By: Aren Newell Williams, Guest Blogger

God is wonderfully and mysteriously at work—all the time—bringing Himself glory.  He is also working for our good—for all of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).  Have you sensed this truth in your own life lately?  A nudge, a strong conviction, an uplifting pull in your heart?  A notion, an idea (that seems to be “out-of-the-blue” at first!), a longing, a goal that keeps resurfacing and invading your everyday thought process?  It’s not a spooky or silly thing, neither threatening nor draining, not stressful or dull.  In fact, it’s absolutely invigorating, wildly captivating, and is pretty-much unshakeable. 

Heed that tug you are feeling.  God is up to something new, and it involves you.

Sure you, at this point, don’t have near enough resources or contacts or answers to achieve this goal today, but you can be faithful right here and now to do what you can.  Let me explain how this played-out (and continues to play-out each day) in my own life. 

About three years ago, I felt God stirring in my heart and directing my mind to the concept of songwriting.  It was like a dam broke, rushing forth energy and passion ready to laser-focus on this new endeavor.  But, what in the world?  All of you who know me are well aware that any type of vocal giftedness and musical training are not anywhere in my make-up.  Of course, I adore music—a whole huge variety of it, so much so that the range still cracks-up my brother-in-law (Brendt’s husband, Andy).  Anyway, you get the point—I should be the very last in line to be selected to help write worship songs.  

However, God kept pressing me to do what I could (remember my challenge to you earlier?!), and for me that was to jot-down phrases, key words, and Bible verses.  Then, I pondered and prayed on these, which eventually I developed further—and you guessed it—this is where the lyrics came from that I used for my new songs!  I started a journal and titled it, “My Songwriting Journey”, and so far I have filled-up three of these notebooks.  Each of our journeys continue as our gracious Lord establishes each step (Proverbs 16:9).  So, do what you can as you earnestly follow this call, for He will demonstrate that His strength is made perfect in our weak and lacking areas (2 Corinthians 12:9).  

The only key point that surpasses “do what you can” is to lean the full weight of your hopes, plans, trust, understanding, schedule, priorities upon the Lord’s will for your life (Proverbs 3:5-6).  How can you do this?

• Pray continually (I Thessalonians 5:17).
• Take lots of time to listen to God speaking (He will be found by you as you seek Him with all of your heart—Jeremiah 29:13).
• Remain patient as He answers in His perfect time. Recall Joseph in a holding pattern—waiting in the prison for two whole years (due to no fault of his own) before being promoted to second in command of Egypt.
• Remember that a closed door (I have run into loads of these!) keeps you on the path God has chosen for you.  Receiving a “no” can be quite painful, but it is clarity to not further pursue working in that specific direction or with that specific person at that point in time.  

Only, only—let me say it again—only because of God’s grace and goodness does He allow us to “be prepared to do any good work” He calls us to.  So may we cleanse ourselves today that we may be “made holy and useful to the Master”—ready to fulfill our “special purpose” (2 Timothy 2:20-21).  Once you take this step, be on the lookout for God working wonderfully and mysteriously in and through you as only He can orchestrate!