For a Time like This
“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” ~ Philippians 2:1-4 (ESV – emphasis mine)
Many of you who read my personal blog, Grace Alone… , know about a photography book I had been trying to get together since last year. However, things never seemed to work out until last month.
Although I had received permission from Crossway to use ESV Scripture passages in my book, I had no idea how to put my photos with the fitting Scripture passages. I kept putting it off until a weekend in February. It only took me a weekend to get the book together, uploaded it to the printer for self-publishing.
On Monday following this particular weekend I told my friend Lori during our ride to work that I finished my book. I was very excited. Lori got really quiet; I was a little puzzled. Lori looked at me with a huge smile. She said: “You know I was looking for a book to encourage my dad to lift his spirit through his recent medical trials. I prayed for God’s guidance for the perfect book on Saturday when you started your book. The book sounds like it is exactly what I had in mind, and apparently God wanted you to finish the book this past weekend.” Her words gave me chills…This is just like God; everything in His time.
Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians to do things not only to our own interest, but also the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Once again, God reminded me that I should not be prideful to seek my own glory, but to do things for the right reasons.
Will I become rich and famous for self-publishing my first book? I doubt it, but I know that the book came together for a time like this. My friend Lori was looking for encouragement, and by God’s grace I was able to provide encouragement. Lori told me this morning that her dad enjoyed the book greatly and was thankful for receiving it from her.
“Do all things without grumbling or questioning, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.” ~ Philippians 2:14-16 (ESV)
“Lord of Heaven and Earth. Thank You for the reminder to not accomplish things for selfish reasons, but to look to the greater good of the community of believers. Lord, continue to guide me to look out for the interests of others, allowing me to be an encouragement to them. Lord, help me to shine as a light in the world, and never forget about Your love and grace. In the precious name of Jesus I pray – Amen.”
Iris,
Congratulations on your first book! May the Lord use your talent of photography to bless many for His glory!
Blessings,
Michele