Monday, October 19, 2009

The Handwriting on the Wall

In Saturday’s blog, I wrote about the call I believe God has on my life and what I thought He was now telling me to do. It was like God had said “Do this,” and then changed his mind and said, “No, do this instead.” I wrote that a friend lovingly told me that this sounds like confusion on my part and she felt I needed to just rest and wait, listening for God’s clear direction without any preconceived ideas as to what He might say. After praying about this and thinking on it for several days, I agreed with her 100%. I laid my desires and wants at Jesus’ feet and I set my mind towards waiting and resting.

Sunday morning, I awoke very early, as I tend to do most days. I went downstairs, made myself a glass of tea, grabbed my Bible, journal and the devotional book I’m currently using and settled in for a quiet time with God.

Imagine my surprise when I opened the devotional book to Sunday’s reading and read the chapter title —“Finish What You Start.” Oh, my. Was this chapter written for me or what?!

Did you know that there is actually a Bible verse that says to finish what you start? It’s true – II Corinthians 8:10-11. I didn’t know this until I read today’s devotional and the author used these two verses as the foundation for her chapter. Here are the verses, first in the Amplified Version and second, in The Message:

2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (Amplified Bible)
10[It is then] my counsel and my opinion in this matter that I give [you when I say]: It is profitable and fitting for you [now to complete the enterprise] which more than a year ago you not only began, but were the first to wish to do anything [about contributions for the relief of the saints at Jerusalem].
11So now finish doing it, that your [enthusiastic] readiness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it according to your ability and means.

2 Corinthians 8:10-11 (The Message)
So here's what I think: The best thing you can do right now is to finish what you started last year and not let those good intentions grow stale. Your heart's been in the right place all along. You've got what it takes to finish it up, so go to it.

About the only way God could have spoken any plainer would be if His hand had appeared and wrote those verses on the wall!

Here it is in plain English - finish what I started. I am still praying and waiting. But I think the handwriting is on the wall. What do you think?

5 comments:

host said...

Well, I envy you for this clear message :) Not all of His messages are so straightforward. I think you can continue with the plans you started.
In my opinion you had a really great spiritual experience.

Edwina said...

I think it was a clear message because God knew it was the only way I could get it through my thick head!! :)

Edwina said...

I think it was a clear message because God knew it was the only way I could get it through my thick head!! :)

quietspirit said...

Edwina:
Sounds like God is telling you something. He does that some time.

Jeanette said...

I think your writings(musings) are helping many. The devil always likes to put doubt in our lives, listen to what God is telling you do to