WHY I WRITE

I started writing a blog a couple of years ago. My motivation, at that time, was pretty selfish. I was told that anyone wishing to be published should have some kind of social media presence, so I got on board the social media train and did my best to pump out a blog every two weeks. My train quickly derailed. I decided that maybe once a month would be more doable.

Crash! Still no good.

After much soul searching, I realized the problem was not the blog, my writing ability, or the time involved. It was my motivation. I was more concerned with what my website and blog could do for me, and not how God could use it for others. I was a voice competing with other voices to be heard, but my song was strained because I was trying too hard, and my purpose was not Christ-centered. There was no joy in what I was doing, it had become an obligation that I couldn’t keep up with.

I took a breath.

I prayed.

What was it I most wanted to accomplish with my writing? Who was I writing for? Or, who was I writing for? Could God use what I write? Was there a bigger purpose than my ability to amass followers on Twitter or Facebook, so hopefully one day I could sell a book?

Yes. There is a bigger purpose than Twitter and Facebook. Yes. God can use my writing.

I live in a world surrounded by young adults, 20—30ish, the ages of my kids. I have seen scores of kids, who grew up in Christian homes and went to Christian schools and camps, move away from the truth of the gospel. Some went slowly, a little bit at a time; and some went suddenly and violently, spewing hatred as they went. And I know this is not a trend unique to my church or city.

This is strategic, demonic warfare against the Church and God’s people. (For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Ephesians 6:12 NIV)

This is who I write to.

My writing is strong. It has sharp edges. Sometimes it’s a little snarky. I believe, completely believe, that every Word of God is true, and everything that God says is going to happen – will happen. Nothing will be left undone, and there is no room for hedging or backing down. Time is short. (In just a little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay. Hebrews 10:37 NIV).

Every blog, or story, is a chance to tell of God’s unconditional love, His great salvation, and our hope for eternity. But many have placed comfort, pleasure, and worldly successes above everything else. They have covered their ears and averted their. As Christian writers we must do our best to write as clearly as possible. Sometimes the Lord’s words were soft and tender, and other times they were strong and harsh. As the Spirit leads us, our writing will reflect the same

An added bonus to my attempts at blogging and Facebook, was the discovery of ‘boosting’ a Facebook webpage for a few dollars. It took some time and effort to understand it all, but the end result was that I was able to spend about $25 on a posting and send it out into cyberspace, where thousands of people could read it. I picked countries where I knew of missionaries, and countries that are ‘closed’ to the gospel. I have received comments and ‘likes’ from the most unlikely of places: Iraq, Pakistan, Nepal, Liberia, and so on. A man from Nepal offered to take me up Mt. Everest (he was a Sherpa), and another, a Hindu from India, called me a ‘mean llama’ (that was my blog on heaven and hell). But, no matter. God’s word does not return void, and one day that man may change his mind.

I look at that $25 as an offering to God for the furtherance of the gospel. Who knows what God can do? I hope to meet someone in heaven one day who will tell me that they heard me – loud and clear-- from the other side of the world, proclaiming the Good News of Christ.

And, I hope to see an empty seat be filled once again, with a young person who has found their way back to the Lord.

A LAST THOUGHT

If you have not asked Jesus Christ to be your Savior -- TODAY is the day! Jesus died on the cross to pay for your sin. All you need to do is accept His free gift of salvation. The blood He shed at His death is payment for your sin, and the ONLY way into heaven.

Please pray: Dear Jesus, please come into my heart and live. Thank you for dying on the cross for me and shedding your own blood, so that I could be saved. Thank you for forgiving me of all my sin and for the promise of eternal life with You in heaven. And lead me to a church where I can grow in my faith. Amen.