Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. – Jude 1:3 NIVWe had a guest minister at church the other night. He told us how sure he was he'd picked the right path to his chosen profession.
But sometimes God has other plans. This man had a congenital birth defect. The Lord not only healed him, but also called him to preach. He said God set him on ‘a new path I didn’t know was there.’
When he made that statement, it reminded me of one of the original Nintendo games. My favorite part of the game entailed finding a secret path or a hidden door. I could play that game for hours – becoming the best player my son knew and sort of a hero when I beat the game. One day he brought his friends to our house after school. It seems he’d bragged his mother could beat the dragon. They came to get the proof.
I became far too obsessed with the game. No matter how I try to justify all the time wasted on the game, I cannot make an excuse for most of it. Oh, it was fun, and relaxing. My son and I had something in common. But when it was all said and done, what did I have to show for it? A son begging for the next version.
At times, I feel I’ve traded one obsession for another – writing. I scribble notes all over the place. I jot down ideas. I visit sites with tips for writers. I pray daily asking the Lord to anoint my writing, and that this endeavor won’t be a waste of time. God has been gracious. I’ve received many notes of encouragement, and I do feel the Lord is blessing. I’m on a ‘new path.’
And are there dragons to slay? Yes! I believe the Lord can use our words to banish discouragement and slay doubt.
When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he advised them, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)
Let us heed this advice by speaking and writing words of faith and healing, words which edify and build up. May our words meet needs and benefit others.
I bought a new computer game recently, but I haven’t gotten carried away this time. I have poems and articles to write, devotionals to share, and blogs to post to!
Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for your goodness and mercy. Help me, O God, to be a vessel of honor building up and a blessing to those whose lives I touch. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.
7 comments:
Another "slice of life." I think almost all of us can pinpoint a time in which we went overboard on something or other. Then the Lord uses the experience to help bring us into balance.
Your Nintendo experience shows the patience and attention to detail that you are capable of. Though I'm patient with PEOPLE, I have little patience with things, so I set them aside.
Your gift for detail allows you to see Truth in the details that many people don't even think about. It truly IS a gift!...and that gift is evident in your writing. Ellen
MG, you are right, of course! The time I spent with my son is precious.
In fact, I read that part about the game to him last night. He chuckled and said, "We did have a great time with that, didn't we, Mom? That makes me want to set up my Nintendo again."
He is 22 now!
Teresa, thanks for sharing that story - a lesson learned from an everyday event. I'm blessed by your revelation.
And Ellen, thank you. I'm so grateful you read each post. You are so faithful to comment. I appreciate it.
Donna
Hi, Donna, Yes if I was to get involved with "Titanic Out Of Time" like that I would not be seen for many days. But, just like the real Titanic. You sink in the past and the future will pass you by. I am blessed that game play is a distraction to me. Now if I could just cut down on movies....
Pony Tail
I too was once addicted to video games and played them with my teenage son and his friends. By themselves the games can be terrific time-wasters, but I cherish the time spent with my son. The miles separate us now and we don't spend time together anymore. On those rare occasions when I play a Nintendo game I play alone.
I often wonder if my writing is another time-waster. I have had publishing successes but I am not sure this is what God wants me to do. We struggle with finances and the writing has not been the solution to getting our bills paid that I had hoped it would. I would like my writing to be useful to God's purpose, but I am not sure it is that either.
It is nice to know that I am not alone in my doubts. I pray about it but I don't have the answer yet. I guess I will just keep praying. ;o)
Donna, you can trust that your writing is doing good. Your devotionals are well done and benefit me as I am sure they must also benefit others.
Shari
Hey, Pony Tail, put down the remote control and step away from the couch! LOL!
Shari, we will lift each other up in prayer. I'm sure we are not alone in our quest to be a blessing. And thank you for continuing to visit the site. I'm so glad we've managed to stay in contact even though I had to leave the AllMag group. :)
Donna
Donna,
Your blog looks great. Love the artwork. As usual, your devotionals hit the spot.
Deborah
Hi Donna,
Those games can be so addictive, can't they? I know lately I've been guilty of too many computer games and not enough work... that's always a bit of a temptation, and yet with God's help we can turn away from those things to things of eternal value. Thanks for posting this and reminding me to keep focused on what God has called me to do. God bless you, Donna.
Love in Christ,
Brooke
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