My “Why”

" But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:"      2 Corinthians 4:3

Recently, I have been working on some online writing courses.  The instructor said you need to know "your why" in order to have clarity.  Several examples were given but they didn't resonate in my spirit.  I didn't want just words.  I wanted a reason that came from God.  I prayed about it that night and again the next morning before my devotions.  I asked God specifically to show me why I should write for Him; me, an unworthy vessel.

   The verses in my devotion were 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.  I decided to read the whole chapter in order to see these verses in context.  The first verse was, "Therefore, seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not."  That certainly peaked my interest.  I want my writing to be a ministry to others.  The verse addresses the fact that I HAVE a ministry which God has called me to.  When I read the third verse, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost"; lo, and behold, I found my "why".  God spoke to my heart clearly, "If you don't take My story to others, who will?"  "The God of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not." (verse 4a)   Satan doesn't want the word of God proclaimed.  His goal is to keep them in ignorance.  Gods' goal is for "the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (verse 4b)

   Now that I know God has called me to a ministry to give out the gospel through writing and other avenues, how do I go about it?  After all, thousands of people write for Christ.  What can I say that's different?  The accuser (satan) puts thoughts in my head such as these.  "What makes you think you're good enough to write about God?"  I have to recognize who's speaking.  It isn't God.  "But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not us."(verse 7)  "For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake."  (verse 5) 

   If my writing, or anything else I do is to have value, it must come through the Holy Spirit’s leading.  "For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."  (verse 6)  Therefore, my life and writing is to to shine to the world to draw them to Christ.  For God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  2 Peter 3:9

   Now that I know why I'm called to write, my prayer is that God will use my words to bring glory and honor to Him.  Even if I just plant a seed along the way or encourage someone on their journey, God can use it to draw them to Himself. May Jesus Christ be glorified!