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Always You Learn...

This past week marked one year since I began putting my words out into the world.  I've thought a lot about my first year as a "writer."  It hasn't been the journey I expected, but it's been worth every step. One of our dearest family friends, also a writer, shared something so real with me when I was in the first few months of this new calling.  To paraphrase, she summarized the writing experience as putting out something as dear to you as a child to be examined by the whole world.  I now understand what she meant in those words.  Some weeks, it feels like I have such a divine revelation, and I am bursting at the seams to share God's word, only to be met with little or no feedback.  Other weeks, it seems like posts that are the least relevant get the most attention.  And every week, I learn something about the journey.


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Over the last year, I have learned:

This calling, like most callings, is not about me.  My writing success or failure is dependent solely upon my obedience to God.  What I envision may not be what God wants for me, and that is okay.

Going into a new area of ministry takes patience and time.  I knew from the beginning that this was a process, and God is still stretching and growing me.

People value authenticity and can spot a fake a mile away. This has become especially true for me in this season because, unlike past experiences in ministry, I have had no idea what I've been doing.  When I am open and honest about my struggles and weaknesses as a person and a writer, I have found that my readers appreciate and identify with this.

Preparation is a big deal.  I have several posts that are unpublished and quotes and ideas that remain to be used.  God will let me know when it's time.  I can truly say that I've done my best to follow His lead from week to week.

Excellence takes work.  I looked back at my first posts from last October and can see a difference in my writing.  If I'm doing this for the glory of God, I want to do my best. God has opened and closed doors over the course of the year to guide my journey, and I am confident it is far from over.

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I never saw this one coming. Of course, God likes to surprise us, sometimes.  I'm grateful to Him for the words. Now, this post is more nostalgic and is truly just a moment for me to reflect on what God has done to use me over the last year.  In every season, in every moment, there is always a lesson.  Today, I have been able to look back on a few lessons I've learned.  Maybe God is teaching you or stretching you.  I challenge you to embrace the opportunity and allow yourself to learn what truth is being spoken into your life.  

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for.  Keep on seeking, and you will find.        Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you."
Matthew 7:7 NLT

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.

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