The year I turned fifty was the year I knew God would expand His use of my writing for His glory.
The last thing I wanted to be doing was interviewing for a full-time job working with troubled families. All my prayers, training, and passion had been focused toward writing, something I’d planned to do full-time now that my children were grown. But, my husband had suddenly lost his job and been offered a new one sans medical benefits. At the same time, I was offered an interview for one with benefits included.
I sat before the interview panel mentally looking for reasons to decline the work, angry that God appeared to be forgetting or ignoring His call on my life to write for His glory. As the panel compared my education and experience to their needs, it became apparent to everyone that I was well-equipped for the work.
That only served to increase my anger.
Finally, the lead interviewer said, “You seem perfect for the job, so I hesitate to mention this final requirement. It’s what always leads candidates to refuse the position.”
At last, I thought, here’s my exit. “What is it?” I said, leaning forward.
“Well,” he replied with a sigh, “the job requires a lot of writing.”
I wondered if I was the only one in the room who could hear God’s laughter.
As it turns out, the first task I have with troubled families is to write their story so that everyone working with them can see them in context. The story describes their culture, values, and strengths as well as their problems. I can’t tell you how often now I’ve heard a family say that that piece of writing was pivotal in helping them remember who they were as a family or to access the right services or to convince someone to provide them the help they needed.
Just when I thought God had forgotten His call on my life, He showed me how His call went beyond what I had envisioned. I do, indeed, work full-time writing for God’s glory, by day, in this job and by night for my blog and my book.
Turns out, God’s idea of full-time was fuller even than mine!
Has God placed a call on your life? Are you ready for the unexpected adventure that may entail?
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My story is the opposite. I just completed a graduate degree and can’t find a job. I had such dreams of me and my future, but apparently God has something different in mind. In the meantime, I wait. I give my sadness and anxiety to Him although sometimes I take it back to cry and worry over for awhile. I trust Him, but just like the father said to Jesus: “Help my unbelief!”
Wow,can I relate! I always thought I would play my fiddle and be a bluegrass singer.Then the LORD placed on my heart,at 36 years old,to adopt a baby girl from China.So,my ‘dream’ was placed on the back burner.Then 2 years later,we were called again to go back to China and get our second daughter.Not only did my music ‘career’ get another bump to the back seat,but I found myself playing less and less at home.Now,as I get ready to turn 50,I look back and after 3 more trips to get our 3rd daughter from Ethiopia and 1 and a half years ago,our 2 sons from Ethiopia,I realize that the LORD has used my love for music,but in a different way.I taught my daughters to play fiddle and sing.We sing around our dinner table at night,bluegrass hymns.I tell you,I have the greatest ‘audience’ ever!!! The best part is when they start singing at the top of their lungs,”Trust and Obey”.Very fitting….
Awesome, Tammy Smith. Our God has a DELICIOUS sense of humor and does ALL things WELL!
Wonderful post! Very encouraging. God has a sense of humor, and He is always watching out for us.
Thanks, Jeremy. And thanks for dropping by.
Thanks for an article that will put a great big smile on the face! Change is in my near future and I have been rather apprehensive about it but reading this article just allowed me to see God is in control and He does have a great sense of humor. God bless you!
Only God. I enjoyed your sessions at #wtwconf so much, Lori. Now I know why this Okie felt compelled to take a road trip. 🙂 Keep writing and God bless.
Thanks for another great post, Lori. I’m at that “wondering what God is doing” stage right now. Retired and thought I would be writing up a storm, but so often when I sit down to write, the words just won’t come. Getting to the point that I’m beginning to wonder if writing really is my calling. I know that God orders my steps and is taking me just where I need to be. Still, I wish I could break through this wall. I feel like time is wasting.