Divine Prodding

In a recent fit of post-holiday laziness, I rebelled against waking up before dawn, as is my current custom, to work on writing projects.

One particular morning, I perceived the Lord who nudged me and said, “Get up and write.”

I glanced at the digital clock, its red numbers glaring 4:45. With a lackluster attitude I rolled over, grumbling, “Eh, forget it.” Deep sleep fell over me and I slumbered like a baby for the next two hours.

Later, while I made the bed, my mind wandered and I found myself asking the Lord for something. He quickly replied, “Eh, forget it.”

Yow!

Okay. I deserved that.

God does not promise that we’ll understand his ways, his timing. I suppose that’s the point of faith…believing without seeing, hoping before achieving, working with expectation and anticipation of things to come even when the forecast might look hazy. For me, that haze often is my own mind that gets in the way.

Another point on faith is obedience. Not out of guilt or duty, but out of love. To a hearty degree, I possess the love for writing - among other things. Yet above all, I hold love and respect for a Holy God who has our best interests at heart, always, even during those times when it doesn’t feel like it, when I might lack enthusiasm. I simply need reminded once in a while, and it’s through his mercy that he reminds me in ways that both startle and amuse. This might not work well for others, but the Creator knows how we’re individually wired because he did the wiring. Therefore, he understands it takes a quirky jolt to get my stubborn derrière moving in the right direction.

The Higher Power challenges us to grow, to listen, to heed his voice, to obey, to love, to serve, to accomplish greater things because his plans are far greater than what we could possibly imagine for ourselves. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:11-13

Zap!

Hello, 4:45 AM. What a radiant shade of red. It’s nice we meet again.

A veteran of the performing arts, Tessa’s work included directing dance ensembles and cultural exchange programs under the auspices of missionary organizations. Besides traveling worldwide in performance and outreach endeavors, she contributed as a writer and editor for ministry newsletters as well as political literature. While her literary focus gravitates from genre to genre, she prefers stories involving love.
“Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it.” ~ Bible

Tessa is the author of the romance/political intrigue novel, The Unforgivable (RisenFiction/April 2011).   www.TessaStockton.com