devoted words

“Every pot…will be holy to the Lord Almighty.”

Zechariah 14:21 (NIV) 

The book of Zechariah speaks to a nation returning from Exile. Israel’s release from captivity brought them to a land experiencing famine and economic difficulties. The Temple had been destroyed, and worship infiltrated by foreign influences. As God called the people back to purity, He promised blessing for obedience.

Did you notice in Zechariah 14:20-21 that the common items would become sacred, when used for the Lord? The Israelites dedicated specific items for the Temple, in the model set up with Moses and Aaron. But Zechariah prophesies a time when anything can be used. The same can be said for us. No longer needing a mediator before God, we now have access through Jesus. He is the one who purifies what we offer to His service. As we set aside the world’s agenda and make writing a priority, we are dedicating common things for God’s use.

Many times, I have wondered what I could contribute through writing. Hasn’t every idea already been published? What would I have to say that would be fresh and exciting? Yet an ordinary person surrendered to the Lord can be used for extraordinary things. Think of the times you’ve read someone else’s words, and a sentence or a thought popped out at you. What if that person had deleted their work before ever sending?

What do you use for writing? A desk becomes an altar to seek God’s guidance. Paper becomes His tablet. A Thesaurus illuminates the words. And a pen flows with inspiration and perspiration: God’s ideas given to you to flesh out on paper. Maybe a common activity like washing dishes or putting gas in the car can become a place to ponder God’s faithfulness?

What will you dedicate to the Lord today? Whether on a laptop, a journal or a scrap of paper, lay your musings at the Lord’s feet for His use, in His time.

An ordinary person surrendered to the Lord can be used for extraordinary things.

Exercise:

Pull out a piece you gave up on. Maybe you filed it away because it received one too many rejection letters. Maybe the idea never got mailed because it just couldn’t get the angle that would make it pop.

How could you rework the article? Do you still agree with the stance you took? Does it still speak for your philosophy, or have life experiences given you a different view of your topic?

You may have thought it was ordinary, but the Lord wanted to use it for good. Dedicate yourself to sprucing it up, and then trust God with the editor’s response!

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon. 

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at www.sallyferguson.net