by Emme Gannon @GannonEmme
What if, at this moment in time, God is calling you to be a quiet reflection of Himself. No best seller. No requests to speak or teach at conferences. No interest by the agent of your dreams. You receive encouragement. Then rejection. Your mind stirs from the present to a time when you knew God had called you to greater things. You knew it was He who had planted this dream deep in your heart. That was long ago, you reason. Maybe you heard wrong. For if this was God’s dream for you, wouldn’t success soon follow?
I imagine Joseph asked himself similar questions. God gave him a grand dream at age seventeen. Instead of bringing the dream to immediate fruition, God allowed Joseph to enter into a time of training. Intense training. Joseph was obedient in the little things and the Lord was with him. Throughout his struggles of success and then failure, the Bible keeps reminding, “The Lord was with him.” Read Joseph’s story (Genesis 37 and Genesis 39-41) and take heart. Joseph was thirty years old when he was put in charge of Egypt. Thirteen years where he was faithful in each task the Lord set before him culminated in God’s fulfillment of His dream for Joseph.
Lessons from Joseph:
- Hold onto the image God has given you of yourself, even though circumstances do not agree.
- Filter each experience through God’s word for you at this time of your life.
- Be faithful in the little things. Do all to the glory of the Lord.
- Have a teachable spirit. Patient endurance in each season of life brings us prepared to the next level.
- Know that God calls you out of the ordinary to rise above your limits. “I cannot do it,” Joseph replied to Pharaoh, “but God will give Pharaoh the answer he desires.”
Deep within the human heart is a desire to see our dreams soar. When God is the wind, we may dip and dive, but at just the right time, we will fly. We’ll emerge from our chrysalis and be all that we were meant to be. Until then, keep on the journey God has planned for you. Rejoice in each opportunity to reflect Him. Keep writing.
TWEETABLES
Ms. Emme. What a beautiful testament of one's faith. In today's world, it seems that every one wants every thing NOW. Am grateful for this important reminder that patience is an important fruit of the spirit. One that we should apply to our writing also. I can't wait to talk "Chrysalis" with you one day ma'am. God's blessings...
ReplyDeleteYour words are always such an encouragement, Jim. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Emme. In many ways, the lessons from Joseph define success. This is an encouraging post when we don't see "results" we hoped for.
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ReplyDeleteYes, they do Marilyn. Also, a reminder to view our lives through the filter of God’s timing. Blessings in your writing.
ReplyDeleteWe often forget that our "gifts" are our gifts, not anyone else's. God gave us those gifts for us to enjoy every day of our lives. The harder we work at our talents, the more fulfilled we become. We mistakenly think that our talents should manifest in other ways--recognition, fame--but that's seldom the case. Whenever I feel discouraged about my writing career, I alway remind myself that this is my gift from God, one He gave me and that no one can take away. It's a blessing I'm thankful for.
ReplyDeleteWell said, Linda. Blessings in your writing.
ReplyDeleteJoseph is one of my all-time favorite Bible characters. I don't know how he persevered. It could have been his earlier dreams, or just remaining faithful one day at a time. Joseph and Daniel—wonderful characters from the Old Testament. Donevy
ReplyDeleteDonevy, I agree, Joseph is my favorite Bible character. He’s such an example of sticking to the dreams and promises God has for each of us, and the importance of remembering His timing. Blessings to you.
DeleteI'm a grandma too, finishing my first Children's book. I've also just taught JOSEPH to my 4th-6th grade Sunday School class (we are in Moses now.) I don't dream about ruling Egypt, just that I can get this book out there and encourage kids about missions.
ReplyDeleteDon’t give up, Jackie. If we persevere, God will complete that which He has begun. Blessings in your writing.
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