On Wednesdays guest writers are raising their voices. Julie Dibble writes beautifully both about her entry into and struggle with fitting the mold of the online writing world but also about hearing God’s voice. Her piece is a reminder of the power of God’s word and the way it breaks into our lives. Please welcome Julie’s words in this space. – Nicole
I am full of words. As a young girl, I wanted to be an author. Eagerly, I wrote and illustrated my own fiction. I remember one story about a lion that had no mane that I dreamed of publishing. As I got older, I placed words into poems and began to journal. By the hands that created me, I am blessed with the ability to decorate this life with glorious words.
My surprise was small when God called me to speak and write for Him. Rather, I strongly felt He had prepared me for such a task throughout my life. Humbled, I sought to accurately represent Holy Perfection.
Upon initiating myself into the professional writing world last year, the word requirements seemed low and less than what is comfortable for me. Blog posts are written as if the writer is speaking, so long, lofty sentences are not welcome. Twitter has a cut-off for not only words but also characters, inherently limiting the ability to ramble. Quickly, I realized with the absolute flood of information that exists online, brevity increases a writer’s visibility.
Here I am to state my case in the midst of this fast, busy, changeable world. Despite what we choose to keep to ourselves, God is omniscient. He knows all. Without sharing our thoughts, He hears them. Without baring our emotion, He feels it.
God responded to my mental objection…stumbling in the process of proclaiming His presence with words. God noticed my heart was less than pure. Feeling frustrated, I struggled with the need to cut entire details out of a story written for His glory, in order for it to be accepted.
God told me one night during a one-eye-opening-to-see-what-time-it-is awakening: power of prayer, power of prayer, power of prayer. Not audibly, but clear as day in my sleepy mind, God gave me these three words and repeated them three times. If I posted just those three words on Twitter, one or two people may stop scrolling and wonder about my purpose.
When the Holy Spirit targets your heart’s mind with His Truth, no explanation is necessary. I obediently poured more prayer into my day. Whatever the roadblock, God reminds us to stay fresh in His Word.
“Rejoice always; pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5.16-18, NIV)
Then, God gave me another phrase from Psalm 46:10. God reminded me, “Be still and know that I am God.” Eight words joyously portray the all-encompassing power of God. Eight words are a presence, summoning a thankful heart to exalt Our Heavenly Father. Another sweet assurance that quantity of words is second to the love that lays in the body of any written piece.
I cannot imagine my life without God, walking with Jesus each step of my journey. For it is by the power of prayer that I found God late in my life; unbeknownst to me, others prayed for that. For it is by the power of prayer that my sin has been forgiven, freeing me from a past laden with depression and bitterness. For it is by the words, “Be Still and Know That I am God” that I am graced with His presence in my life, now through eternity.
And it is upon my death that my word count will not matter. Sharing the unfailing love of Our Holy Creator through my stories, whether spoken or written, is my calling. Offering myself as His vessel will create a space, small or vast, for the words He will provide.
Julie Dibble is a Christian Speaker and Author who resides in Central PA. Her walk with Jesus began in her 40’s, for which she is forever grateful. Julie is married to Jason and mother to their sons, Braedon and Jackson. Julie’s mission is to share the Good News: Let Love and Be a Light.
You can follow Julie on Facebook and Twitter on contact her by email.
