Not in my strength

A few days ago I was asked to submit some creative ideas for what could be a very cool writing project. The only thing was, the company could only give me 48 hours to come up with the ideas. I looked at my schedule. It was completely full. I had a writing project to work on, a baby to care for, errands to run with my Grandmother, and a teen MOPS program to prep for.

Finally, it was nearly 9 p.m. the night before the ideas were due that I sat down to consider them. I sat with my notebook computer on my lap next to my husband and daughter who were watching a TV show. My toddler was still awake and was climbing all over me. I was tired. My neck ached after a long day. How in the world was I going to be creative? I had no strength, no wisdom, no energy.

So I prayed.

I prayed God’s Spirit would meet me there. I started reading God’s Word in search of Truth. (www.Biblegateway.com is my favorite resource.) I jotted down key words that resurrected in my mind … and one by one the ideas came.

I felt hot all over and a sweet stirring filled my chest. Jesus’ presence was strong as I typed.

Two hours later when the television was turned off, I looked down at the five pages of ideas. I read the words in awe because I honestly didn’t know where they came from. Actually, yes I did. And they didn’t come from my creativity, my strength, my energy.

I emailed those ideas off and joy flooded over me. At this moment I have no clue how those ideas will be accepted. Maybe they’re not what the company is looking for … and if they’re not, that’s okay.

The truth is, Truth–Jesus the Truth–met me in that moment. If those words were just for me, I’m grateful. If those words will touch and impact others, then I’m grateful for that too.

In this life there are few perfect moments that foster creativity, but I’ve discovered one thing. When I seek Jesus He shows up. He’s never failed me yet.

It’s not in my strength. It’s not about me. And I’m so glad.