Doubt at the Beginning

I started creating this blog a few nights ago. I went to bed feeling so good about the title “Guided to Joy.” The next morning, I woke up with doubt creeping in. You’re starting a blog? For what? So your friends can read it? Who do you think you are? You’re not going to get famous off this! There are millions of blog writers out there better than you! As I continued with my morning, I replied to these doubts. ‘That’s right there are millions of blogs out there. And now there’s going to be one more. NO I don’t need to be famous and would actually prefer NOT to be! (Another time I will list all the reasons for that!) So what if only my friends read it! I’m writing it because I have felt this nudge that has now become an urge to write.’

Then as I was reading the Upper Room devotional Acts 15:31 stood out to me. I kept looking through the passage, Acts 15:30-35, thinking there must be a better verse that speaks to me. Why is this verse standing out to me? Then I read it again. I read it again. “The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.” Acts 15:31 NIV. The ‘it’ in the passage refers to a letter that was sent from the church to gentile believers. The people were encouraged by its message! Whatever people read my blog, I hope that they may be encouraged by the message. Not to learn anything profound from me. Not to become more wise in biblical knowledge. Not for me to get anything out of it. Just so that you, as a reader, may be encouraged!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for Your Word that speaks to me today. Thank You for the time that I get to read Your word and soak it in. May my words be an encouragement to those who read it! May I always know this comes from You and NOT from me. That You may have all the glory for anything I do. For it is You who guides me. In Jesus Christ I pray. Amen.