God started it, you know.  What is “it”?   “It” is a good thing…specifically a good work. (Philippians 1:6)   All of it was God’s idea and when you get a hold of why He created you in the first place, it will be an epiphany of sorts,  an “aha” moment.  He had some great thoughts and plans for you even before you arrived. That’s mind blowing and so very deep!

Before we go further, it’s important to get a few things straight.  If we’re to be motivated, fueled by hope and a perpetual flow of inspiration to keep moving, there are some reminders and even realizations to point out.

  1. You are unique. To quote God, “you are fearfully and wonderfully made.” (Psalm 139:14). Let’s pause and think about that. Let it sink in.    Indulge me…go with me on this. Imagine what was on God’s mind when He created you. What on earth was He thinking as He skillfully handcrafted the likes of you. Do you think He worked in silence, in deep thought and then at times so joyful that He whistled while He worked, then complimented Himself on His masterpiece? (Genesis 2:7, 21-22)
  2. Everything about you has been well thought out and purposed for good. God is very intentional, meticulous and strategic about what He makes. Before he started you, He had counted all the costs (because you’re expensive); had all the pieces and parts it took to make you. And to top it off, everything was designed to work on schedule and according to plan. No matter what you do or don’t do, God is not changing His mind about you. The plan stays. (Jeremiah 29:11; Romans 11:29)
  3. Everybody is not going to be as enthused as you discover and move into who you really are and what you’re intended to be and do. As a matter of fact God’s enemy, who by the way is your enemy too,  has a different plan. Although, rendered null and void, and certainly can’t compete with the Master’s design, it’s a tricked up plan that has it’s eyes on your faith in God.  Breaking news…Jesus Christ has issued a life time warranty written in blood that God’s plan for you is set and can’t be overturned. (John 10:10-11; Romans 8:29-30; Revelation 12:11)
  4. When you decide to proceed, with the “it”, and get moving, do so with caution, be alert. There will be a tussle, down right war…a struggle. Sometimes it’s a little thing, an annoying nuisance that you think can handle all by yourself or a fiery one where you need the Extinguisher from on High. (Ephesians 6:16; 1Peter 5:8)
  5. Use the fire as warmth when the frigid temperature of fear tries to stop you and freeze you in your tracks. Use the fire as Light when in that dark place and you’re groping to find a way out. Use the fire to burn up the clutter, the trash, the debris clogging your soul.  So bogged down, you’re not only impeding your progress, but holding up somebody who’s waiting on you to move. (1 Peter 4:12-13)
  6. Wisdom and lots of it, is needed every step of the way. (James 1:5). Not any old man made wisdom, but excellent wisdom, skilled in discerning God’s intentions.  When life deals a blow wreaking havoc in your world, this is where real skill comes in to know who is at work here.  Don’t be so quick to jump to the standard default conclusion, “the devil sho’ is busy.”   It may be God, the heavenly SME (subject matter expert) perfecting his work with His divine scalpel. Might sting a bit, but it won’t harm you.  (Hebrews 4:12; Philippians 2:13)

I wrote a book called, A Good Work Begun.  The first printing was in 1997; the second in 2012 with an accompanying audio.  It was a compilation of responses to some life experiences.   Writings penned with no intentionality, no plan, no purpose. It was what I found myself doing when potholes, sinkholes, unexpected detours appeared to disturb my journey.  I also wrote about joy, peace, love and the beauty of life.  A type of therapy, it was cathartic.  Didn’t know I could write; had no resources to publish anything, but God!

Interestingly, the first entry in A Good Work Begun is this. Take a listen:

The Struggle

Trying to touch the darkness

Trying to capture and keep the light.

Trying to enter a new plane with the intensity of your birth.

The wind seems to be leaving from your sails quickly and without prologue.

The struggle is the one thing that seems real.

I’m seeking to arrive.

A Good Work Begun © 1997, 2012 Renee Hill Carter

I hope this wasn’t a downer for you. Just keeping it real and “100” (as the kids say!)

So here we are in spite of ourselves, our fears, our doubts, our warts.  We’re going somewhere. 

 Be on the lookout as we go,  keep your wits about you, and remember, no matter what, all, I repeat, all things work together for good to them that love God and to them that are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28).           You got it!

Join me here next week as we keep it going. Bring someone with you.    (If this is your first time with us, be sure to read the first post.)

“Happy Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day”

A Good Work Begun available in print & audio (CD; MP3) at http://www.mulberryhousecreations.com/   Also at  Amazon, Barnes and Noble.

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