I was famous in my hometown because of my poetry. It was printed in the newspaper nearly every week, and people always recognized my name when I’d write a check: “Oh, you’re the one who writes the poetry!” Years later, when I was truly saved, when I truly began a full-blown relationship with Jesus, He needed to humble me. He allowed Satan to sift me, and it was awful. I wept with all my heart when it was over. I felt that I had failed, but the fact that I greatly learned from the experience was proof that I didn’t fail. Now I rarely write poetry. I just don’t have the heart for it. God’s Word is more important. The last time I was asked to write a poem for a couple’s wedding vow renewal, I spelled out their name in Acrostic and used Bible verses instead of my poetry. More of Him, less of me. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 says, “but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” I can just as surely say, “so we write, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.” All glory to God. It’s not about me. It’s about Him.
abundantlypardoned 