Friends, I am feeling discouraged. I am trying to write this thing called book, with what does not appear to be tremendous success. Getting feedback of average is making me feel average. It is making me feel as if I am a failure for God. It is making me feel as if my purpose, my calling, is now null and void.
Ever been there?
Ever thought you were doing okay only to greet
discouragement face-to-face through
circumstances, opinions or sudden obstacles?
Discouragement can be the detour to defeat if you’re not careful.
It happens when we let our progress become our identity. When feedback is what feeds us. When we see our reflection as a byproduct of work.
Truth is:
God is maker.
He is refiner.
Knowledge.
The commander of hows, whens and whys.
Helper every time.
Rescuer to the drowning.
Hope to the inquirers.
The power to the least of these.
The strength in weakness.
Many times, what he is doing – in us –
is far more important than what we hope he does – through us.
For accolades, awards and acceptance speeches will fade, but adoration will last forever.
The world will wane and purity will reign.
What are we seeking? What are we believing in?
Take a look at the Israelites. For seven years, they got off track (which is also means they did “evil in the eyes of the Lord”), and landed in the hands of the Midianites (Judges 6:1). The Midianites were killers by nature; they killed the land, they killed the animals and they simply sucked out the the air of hope around the Israelites (Judges 6:4-5).
At this point, the Israelites could have said, “Let’s forget God, he has forgotten us.”
They could have said, “We have lost his love; he is not for us anymore.”
But instead, after 7 years, they said, “Lord, will you help us (Judges 6:6)?”
Deliverance appeared in the form of a prophet, but also as an angel to Gideon, saying, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Judges 6:12
This line, this word from the angel, is what dead-stops my heart. It is what calls me to attention. It declares both power of God and his intent.
The defeated one is declared the mighty one.
The unsure one is made the warrior one.
We are the present day Israelites – wandering, waiting and wading the world – calling out “Lord, save us.”
I imagine, God looks at us, much in the same way and says, “Child, you have the riches of my everything. You have the fullness of the kingdom. Everything is at your disposal. Be mighty in me. Be warrior for my cause. Don’t let doubt make you think you’re being held for ransom. Keep your eyes on me and go where I go.”
These words. The power.
I am mighty warrior. You are mighty warrior.
Being mighty in God’s ways; it changes things. It brings new charge.
We have an opportunity when we drive down the detour of discouragement – we can see truth for truth. It often looks like a red and white sign that says, “WRONG WAY”. The only thing to do at that point is to turn around, call out to God saying, “Lord, save me” and to get on the right road again.
Then our drive becomes his drive. Lowly. Gentle. Humble.
His passion is our passion. Giving. Gracious. Generous.
Our great love makes his love shine more. Bright. Brilliant. Reliant.
It becomes less about us, but then, somehow, he gives everything to us. Daddy. Loving. Caring.
We try less, but God gives so much more.
We become more than we dream,
even though he is far more than our best dream can conceive.
That is called faith.
We become warriors, who march over our worrier.
We become mighty, serviced beyond marginal.
We become listeners, who don’t have to be controllers.
We become waiters, who trust in his perfect plan.
We become believers, rather than achievers.
We become lowly, seeing past pride.
We become passionate, delighting in the Kings will.
We become determined, keeping our eyes on our own Promised Land.
We know we are his, and already, we have all we need.
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Kelly, I hope you’re feel more encouraged this morning. If God led you to write the book, He’ll lead the right people to it. I think you summed it pretty well with this, “We know we are his, and already, we have all we need.” Cheering you on with all the other ladies!
Thank you friend. Such truth Crystal!
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Thank you once again for hosting the linkup, Kelly. Praying for your book! I know exactly the feelings that come, especially when those last words are on paper. We start letting those questions creep in and cause doubt. Thank you for identifying the doubt for what it is today. Blessings!
Thank you Lord that you are greater than our doubts. Thank you God for Kristine. She is a faithful and true and loyal one; that is apparent to me.
Lifting up a prayer for you this morning, Kelly. I’m sure God is speaking to you through your own writing! He does that to me all the time. Blessings and strength as you continue this book project.
Sweet Betsy. Thank you so much for this. It means the world to me.
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I love this truth! What looked like defeat (the death of Jesus) was the door to victory.
Yes! Yes! Powerful!
Your words today have brought me right back to what is important – God! Our faith in Him will always get us what we need when the world tears us down. Praying for you as you seek God’s strength to keep on keeping on with the writing of your book. God’s got this!
God is soo…good. It is all about him. There is so much encouragement stored up in that, isn’t there, Mary? You are beyond faithful.
Kelly, I cannot imagine the warfare that starts when you begin to put words to paper in a book. Press on with the direction you hear from God. Thank you for the linkup and for continuing to encourage others.
Warfare? yes.
God is greater. YES! YES! YES!
Thank you for understanding and pressing on with me.
Oof, I know how frustrating writing a book can be. I am praying for peace and strength for you, on what I imagine feels like a marathon of a journey. Know that I am encouraged by your words each week–So I have a hard time believing that your book will be anything but inspiring! Thanks for cheering us on. And thanks for the opportunity to connect in the link-up too.
Thank you Jed. Thank you for your love and encouragement.
