This weekend I am starting a new series.
You will read deep-hearted stories by people you've met here. Come back each weekend and be blessed. Leave a return word of encouragement for those who shared in the comment section.
Periodically I will be giving books away to a commenter. But to me, the greater gift is the heartfelt words from my guests.
Today, Sherrinda Ketchersid, a former Writer's Alley Cat tells how God nudged her to a second rung on Jacob's Ladder. The step is way more difficult than it looks.
The Second Rung
Not long ago, God got a hold of me and we wrestled for quite awhile. You know when God is talking to you, even though sometimes you don’t want to hear Him. You have a disquiet feeling in your heart. You aren’t at peace. You run into road blocks at every turn. You know good and well He is trying to get your attention, but you look the other way.
God was convicting me of not being a better helper to my husband, who pastors a small church. I’ve been an active member, but my heart hasn’t been in it. I have been consumed with writing and blogging, letting it take over, letting it become an idol of sorts.
Here’s the thing. When I married my husband, I knew that his calling would become my calling. Called by God. Called to serve. And I have ignored my calling. My husband needs me. He needs to know I am completely behind him, that I am interested in his work, that I “get him”. No one can “get him” like I can – and he needs to know I do!
So three weeks ago I was battling God, because I felt like He was asking me to give up my writing. Not forever, but for a season. I didn’t want to, so I asked God to give me a sign. In my prayer time before church, I asked God to make it clear I was supposed to give up my writing.
Well, God was so faithful. In the sermon, my husband (who had no idea I was wrestling with this) says this while talking about the prodigal son in the pig pen: Living in the pig pen is not just the place where sinners end up. Sometimes it’s us in the pig pen. It’s those of us who put other things before God. Are you putting things before God? Is God telling you to give up anything? Is He speaking to you?
Tears flowed from my eyes when I heard those words. My God answered my prayer in such a clear and profound way. He cared enough to speak to me and guide my way. What an awesome God!
And that’s not all He did!
And that’s not all He did!
When I belong to The Writer’s Alley, a blog written by 10 aspiring authors, I thought I should back out. I wasn’t going to be writing for publication! But they asked me to stay and write more spiritual/devotional type posts. It could be writing or reading related…or not. I wasn’t sure if I should, so I said I would pray about it. That night, my husband came home from work and said he thought I shouldn’t quit blogging. He thought I should write more spiritual/devotion type posts! Isn’t that amazing? I love it when God speaks in ways that are unmistakable!
You know, it isn’t easy to give up something that is so important to you. It is difficult. It hurts! But I do know this, God has a peace that passes understanding that will fill you and He will be your very great reward. He will compensate for the loss. He will make a way for you.
So you might be wondering how I am spending my time since I’m not writing. Well, I am digging into the gospels, and am studying the life of Jesus. I want to be Jesus in this world. His hands. His feet. His heart. I want to encourage those around me. I want to build up God’s kingdom here on earth. I want to be a part of the mission of Christ and all that entails!
Sherrinda's website has innovative arts and crafts and devotionals. http://www.sherrinda.com
Thanks for having me, Mary!
Take a few seconds to share your thoughts to encourage Sherrinda and maybe tell of your second rung experience in the comment section below. Your prayer requests will faithfully be taken to the Father.
Comments
Thanks so much!!