Preparing the Sacrifice

Photo by sporlab on Unsplash

 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 

2 Corinthians 4:7-8 NIV

I read a disturbing remark by a Christian marketer. In essence, he advises that marketing will cost you money … lots of money, and for a long time to come. Trying to find free ways will only bring you frustration and little result. If you don’t have the money to spend, get a job.

Though he recommended finding paid work in the writing industry, the reality is that few are available at an hourly wage. I’ve done editing for years and have yet to make much.

There is much truth in what he advises. For younger writers, this is good advice. I remember when conference speakers advised, “Don’t quit the day job.”

But, what does one do when they are elderly and disabled? Working outside the home is not an option for many. 

If this is you, don’t let your helpless feeling over poor sales and daunting marketing responsibilities deter you. Failure is not inevitable when our backs are against the wall of a crazy industry.

There is a God!

The old saying, “God will make a way when there seems to be no way,” rings home to me.

Christian writer, if this rings true to you, keep on keeping on until the Lord calls you home or to do some other work. If the Lord owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He’ll find a way for you to do what He has commissioned you to do in a world that is hurting.

May this poem encourage you to keep on keeping on.

 
Determination

By Linda Rondeau

Consider the squirrel

He scurries through snow-covered grass

Gathering a winter supply

Undeterred by chilly mornings

He forages through autumn leaves   

The sparrow sleeps upon a branch

Content within the fortress of his wings

Shielded from the midnight rain

When morning breaks he sings his song

Though none may hear its resonance.

Even the slug continues on

His pace nearly stagnant

Toward his mysterious destination 

And yet there is a scheme in his existence

.

If our Maker

Created these so small

Resilient to nature’s tempers

Why do we worry 

When buffeted by the gale

Are we not more than these