A New View by Jan Powell

A New View

by Jan Powell

“Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense”

(Luke 1:8-10, NIV).

The Lord has breathed into my mind during worship through prayers, music, scripture, and reflection. His presence permeates these times. Zechariah faced an even more dramatic experience during his once-in-a-lifetime sacred moment when he offered incense.

Outwardly, a sort of holy lottery called the casting of lots selected him. But behind the scenes, God placed Zechariah where he’d have an interruption that transformed his life and history. I can’t schedule an angelic appointment or advise God, but I can learn to anticipate him and listen for what he says to me. To expect interruptions.

My writing offers opportunities where I encounter him, so that my words will minister to those who read my stories, instruction, or encouragement. We want our work to bear the stamp of God’s design and delight. I Peter 4:11 says, “If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God.” A great goal.

I imagine Jesus sitting beside me, reading over my shoulder. He whispers ideas and insights. He’s interested in every keystroke, every word. Even more important, he’s still present when silent.

I often reflect on the opportunities to fulfill my calling. Like Zechariah the priest, we writers want to practice love through serving God and others. We can be the Lord’s mouthpiece, embracing the opportunity to polish those ideas he’s given us until they shine for him.

Heeding good suggestions to better our work prepares us for special God encounters. Zechariah’s divine interruption followed years of faithfulness. Consistent improvement readies us for new opportunities. If one door closes, we keep our eyes on God. At his right time, he’ll open something new. Shoving our foot in a closing door hurts. Instead, we need to wait, taking time to renew our commitment to develop our skills and listen for his word and direction.

Regular worship, both personal and corporate, strengthens us. We rejoice in its daily availability though books, music, the internet, radio, and church. We get to thank those who pray for us, our messengers from God who strengthen us for the battles of the writing task. And, in return, we pray for them. All good preparation for when the Lord calls us to be his messengers and share his words with those who need to hear.

Father of all words, teach us to daily prepare and improve our gifts. Show us your work all around us in the ordinary. Amen.

Jan Powell, a graduate of the University of South Florida, helps writers through Writing with You, offering editing, rewriting, and coaching for fiction and non-fiction. Published in The Wordsmith Journal and Splickety, she has written for Inkspirations since the beginning. Her in-depth editing includes poetry, devotionals, memoirs, fantasy, murder mysteries, thrillers, romantic suspense, and flash fiction. She has hosted Tampa Word Weavers for almost two decades and has served in its leadership.

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