Transformational Thought
As a kid, I was not a big reader. I actually hated it. But I did love comic books. 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. Well, besides being a poor reader, I had no artistic talent, not even a little.
Writing a book is incredibly hard … figuring out the overall message, settings, characters, plot twists, building excitement and intrigue. There are so many decisions and details to keep track of and integrate, as well as pacing the action throughout the story. That’s a lot of pressure and responsibility!
If you truly trust in God, then you should believe that He writes, actually prepares, each day for you with tender concern and great attention to detail. He knows the script for your life. Scripture is loaded with examples of how important we are to God. The Bible really tells a great story of God love for the human race, and we are part of that great story. The great script He has written especially for you and for each one of us addresses all our needs and desires.
Just being an actor in a play is so much easier than brainstorming and writing the story. 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 hack 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 of God … doing life on their own, in charge of and writing their own story. I tried writing my own story 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, destructive things can happen. He has to “rewrite” the next scenes to bail us out and re-route us from the detour we took.
Try to live responsively … and by that, I mean respond to what God has planned for you. Living responsively is a matter of aligning yourself with this ultimate reality. Following God’s sovereignty, power, control, and His ultimate authority over the whole multiverse (all the universes!) is way better than thinking you possess all these attributes.
Today, acknowledge your belief that God is the true author of your story. When you feel pressured and are uncertain how to write the next scene of your life, STOP! Instead, 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, that 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 live it out. The Author you believe and follow is 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. Your Word tells me 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 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