and taking notes, soaking up the information.  I always walk away from conferences, either for work, Christian knowledge, with a new skill and exciting new bits of information I can then share with others.  

This being said, I recently had the opportunity to go to the Christian Writer’s Conference in Cedar Falls where I live.  I loved the opportunity to go there again.  I had been there a few years prior, but I was not able to make it this past year.  I enjoyed the chance to go, take notes, and meet other fellow writers.  I have this growing passion for writing and a desire to write out my thoughts about the Lord and what He is teaching me, and I realized through this conference how it is very important to gather with other writers and learn from them. 

One thing I really learned from this conference was how God uses Words.  God has always used the beauty and the art of the written word to communicate with His people.  He had the Ten Commandments written down on stone.  Then He had the whole Bible written out throughout various languages for people to read.  He also has used Biblical books to help believers in their faith.  At the conference, they reminded us that if we have had a calling from God to use our words, then we need to do this with all our ability.  We need to take the call He has given us and make sure to use it to the best of our ability and for the glory of God. 

My favorite verse and the verse this blog is based on is Colossians 3:23. This says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,” This is a good reminder for myself that whenever I do something, whether it be work, hanging out with friends, being a daughter or family member, even exercise and running, I should do this for God’s glory, not my own glory.  

God has the ability to use our words for his ministry, just as He has the power to take anything we do for His glory and Good.  He has the power to use the words He has given us in our hearts and minds for good.  He has the power to make these words reach the people who need to hear them.  This is really the point of writing, so we can spread the Word of God.  This is the point of sharing our words with others as a Christian, then ultimately we can spread God’s Word and His influence.  

I have a challenge a bit different for people this week.  It is actually to spend some time writing.  I know not everyone who is reading this blog post is a fan of writing.  (I know you’re reading this mom), but I do think spending some time writing in a journal is a good way to pour out your heart to God and to spend time processing what you are learning. It also a very good and creative outlet for your brain.  I want to challenge you to try writing, just for a bit, even if it is usually out of your wheelhouse. 

 If you don’t end up spending time writing, I do think the other main insight I received from this conference was the reminder to spend time with other believers learning.  I was able to learn a lot from these fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, both when it comes to writing and also when it comes to my walk in faith.  I think we can always find a group of believers who also enjoy our hobbies, whether this be running, biking, playing games, singing, etc.  

One thing I was challenged to do was to spend more time trying to spread my Blog.  If I really want anyone to learn the things I am writing, and I really want to spread God’s Light, then I should be better about spreading what I am writing.  I should try to find those who may need to hear the message I am writing through the prompting of the Holy Spirit. 

I think I had been embarrassed to really put my writing out there out of fear of rejection as well as fear of feeling overconfident/arrogant.  I don’t want to be seen as a writer who is overconfident in my writing.  Then I don’t want the feeling of guilt of trying to be the writer who is overzealous for readers and commenters.  I don’t want to be super focused on accolades or on awards or even making money.  

However, I have been challenged to see when I spread the Word as I am writing, then I am spreading what God has put in my heart.  This doesn’t have to be out of trying to gain fame or adoration, but rather this can be seen with a heart for God and for spreading His Glory.  Then when I am spreading the words I am writing, I can say a prayer requesting for God to use these words, to spread His Truth, and glory, and not for my glory.