By Donna J. Shepherd
Recently I received a
And what a treasure it was. The writer included an entire book'sworth of information in the first chapter. My thirty-minuteworkout passed by before I knew it.
While I savored the spiritual morsels in the book, I had toquash an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach - somethinglike literary nausea. Why would I ever try to write anotherword? Who was I to think I could communicate deep spiritualinsights? I'm shallow.
As a first step to rid myself of this illness, I sent an emailto the author praising her book. Then I prayed. And prayed somemore. If I am to continue to write, I must believe God has amessage contained in this container of clay that only I canwrite. I asked God to replace jealousy with trust. I do trust inHis plan, His will, and His purpose for me, and my plea is forstrength and wisdom to build on His blueprint for my life.
Admitting my feelings represents a healthy step in overcomingthem. James wrote, "But if you have bitter envying and strife inyour hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth" (
Soon it wasn't difficult to admit I would not have wanted towrite the book that induced such envy. Many tears and heartachehad been experienced before the author wrote the first word.Deep insight came from passing through deep valleys. Mountaintophighs resulted in magnificent praise.
Paul wrote, "Let us not desire vainglory, provoking one another,envying one another" (
When I read beautiful writing, I desire to give genuinecompliments to the author, and praise to God Who inspired theauthor.
Do you ever find yourself in this same trap? Maybe the ministryisn't writing, but singing or teaching or preaching.
Let us praise God at all times for His goodness and Hisfaithfulness to inspire beauty - whether it comes though us orsomeone else.
I have green eyes. I don't want them to be green with envy.
Prayer: Lord, I thank You for the burden to work for You, andask that You anoint me to do the work You have for me. Help meto praise others and encourage them in their ministries. InJesus' Name I pray, Amen
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