by Edie Melson @EdieMelson
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. 2 Corinthians 5:20
I’m constantly amazed at how God chooses to use me in the work He’s doing in this world. It’s humbling and terrifying at the same time.
I’ve been looking at this verse, trying to wrap my mind around what being an ambassador for Christ looks like when it’s lived out. I think this verse is particularly applicable to those of us who write from Christian world view. As I studied the parallels between the role of ambassadors here and our role as believers, I was struck by the lessons hidden there.
- The first thing that struck me was the fact that, here in the physical world, those who are ambassadors don’t live in their own countries. They are strangers in a strange land. That’s also true of believers. This world is our temporary home, even though our time here can sometimes seems endless.
- Next, I realized that ambassadors are appointed, not elected. They haven’t campaigned for their position, it’s a gift of responsibility. We are also appointed, chosen by God and elevated to the position of spiritual ambassador. It’s not because we’re better than anyone else, it’s simply a gift of grace.
- Finally, earthly ambassadors don’t get to choose their country of service. That too is the choice of the one they serve. As believers, we have each been chosen to serve where God places us.
As a writer, I’ve often chaffed at this restriction. I wanted to do big things for God. I had a definite opinion about where and how I wanted to live out my dream.
Thank goodness God had other plans.
It turns out, when I look back, His plans were much better. They went farther and deeper than I ever imagined. For some reason, we writers tend to think too small. And we assume that if God doesn’t do things our way, the outcome will be just a shadow of what we want. That couldn’t be farther from the truth.
So let me ask you this, how has God surprised you with the way He’s used your writing. This isn’t a time to be shy. It’s not bragging to share what God has done, at least it’s not bragging on ourselves. So let’s take a minute to brag on God.
Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
The Conversation
Edie, I love boasting in the Lord! The most recent boast, one of my beta readers for my new book told me she was emotionally healed and now understands the effects of sin in our fallen world. God is so good. The book started as a ladies’ retreat teaching over ten years ago. God uses the writers of this blog to help me sharpen my writing tools. Cindy McDowell has encouraged me many times. Rhoda’s posts help me laugh at myself. I praise God for the written word!
Cherrilynn, that’s awesome! I love getting encouragement about how God is using my writing. Blessings, E
I had one woman say, “If Claire could overcome her ADHD, so can I.” The interesting part is I hadn’t written Claire with ADHD, but this woman related in some way that only God knows. Another told me she’d been depressed for a long time, but my stories made her laugh for the first time in weeks. These are earth-shattering changes, but small ones, however, my stories reach God’s children, and if even just those, it’s all worth it.
Ane, isn’t that cool the unexpected ways God uses our writing? Things like that help me remember what I do has purpose beyond what I can imagine! Blessings, E
My plan was always to write novels for women. Then, due in large part to a nudge by a writer at a conference many years ago, I started exploring writing for children. I completely fell in love with it and haven’t looked back. But the real surprise came when God led me into writing for the homeschool community. I’m single with no children, and I wasn’t homeschooled, so I definitely didn’t see that coming! I adore children, but never imagined I’d write educational content, direct a curriculum website, or get notes saying that something I wrote was exactly what a mom needed to teach a particular concept. Only God could have planned or accomplished that. And in another surprising twist, He has recently started using some of my material to help children with special challenges who attend public school to learn and feel included, something I never could have imagined.
Bonnie, that’s so like God, isn’t it? He takes something we love and spins it into more we could dream of! Blessings, E
A beautiful post. Thank you, Edie. 🙂
God has surprised me not only in the way He has used my writing, but in the fact that He has used my writing at all. I did not set out to be a writer. When I was 30 years old, God called me to write for Him and confirmed that calling in a miraculous way. Since then, I have had one desire only: to glorify Him through my written words and, through them, to point others to Jesus, the only One Who can set them free.
MaryAnn, I have no doubt that you’re doing just that! I love that we’re never too old or set in one direction for God to do something new and extraordinary! Blessings, E