A Matter of Faith

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”— Ecclesiastes 3:1(NIV).

Just as the seasons change from spring to summer and from fall to winter, so do the seasons of our lives. As we anticipate the changing of the seasonal colors, so do some of us wonder what God has in store for us in the next chapter of our lives.

Since November 2005 (13 years), I’ve been writing this weekly column. For almost nine months now, I’ve been struggling with whether God was ready for me to move onto something else. I now have peace that He is leading me to turn the page to that next chapter. I know, without a doubt, I will still be using my writing for His glory.

With the Holy Spirit’s leading, my focus will be on writing more books as well as magazine articles and submitting stories to anthology collections. For many years, I’ve kept a folder of book ideas that I will be praying about before I ever pen a word.

Isaiah 30:21 says, “And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it, when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.’”

Listening for that still, small voice will never lead us astray. Jeremiah 33:3 tells us to call out to God “and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known.”

I also know, without hesitation, that God wants me to continue encouraging women through speaking engagements. When He led me in that direction in 2007, I hesitated. As a former educator, I could speak to a classroom of teenagers. But put me in front of my peers and I would freeze. God had to work in me, just as He does any of us, to help us find the right path.

I don’t know exactly what that future path holds for me, but I trust my Heavenly Father and I will obey. Obedience didn’t always come easily for me. But when I surrendered to Him, God lead me to places I never dreamed I’d be, where I’ve met fascinating people with a story to tell.

All of us have a story to share. I pray you will discover your story of love and redemption and share it with others. If not in writing or before an audience, you can share your story with family and friends. When the Holy Spirit leads, share it with a stranger.

Philemon 1:6 says, “As you share your faith with others, I pray that they may come to know all the blessings Christ has given us.”

God has truly blessed me to be a blessing to others. I pray you will also seek to be a blessing to others, whether they know the saving grace of our Savior or still need to hear the Good News.

I will be praying for you. Will you please pray for me as I seek His will?

If you wish to stay in touch, please email me at carol@carolaround.com. In His grip, always.

Need a speaker or workshop leader? Check out www.carolaround.com.