August 9, 2012
Transformational Thought
As a kid, I was not a big reader, hated it actually. But I did love comic books, and they were so good back in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. I always fantasized about writing a comic book series with great characters, exciting adventures, poppin’ graphics and all the extras. But not only was I a poor reader, I couldn’t draw either, not even a little. I did try and doodle, but not talent.
Writing a book is hard … trying to figure out the overall message, settings, characters, twists, plot, how to build excitement and intrigue, how deep to go. So many decisions and details to keep track of and integrate. Knowing the ending so you can pace the action and provide detail throughout the story. That’s a lot of pressure and responsibility!
If you trust in God, then you should believe that He writes, actually prepares, each day for you with tender concern and great attention to detail, the script for your life. Scripture is loaded with examples of how important we are to God. The great script He has written especially for us addresses all our needs and desires.
Just being an actor in the story is so much easier than writing … give me the script, let me absorb it, get into character, and act out my part. So when you wake in the morning, don’t take on the role of author by trying to fill up the blank page of your day. Instead, be on the lookout for what the supreme Author has drawn up for your day and life. What an illusion it is when people think they can live independently from God … do it on their own, be in charge of and write their own story. I tried that many times in the past and it always ended in frustration, anxiety, and at one point, jail. You see, when we don’t follow God’s script, that is where really destructive things can happen and He “rewrites” the next scenes to meet the needs of the detour we took.
Try to live responsively … and by that, I mean responding to what God has planned for you. Living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with the ultimate realty. God’s sovereignty, power, control, and His ultimate authority over the whole multiverse (all the universes!).
Today, acknowledge your belief that God is the true author of your story. When you are feeling some pressure and are uncertain how to write the next scene of your life, STOP! Then respond to His script. Look for what He has written and is trying to communicate through the story He wrote specifically for you in His word, The Holy Bible. This shows you really believe He loves you, He is sovereign, and is true to His promises. You aren’t equipped to be The Author, so, have fun being the star actor in your story and follow The Author and Director’s instruction. WITHIN REACH will equip you to learn God’s will for your life and to do it. Who your Author is, that’s your decision, so choose well.
Prayer
Dear Father, You are the creator; You are the initiator of my very life. This is how I want to live my life – discovering what You are doing and then responding to the opportunities You place before me. I know by Your Word that this is the most joyful and productive way to live. As You know, Lord, there is a part of me that likes to be in control, calling the shots. Please teach me, Lord, the art of living responsively. I thank You for Your sovereignty. Teach me to understand and believe that Your sovereignty over every aspect of my life increases my security. I know responding to You requires concentration, even though this world is rigged to distract me from You. Protect me, Lord, from all the distractions that hamper my ability to keep a constant lookout for You. I pray with confidence in the name of the Author of my salvation, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say – AMEN!
The Truth
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Hebrews 1:3
Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Matthew 10:29-31
But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. Psalm 13:5