They Don't Understand Me, Lord!

Ever feel misunderstood? Then you'll like my story at The Pastor's Wife Speaks today, where I share my frustrations with Greta the Griper.

Do Your Gifts Outshine Your Character?



by flikr

 God interrupted the plans of a passionate young preacher when an older saint pulled him aside and said, “Son, you have an ocean of talent. But I’m afraid for you.”


“Why?” asked the young man.”

“Because your character is only a bucket or two deep—not nearly enough to sustain your gifts. If you’ll spend some time developing your character, God will be able to use your talents for His glory, and do mighty things with you.”



by flikr

 The young preacher was wise, and listened to the older saint. He spent the next few years developing his relationship with the Lord and his character. Now, when you hear him speak, it is from a heart of humility and love for his audience, not to display his great talent. God is using him to bless, not impress.

When I heard this true story, I wondered how I could develop my character, so the Lord would use me more.

Here is my short list of ways I need to grow:

1. Learn to wait with grace, finding ways to thank God and make myself useful in the meantime.

2. Love my audience: write, speak, pray, and sing to bless them, not impress them.

3. Develop a listening spirit to hear from God and readily obey His voice.

4. Stay steady in adversity, refusing to believe the lies of the enemy.

5. Grow in humility, realizing I’m not the gift, just the package it’s wrapped in.

6. Nurture a sense of security, so I don’t take criticism so personally.

7. Cultivate Godly wisdom, seeking His mind and heart at every turn.

8. Increase in self-discipline, not putting my flesh first.

9. Grow in diligence: the ability to stick to a task until it’s finished.

10. Mature in my trust and dependence on the Lord, not my own pea brain.





by flikr

I want to go farther, do more, and climb higher than I’ve ever dreamed, but not by myself. I want people to realize that if they see anything noteworthy in me, it’s because Jesus put it there. And I want them to want that same Jesus in their lives because of me.




Can you look back on your life and see areas in which your character has grown?

Is It Okay to Say This?

Frustrated by a bout with writer's block, I whined to the Lord,

"What is happening here, Lord? I know I'm a good writer..."

Wait, what did I just say? I know I'm a good writer. I know I'm a good writer. Hmm... And it flowed so freely from my heart, too. It wasn't all that long ago that I began feeling comfortable with saying, "I am a writer." Now I'm saying, "I know I'm a good writer."

At first I was shocked that I could so boldy declare to God: "I know I'm a good writer." However, the more I pondered my statement, the more confident I became.

I take no credit for my writing ability; it is a gift given me by the God of all grace.

If a person gave me a present I wouldn't say, "This is the ugly car Jennie gave me" or "Come see the sorry excuse for a hutch the Jones' bought us for Christmas." I would exult in my gifts, relishing their beauty, grateful for the relationship that prompted such an outpouring of love and generosity.

So, go ahead. Not only is it okay to tell the world, "I'm a writer." It's perfectly fitting to tell the Lord, "I'm a good writer. Thanks to You."