Questions I’ve Never Asked

A book shop owner asked me who I was as a Christian Author and it caught me a little off guard. I am a Christian, and I am an author (though sometimes I wonder), but a Christian Author? I had never considered the title.

Rich Mullins was once asked his approach to writing Christian music. He said he just tried to write good music and if the Spirit was willing, it would find a way to breathe into your song.

When I first started playing, I was more musician than Christian. I took piano lessons at my mother’s urging (thanks Mom). In college, I learned to play the guitar to impress the ladies. I guess it worked at least once because I played at my own wedding. Now my wife says I don’t play for her anymore (I need to work on that).

When the opportunity arose to play in church or at youth group, something changed. It seemed to make a difference.

Writing was similar. I didn’t set out to be a “Christian author,” I just wrote and things began to make sense. It was like God had been showing me answers all my life, just waiting for me to ask the questions.

Somewhere along the way, it seemed to make a difference, but not by anything I did. God has a way of taking the clay that we are and molding us into something He can use for His Glory.

In one difficult season, I had prayed for help with certain tasks measured by this world. God called me to trust and follow His path, no matter how unpopular it was. But a day came where impatience outweighed my faith and I spiraled deeply into worry.

I’ve prayed for miracles, both of health and heart. Some have been answered immediately (thank You, Jesus) and some… I’m still waiting on. But I had never prayed for success in this earthly venture. Then God asked me, “Why not? Do you doubt Me?”

Ouch.

So, I asked for a breakthrough. Then more doors opened than I could’ve expected and I felt foolish for not asking sooner. Perhaps those doors would’ve opened anyway or maybe God was just waiting for me to ask. I don’t know. But it was a lesson.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in ALL your ways, submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6

I wonder how many other blessings are answers to questions I’ve never asked?

I intend to find out.