“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV
As I sit here with my handy walker next to me and my braced leg elevated to keep down the swelling in my knee, I think about all of my writer friends, acquaintances, and all the potential friends I had hoped to meet who are gathering in writers conferences around the country. I am tempted to feel sorry for myself because I was planning on attending a writer’s conference. Yet circumstances changed all of that.
I don’t pretend to understand why my knee surgery of a year ago became infected, but I am forced to deal with all the ramifications: Two surgeries this summer, lots of pain, and multiple physical therapy sessions. Then there’s that nagging thought: We had just paid off all of last year’s medical bills.
I must confess, though, that accepting the Lord’s “activity under heaven” that He wants me to do can be both humbling and, at times, depressing. But He has had some heart-to-heart discussions with my spirit concerning my will vs. His. His will trumps every time. (And no, this is definitely not a political statement…)
Scripture clearly tells us that “there is a time for everything,” and this summer is not my time. It is my time to rest in Him and perhaps—on a day when I am clear-headed with fewer pain pills in my system—I can spend some quality time researching and writing.
Why, I cry out to the Lord? And what can possibly be the benefit of any of this? Again, I don’t have clear answers. But occasionally, glimmers of heavenly light shine upon the faces of other patients who I meet at the infusion center where I go daily for my IV antibiotics. It gives me perspective about the patients who have fear-filled eyes who aren’t just dealing with infection, but are facing cancer.
God sees the bigger picture.
I know that no experience is wasted in God’s Kingdom, nor are there any mistakes wrought by the hand of the Creator. So when I think about the changes in my plans for this summer, I pray that I will remember to ask God how He wants to use me in His plan.
Have the dreams for your writing schedule taken an unexpected diversion from your well-plotted strategy? Maybe you are attending a writer’s conference but your hoped-for meeting with an editor or agent didn’t go as you imagined. Rather than feeling crushed and defeated, ask God what His strategy is in this season for your activity under heaven. It may not fulfill your dreams for this moment, but it will undoubtedly fulfill God’s agenda for you. And His timing is always perfect.
“What does the worker gain from his toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on men. He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Ecclesiastes 3:9-11 NIV
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4 Comments
Elaine, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through the pain. But, I certainly understand the situation and the chats with God about why it all happened. I’ve been homebound since March, living in a fog from medications, and fear that I may never be able to attend conferences again. I am just now beginning to see the light shining through the fog.
I sat at home and pouted because I had to miss BRMCWC. The updates and photos from friends were painful. But, I had a lot of time and no other distractions to sit and chat with God about His plans for me. As a result, I have started writing the book He told me to write years ago.
He does what is needed to get our attention and get us aimed in the right direction. Too bad it has to hurt so much.
I’ll be praying as you prepare for your next surgery and that you have gotten on the path He’s leading you to tackle.
Dear Karen, I am praying that this book He wants you to write will be used by Him for great things! I’m also praying that His precious healing touch will infuse you with strength, health, and JOY! Thank you for sharing your story as well. May the Lord fill you with His comfort and peace.
Thank you for sharing, Elaine. Waiting in the fog is not fun. He is our lighthouse to guide us. I cling to His promise to never leave me. I was unable to go to BRMCWC and Writer to Writer due to family issues and funds. We are blessed at A3 to have you as a contributor. You are reaching others. Thank you. Praying for your quick healing.
Dear Cherrilyn, thank you for YOUR encouragement! There are so many reasons that God changes our plans, aren’t there? Our response should be to trust Him, but there are times when we must cling to Him for comfort. So sorry you were unable to attend these conferences and I pray we can meet up next year at BRMCWC! Thanks for your prayers—I treasure them. ((HUGS))