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I love the story of Gideon…He was a mighty warrior even though he was hiding in a winepress! Even though he didn’t feel much like a warrior, God knew the truth! With God, we are all mighty warriors with God by our side! Praying for good progress on your book!
Blessings, Joan
Thank you Joan. May you be blessed in all you do.
“We know we are his, and already, we have all we need.” Amen, Kelly. All too often we stand in defeat when the warrior victory is at hand. I love the last “list” you’ve made, including that last line I mentioned earlier. I just prayed for you concerning this book. Press on, mighty warrior.
I love that first line Kristi. Yes! So true. Thank you for praying for me.
Prayers for His words to flow onto the pages of your book, and that He’ll be glorified. ((blessings))
Brenda. Thank you. Your love blesses me.
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I know how you feel. But I want to encourage you. I look at your platform and read your words and am inspired to reach the level you’re on. My book is stuck at chapter 3. I feel confused, lost…I doubt myself. How can I come so far to feel so stuck? You’ve taken such great care to encourage so many of us, I want to encourage you to take a minute and look back today. Read past comments…they are evidence of God’s reach through your life. We’re cheering you on, too. Ra Ra, girl! You’ve got this…because God’s got you.
Happy Tuesday!!
Megs
Just thought I’d let you know, Meg, that I’ve been right there with you. Felt like the Lord really GAVE me so much & I got started & then just completely & utterly stuck. In fact, I (not purposely) shelved the whole thing for about 6 months!!! But as I continued to pray about it, little by little (definitely not as fast as I wanted!), the Lord is opening up the door again, giving me clarity of direction, and I’m realizing some things He was working in my heart during those 6 months that have EVERYTHING to do with the new direction. I hope that helps you to rest in the process today…saying a prayer for you also!
Sweet Meg, what sweet encouragement you give me. God is good. His plan is in motion. We press on with hiccups and faith tests and all that jazz, but he still is with us. I praise him with you. We can’t give up!
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Thank you for sharing this today. Just spent some time praying for you this morning and asking the Lord to give you clarity & the words & the strength the climb this next hill. 🙂 So much love to you, my friend!
Thank you friend. You bless me.
I’m so with you, Kelly. But, yes what He does in us is often more significant and important than what He does through us. I’m thankful He’s got us, no matter what. Lifting you in prayer today and for all of us who are feeling a bit discouraged. Much love.
He does! Thank you for your prayer. I could feel it.
You can do this, warrior sister. Praying for you today. Hugs
Sweet friend. Thank you.
Kelly, this post is so timely. I’ve been waiting to hear back on a book I submitted, and it’s easy to become discouraged as the days tick forward. Waiting can be the challenge that either undoes me or draws me closer to Jesus. And the writing journey is full of waiting, isn’t it?
I loved what you wrote here: ““Child, you have the riches of my everything. You have the fullness of the kingdom. Everything is at your disposal.” I forget this! That God has given His kids everything they need to accomplish the callings He places on them. Thanks for this reminder as I wait, and as I seek to do what He’s given me to do.
So glad you are with me. I kind of start to feel bad when everyone is commenting on my story and not on how it is hitting them. I am glad I have a sister in the struggle with me. Let’s move with GoD!
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Kelly,
oh, I get this..as I’ve been battling this as I work on my devotional… but God has a good plan for you and your book…praying God enables both of us to keep our eyes fixed on Him and our ears and hearts attuned to His Word and promises as we write…((hugs))
Thank you Dolly. I am trusting and carrying on. Thank you for the encouragement.
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Kelly, I so needed to read this today. Before Christmas I felt a nudge to write a book too. It can be such a discouraging process. But you are so right…God is with us. And God is the mighty one. God created each of us uniquely with unique gifts “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Great post!
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This grabbed me fast – “Getting feedback of average is making me feel average.” Uh, no ma’am. You are not average mighty woman of God! Hang on tight to the truth of timing. God doesn’t much care about time, but He is all about timing. Love you friend xxxooo
Sweet Kelly,
You are always such an encourager with your bold faith words and your transparent writing. Words are a tool that you have learned to use in beautiful ways and I know that the Lord will open that very next door for you.
Until then, know that you have made an imprint on many. The days you feel discouraged are also days when you are lifting others up. That is His way, to love on others and serve in joy.
Praying you are encouraged!
Blessings,
Dawn
sometimes those challenges are stepping stones into something greater. The quote, “I am with you, mighty warrior” – it just stopped my heart and filled it up – making me think, “I am with you, mighty mother.” It made me think of it for you, “I am with you, mighty writer.” Those are such powerful words – in so many ways! Thank you for sharing your heart!
Thank you for the linkup each week. And, I do hope you are feeling more encouraged.
Praying for you, sweet Kelley, and believing in the mightiness living inside of you! I have no doubt this book will come and someday many of us will be reading something from you that God has written to bring hope and set people free!
Hugs,
Lori
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etc. Q&0;whew2#8222; Well, I’m gonna stop now because I really said a lot and took up a lot of time and space which I said i didn’t want to do. I thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and I welcome any response that you or anyone else on this blog is led to give. God Bless You,Desiree
Praying for you, sweet Kelley! Thank you for sharing your heart!
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