Change or Wait?

Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.
Psalm 9:10
I’m not good enough.
There’s so much I have to learn.
Maybe it’s not what I’m supposed to be doing. But then again – maybe it is.

Thoughts like these invaded my mind in December. As I looked over my novel in progress from last year, I realized what a novice I am in certain areas. Not all, mind you – but some. And If I am going to write for Him, don’t I want to be wonderful at it? Don’t I want to develop the skills to write the best possible novels I can – to give Him the glory?

Of course I do. But what if novel writing is not what He has in store for me? What if I take the time, energy, and expense to improve my skills, then find out that God didn’t gift me that way FOR A REASON? Because He wants me to do something else – to focus on writing short stories, say, or devotionals, or nonfiction books.

January seems such a natural time to try something new, and I am definitely a goal setter. So, do I drop the whole novel thing and move on with other stuff – stuff that is simpler for me?

Maybe.

Or – maybe that’s a copout. Perhaps, it’s the easy way out. It’s entirely possible that I’ve considered switching to something more in my comfort zone because it’s less work.

So I seek God in this new year and I wait for an answer.

And wait.

And I remember that God does not always answer my questions – or anyone else’s – exactly when I want answers. So I wait – hopefully with patience – and try to be content in the uncertainty. Which I can only do, of course, with His peace in my heart.

Remember, my friends, whatever requests you may put to God will be answered – but not necessarily how, or when, you wish. Sometimes, we just need to move along and be content in our waiting – in our lack of clarity.

God WILL lead – we just have to be willing to hang on until we get our answer.

I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. Psalm 130:5

Joanne Sher

Joanne Sher is a Jew by birth, a Christian by rebirth, and a writer by gift. A native Southern Californian, she now lives happily in West Michigan with her husband and two school-aged children.Her first book, still seeking a home, explores God's preparation, protection and provision through her husband's serious health issues. She is also working on a biblical fiction set during King Saul's reign and centered around the handmaiden of Saul's daughter Michal.She is also a blogger, not only at her own site, but at The FaithWriters blog. She also posts monthly at The Barn Door and Jewels of Encouragement.