The creator of everything, who spoke things into existence, who threw the planets across the solar system, tossed solar systems around the galaxy and blew galaxies across the universe like so many dandelion seeds, does not need anything.
God does not need you to serve him in any way.
He does not need your money.
Or your prayers.
God does not need your worship.
Or your speaking ministry.
God certainly does not need your book.
The sustainer of life who holds us in his hand, who can humble great leaders in an instant, who can cause it to rain, or not…does not need me to work as an agent.
God doesn’t need me or anyone or anything else. He doesn’t need us to supply him with anything.
But we need him for everything.
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19, NIV)
The savior of the world who came to earth on his timetable, who lived a short but powerful life as a human, willingly took our sin upon himself along with the accompanying punishment, was crucified, died, buried and rose again from the dead, does not need our books.
But the people for whom he loved so much and sacrificed his Son? He gives them opportunities to join him in his work in the world. The world he made.
It seems to me this invitation to join him in his work is a special privilege, bestowed as a gift. We can talk to, work with and take part in a blessed life of service to the Almighty God, the creator and sustainer of everything seen and unseen.
Sounds like a pretty interesting life if you ask me.
Multiple times in Scripture a situation or problem is presented, then pivots on two words:
“But God…”
But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded. (Genesis 8:1, NIV)
But God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. (Genesis 45:7, NIV)
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20, NIV)
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NIV)
For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. (Galatians 3:18, NIV)
Lots of people would like to write a book, but God inspires authors with creativity, allowing them the incredible joy of joining God’s work in the world using this creativity.
Speaking in front of a group is daunting, but God, the sustainer of life, leads some to speak with power, encouraging and discipling his people.
Writing from a dark place in your life is painful, but God, who defeated death forever, motivates some people to use their writing to build up his children during their darkest hours.
God does not need your book. But he loves it when you exercise your abilities for his glory and not your own.
God does not need your author platform, but when you serve and encourage other people he is pleased you used your time well to build others up.
God does not need your book to become a bestseller, but once in a while he uses something to draw many people to him in a powerful and mighty way.
God grants his children the privilege of joining his work, no matter what you do.
Like writing.
Finally, God does not need you to put in the thousands of hours of work to become a good writer. But through the painstaking process, you see and learn things only total commitment to something worthwhile can reveal.
