I have little signs in my home.  Most of the time, I do not see them.  They contain phrases and words to inspire and encourage me, or just make me laugh.  Like the one I cross-stitched hanging in the bathroom.  In a houseful of readers, this one always brings a smile to my face.

Once in a while the Spirit decides I need a little shove.  One of the signs seems to pop out hitting me with inspiration.  It is kind of like getting hit with a spiritual two by four.  The last couple of weeks this sign has been catching my attention day after day:

“Remember God does not care what the odds are…God makes the odds.”

Where did I get that from? I don’t remember…I read or heard it somewhere years ago. At the time my dream of writing was a tiny spark.  I asked myself. “Could I be a successful author?”

I’m not someone who puts myself out there.  I don’t trust easily.  I’m not good at grammar.  I hate grammar actually.  I’m a terrible speller.  I don’t like hearing how bad it is.  Strike!  Strike!  Strike!  You’ve got more than three strikes!  Milly, you are outside the ballpark!  There is no way you can be a writer!

Yes, that is what I was thinking at that time in my life.  How in the world do I nurture a dream with no hope of accomplishing it?  During this time I came across my promise scripture Jeremiah 29:11:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. [NIV]”

Funny thing about scripture promises is they catch you off-guard.  When you are seeking you come across them and you just know.  There was no little voice or touch of the Spirit.  My soul knew the promise was real.  It’s like finding your soul-mate.  You can’t explain it.  You just know the promise is for you.

A little while later, I came across this quote.  I had my answer.  Not wanting to forget it I wrote it down on a card and stuck it in my bathroom.  I know I haven’t even looked at it in more than a year…Until…Now.

Bam!  My attention was drawn to the faded blue ink.  Now I read the sign daily.  It’s encouraging to know the odds don’t matter.  It is a good thing to keep in the back of my mind.  I still asked Him.  “But why now?  I’ve come a long way right?”

I thought about what is pressuring me now.  My priorities have shifted.  My Princes and dad don’t need me like they did a few years ago.  I’m getting feedback on my writing.  I’m looking at writers groups, conferences, workshops, editors, readers, etc.  The list is overwhelming.  At the same time I’m preparing my life for a new season.

As I talk to Him, I think of the promise, my writing, and my odds.  Here is what I’ve been asking myself lately.  I added responses God has given me from his Word:

• The odds are I will live the rest of my life in pain. Can I start a new career in pain?  Do I still believe in healing?
  • The odds were the woman would die sick and rejected, and the child’s life would be in a grave. Jesus’ odds meant the woman and child would live healthy full lives.  [Mark 5:21-43] (link)
• The odds are I will not be a good writer. Do I believe in God’s calling?
  • Jonah didn’t believe he was the man for the job. The odds were he would be killed.  Under God’s odds the cities were saved. [the Book of Jonah] (Link).
• The odds are I will not be published. Do I believe God provides the way?
  • Can you imagine Moses facing the Red Sea? With Pharaoh’s chariots bearing down on them. The odds were they would all die. Moses followed God’s instruction. Stretching out his hand he took God’s odds. God drove back the sea making a protected path for the journey. [Exodus 14:15-18]

Since all the odds are against me, I could just give up.  My human frailty is no match against the odds.

God makes the odds.  It makes me think of His power.  He has promised us the desires of our hearts.  What does He ask in return?  Trust Him and do good, delight in Him, and commit our ways to Him. [Psalms 37:2-6].  I guess this baby still has a long way to go.  Without the distractions I am reminded by a faded sign:  To trust in God, delight in His Holy Spirit, and commit to my journey with Jesus beside me.

God makes the odds…

…and I have a future and a hope.  The Glory is all His!  I’m taking God’s odds! {Chuckle}  How about you?

Peace,

Milly