You’re Invited into a “NO” – AerielWynnell

Hey cousins! At the start of the year, I made the decision that I would give God my all in ways that would stretch me beyond comfort, the best I had to offer, and boy did I. (WHEW!) I fasted, and I gave more time serving in a month than I had the previous year! I put my faith in God during some scary moments and He came through. I also promised I’d go after every opportunity that piqued my interest so when I got the email from YouVersion asking for writers to send in their writing samples for devotionals, I JUMPED!!!! I forgot that I signed up to be on the list and after screaming with joy for a door finally open, I took what I had been studying in that season and used it to create a sample devotional to send in.

What is it Really?

They didn’t like it simply put. (sad face 😦 ) To be disappointed would be an understatement. I just knew that God had given me this opportunity and granted me success in this space. To finally get my writing out on a huge platform and get closer to who I aspire to be. It wasn’t until earlier today and confirmed now that I thought I could throw previous work on my site as easy (and valuable) content to share with ya’ll (Just being honest). First, little did I know that this would become its separate post, but in submitting my work, I hoped it would bring me closer to what I wanted. I wasn’t thinking about ministering to God’s people first and foremost. I thought I walked in faith by assuming my work would be accepted because I got the chance. Why would God give us a chance if we’ll be denied? For YEARS I couldn’t figure this out. At some point, I had the answer but I didn’t understand the answer until right now as I’m writing this. When something doesn’t go the way you assume, you eventually come o the conclusion that you were meant to learn something in that process. Maybe you did something wrong or maybe the Lord was showing you that you did have it in you to go for it, but this isn’t the level He wants you to aspire to, or something like that. But He does this to cause reflection on your approach to the moment. What’s your actual goal? The one you don’t feel comfortable saying aloud. What do you believe about yourself as you’re taking on the challenge? What do you believe about God? These things matter, more than what we realize as it shapes not only our approach but how we perceive the results, good or bad.

It ain’t about YOU!

I take pride in my study of the Bible and how God speaks to me. It’s priceless. And I used the revelation God gave to me to achieve a personal goal of mine. Yes, I was very excited to share what I had learned from God, the problem is that I was focused on the glory I’d get from the revelation God gave. God shares His glory with NO ONE! It’s perfectly fine to want something bigger than yourself, to use your God-given gifts to place you in rooms of great opportunity. But when you begin to put your goals ahead of God’s Will, you’ll never win. That comes first and the rest will follow.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33 KJV

As always, I hope this blesses you and I’ll post my submission in the next post, thanks for reading!