My Only Qualification as a Writer

My Only Qualification as a Writer

by Tina Yeager

“Then I said, ‘Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God…’  I proclaim your saving acts … I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help …”

(Psalm 40:7-10, NIV).

I share a recurring conversation with the Lord. In loving grace, he listens to my struggles with this call to bring messages to readers. I complain about how little I seem to accomplish. I question whether such an inept vessel should even expect to have more impact. Perhaps I could serve others best in silent support, like a doorstop.

Ever patient and gentle, the Spirit reminds me of the criteria by which he chooses a messenger. Throughout scripture, God called unqualified outcasts to serve his purpose. Spoiled and despised by his brothers, Joseph began his story with God as a slave. Gideon declared himself the lowliest of his people, insisting the angel had called the wrong man. Moses met the Lord as an exiled murderer. No one entered their purpose with the ability to fulfill it on their own strength. 

Even if I serve as a doorstop now, the Lord will not forget me.

The Father also clarifies the difference between his view of outcomes and mine. Some Biblical message bearers saw no results during their lifetimes. The plights of Jeremiah, Hosea, and Elijah tempt me to wince and grieve for their fruitless suffering. Yet the Spirit reminds me of their current position and eternal reward. The true outcomes of our service exceed human perception. The Lord will bless us with the full view when we stand beside him to see reality from a heavenly perspective.

So I offer Jesus the only qualification I have—surrender. Here I am, Lord. Useless until you use me. Willing to pursue the journey until we celebrate the fulfillment of your will on the other side of eternity together.

Savior, thank you for taking me as I am and redeeming me into your message bearer. Help me remain on the path you set before me. Protect my heart and soul from the enemy’s attacks on my purpose and identity. Guide my words to share your loving truth. Amen.

 

Award-winning author, speaker, LMHC, and life coach, Tina hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast and a YouTube channel. She serves as Director of Traditional Groups with Word Weavers International. Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem is available through New Hope Publishers. Look for Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose from Bold Vision Books. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.