When We Allow God to be the Author of our Life

When We Allow God to be the Author of our Life (Writer's Opinion)
By Carol Round, Special to ASSIST News Service
CLAREMORE, OK (ANS – June 28, 2015) “...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”—Hebrews 12:2(NASB).
At a recent women’s event where I was the guest speaker, I sat in the audience listening to a husband and wife on stage as they provided the music for the luncheon. Playing the piano and singing hymns, the wife shared her musical gifts from God with us. However, I was stunned as I watched her husband play the guitar with equal skill. What made his gift even more amazing was he played one-handed. While he had two arms, he had suffered a stroke, leaving his right side paralyzed.
Many might have given up, but this man had not. Through the encouragement of his wife, he had been able to regain part of his ability to share with others his amazing gift of music. What a testimony!
The topic of my presentation that day was “God is the Author.” As I shared my testimony, recapping the journey of my walk with God and how He had led me to my current writing and speaking ministry, I was reminded once again how easy it can be to just give up when we hit speed bumps in life.
There have been times I wanted to tell God, “I quit. I can’t do this anymore.” Then, I’m reminded of Philippians 3:14. “... for I can do everything God asks me to with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power” (TLB). Through His strength, through His power, we can accomplish what He has called us to do.
A couple of weeks ago, a writing friend posted the following on his Facebook page: “I was reminded this morning that there are 212 days left in this year to make good things happen for other people. Water at 211 degrees is just hot water. You can boil a potato, make oatmeal, fix spaghetti, or you can get yourself into hot water. I've been there enough; but, with just one more degree you get steam and with steam you can power a turbine or a locomotive. Can you give one more degree of effort today—one more degree of passion for your art, your work, your projects, your family and friends? There are 212 days left in the year to make good things happen for other people. Dare ya! Double Dog Dare you to give one more degree! Oh yeah, and with 212 degrees you can make coffee.”
I’m not a coffee drinker, but this man’s challenge made me realize I want to give more, share more, be more, before this year is finished. However, I know I can’t do it alone. Ephesians 3:20 says, “God is able to do far more than we could ever ask for or imagine. He does everything by his power that is working in us (NIRV).
What about you? Are you allowing God to be the author of your life?
I always love hearing from my readers. Please feel free to email me at carol@carolaround.com.  Check out my blog at www.carolaround.com  for more inspiration.
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