John Denver sang a song that said, “Some days are diamonds some days are stone.” And those were the brightest words in the song. Those words came to me just now as I sat thinking about where I am and where I’m headed. Two years ago, I asked God to show me where He wanted me. I asked Him to open the door so wide I couldn’t miss it. Soon after I read a couple of books, and had a few people seemingly come out of the woodwork with encouraging words. The books encouraged me to find what I do best and pursue it, while the people all of a sudden told me I should put my message in a book, and start teaching whenever and wherever I could. They told me what I do best is preach and teach.  

If you have been a part of my life you know that I have been following that path ever since. And, most days have been diamonds, but a few have been stone. I’m not sitting here thinking today is stone, and this note isn’t a woe is me. What I mean is there have been some very encouraging days when I have taught, or written something that I soon found out had touched someone’s life, and caused him or her to change or even seek professional help. The message that God has allowed to run through me is having a positive impact on lives. Amen! 

I will tell you the few days that have been stone are most likely brought on by my own vision of God’s timing, and His idea of success. I have been encouraged time and again to “Trust in God’s timing.” I even share that instruction in my book, but man it’s hard to do. I have in my mind a vision of a successful ministry through teaching and speaking somewhere every weekend and writing another book. While it seems God’s plan may be for me to be content to stay where I am, and show Him to the folks I come in contact with at Chick-fil-A, and at the Dr. Pepper Ballpark, as He uses the book and my teaching at McDermott Road as He sees fit.  

So, I hope you can see why I might see some days as stone, as I wait for another invitation to speak somewhere, or seek unobstructed time so I could sit and work on my manuscript. What I have written here today brings to mind something Paul wrote in his letter to the Philipians. 

Philipians 4:11-13  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through him who gives me strength. 

Lord, my prayer to you today is that you help me to be content in Your timing. Don’t allow me to become satisfied, with where I am or what You have used me to do. Encourage me daily as I strive to minister, speak, teach and write. Send me to the people you know I can help, just as you sent Philip to the eunuch, and Ananias to Saul. Use Everyday Christianity, as only You can, use Your power to make it available to everyone You know it will touch. Open the doors of opportunity for me to teach, and preach wherever I am needed. And then Lord give me the strength to do everything You have in mind for me to do. Amen 

Till next time,

Grump