A New Path

by Donna Shepherd
Published October 5, 2005

Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints. – Jude 1:3 NIV

We had a guest minister at church the other night. He told us how sure he was he'd picked the right path to his chosen profession.

But sometimes God has other plans. This man had a congenital birth defect. The Lord not only healed him, but also called him to preach. He said God set him on ‘a new path I didn’t know was there.’

When he made that statement, it reminded me of one of the original Nintendo games. My favorite part of the game entailed finding a secret path or a hidden door. I could play that game for hours – becoming the best player my son knew and sort of a hero when I beat the game. One day he brought his friends to our house after school. It seems he’d bragged his mother could beat the dragon. They came to get the proof.

I became far too obsessed with the game. No matter how I try to justify all the time wasted on the game, I cannot make an excuse for most of it. Oh, it was fun, and relaxing. My son and I had something in common. But when it was all said and done, what did I have to show for it? A son begging for the next version.

At times, I feel I’ve traded one obsession for another – writing. I scribble notes all over the place. I jot down ideas. I visit sites with tips for writers. I pray daily asking the Lord to anoint my writing, and that this endeavor won’t be a waste of time. God has been gracious. I’ve received many notes of encouragement, and I do feel the Lord is blessing. I’m on a ‘new path.’

And are there dragons to slay? Yes! I believe the Lord can use our words to banish discouragement and slay doubt.

When Paul wrote to the church at Ephesus, he advised them, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

Let us heed this advice by speaking and writing words of faith and healing, words which edify and build up. May our words meet needs and benefit others.

I bought a new computer game recently, but I haven’t gotten carried away this time. I have poems and articles to write, devotionals to share, and blogs to post to!

Prayer: I praise you, Lord, for your goodness and mercy. Help me, O God, to be a vessel of honor building up and a blessing to those whose lives I touch. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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