Tuesday, April 24, 2012

But God, What if … ?

Exodus 4:1

Moses answered (God), “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you’?”

I must confess, I love it when these important men of the Bible question God. Not because I want to encourage others to do the same. I mean, there’s no point, right? But when I see someone of great faith have weak moments, I know there’s hope for me. So no, I don’t use this as an excuse to be sloppy. I see it as a call to be more, as was Moses.

So Moses had a what if moment. I can relate. That’s why I’m forty six and only now starting on a path of ministry that others started many a year ago. I know the what ifs.

“What if no one cares what I write?”
 woman in mirror
“What if everyone hates my style?” As though each and every person had the same opinion about anything.

“What if this is a big waste of time?”

“What if people think I’m ugly?” Okay, I’m a little vain.

These are the chains that bind us—Satan’s tools. When God calls us out to do something, there are no what ifs. Only what will be. He knows the outcome already, otherwise He’d never have given us the task.

Does it mean the aspiring writer will be a million-dollar royalty-making published author? (Hmmmm. How ‘bout it Big Guy? All right, all right.) No, it doesn’t. In fact, I know my calling has already touched lives through information disseminated on my blog and the tightening of relationships with people around me. I’m still feeling the call, so I guess there’s more.

dollar signYes, I hope for the contract with a dollar sign in front of six-figures—okay, I’ll take five—somewhere on the page (preferably going to me and not just the publisher). But even if that never happens, I’ll know I’m being used by Him. And like His Grace, it’s sufficient.

Tell us about a WHAT IF moment God used in your life.

Check out Connie’s other Moses-related blog post:

What Did Moses Do Anyway?

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Molly's interview with Christian author Mike Dellosso, the author of Scream, will be posted on April 28th. Molly says Scream will scare the freckles off your nose, but it will also inspire you. Stay tuned.
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6 comments:

Paula Mowery said...

A "what if" I dealt with was: What if only one person is touched and makes a decision for Christ through a book I write? Is that enough? I had to decide that my writing is a ministry for reaching others for Christ which means one is more than enough.

Molly Noble Bull said...

Interesting, Connie, and I guess we all have What If moments. I know I do.
. What if my works in progress clicked, and I became world famous? How would I handle that?
. What if I never sell another book in my life?
What if? What if? What if?
Guess we just have to wait and see.
And Connie, I am so glad you joined Writers Rest as one of our authors. Welcome.
Love,
Molly

Teresa Slack said...

What if can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time? What if I get the job I just applied for with the US Census? What if I don't have time to write like I want? What if I do, but the words won't come? What if I never sell another book? (I think that's a common question among writers.) What if I sell 20? I don't know how people without God get out of bed in the morning. It's a scary world out there.

Leslie Basil Payne said...

Hi Connie,
Thanks for visiting my blog, **but even more** thank you for introducing me to Writers' Rest.

This is exactly what I needed at this very moment. God is so good!

Another "what if" I recently read was along the lines of, "What if you were fully confident God was with you, what would you do today?"

Ahhh...the possibilities!

Connie Almony said...

Thank you guys for joining in my what ifs. They can be debilitating, but as Leslie points out, when we focus on who God is, the possibities are powerful. I have to trust He will make use of my calling.

Molly Noble Bull said...

Connie,
Thanks for telling your readers about my upcoming interview with Christian author Mike Dellosso and his scary novel, Scream. The book is available in paperback and as an e-book, and it will keep you turning pages, trembling and being inspired -- all at the same time.
Love,
Molly