If there is something out in the open, there are people behind the scenes. Some play a meager role in the construction of the wider story, yet they are often left behind most of the time.
However, for someone like me, it is a privilege to be part of the background for something larger than this lifetime.
My world has been twisted like a tree that wanted to grow straight but was bent for good so that I may not make it fast to be a timber. A crooked tree did not get much attention; it can be just a provider of shade in the backyard – a playground for the little children.
My children and I have been reading books, discussing the author’s point of view, and the way he or she has presented the case to the world. We did have favorite authors in the Christian literary world, and in general, many of the well- known authors. I have been fond of words.
I have been writing for a decade now. Yet this blogging platform and my books did not make it to one of the well-known writers’ columns, nor have my books ever been on the bestseller list as yet. There must be a reason why I still keep on writing.
Why I still write when few people read:
When I have time to ponder over the analytics report, I often check the countries and where my writing has permeated through the borders every country has defended.
It is when someone in need happens to read the article on my site or book pages that I feel blessed. Few may read, but if it goes into the right hands at the right time, it is a blessing. I write as per the whisper of the Lord.
For someone like me, it is worth giving my time and strength despite my condition. At the same time, I did not want to make an appearance for long since my condition has been stigmatized in religious books.
Some people were smart and healthy; they did have time to read a blog post like mine. I did the same while I was working 24/7, but even if one person gets encouraged to face another day, strengthen their faith in the most important time, wherever the person might be, glory be to the Lord!
When my eyes cannot handle the glare, causing me to take another SOS pill, making me dizzy and weak, I ask myself: is it worth giving my time to write a piece people will rarely notice? Yet I consider it worth it despite the pain I have to endure in my life, even though I may not be writing.
Simon – the person few people knew:
Simon of Cyrene was just a bystander when he was called, or rather forced to carry the cross for a while when Jesus was on the way to Calvary’s mount. He was not mentioned after those few steps.
“As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.” Luke 23:26
We cannot patronize him as the helper of Christ for his meager role on his way to be lifted up in our place. They wanted to crucify Jesus; he cannot die on the way, so that our sins be cleansed in His blood and the prophetic words fulfilled.
The disciples did not have that privilege right there at that moment to share the suffering of their teacher. Some are in disbelief, yet the word of their teacher has surely come true. There are realities we have to face in life.
It is one way in which it is depicted that each one of us has to pick up our cross to follow Jesus. Thus, my
neurological condition should not hamper me from encouraging someone like me, although I may never meet them in my life.
Ministering to a few:
If a church is to be measured by the number of congregants it had on Sundays, it may not measure up to the standard of God. Not all godly people went to fellowship, nor are all the participants godly. In modern spaces, even ministers easily get carried away in social media, and the use of media team. Fame is uneasy to tame. It is better to remain behind the scene, many times.
It is in the heart. If the heart is in Jesus, at least one fruit of the Spirit will be seen in the believer. A tree is known by its fruit. Do not get carried away by the number of trees, it is the good trees that count!
“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit.” Luke 6:43
It is and will be in the small group of fellowship that you minister, the Spirit of the Lord will bind you together, and that you will train a faithful servant of God among the few. Thus, one should not be disheartened if you serve a few people in the countryside or pastor a small church.
Writing for a few:
Now, coming back to why I still write while a few read, it is because no one forces me to write, but it is the best I can do for the Lord in the capacity I am in at this point in time.
Had my health allowed me, I would travel, speak, and promote my books, which may up the sales a bit. Then, I might also contact the publishers with names, Zondervan, HarperCollins Christian Publishing, and the like. Check out my 14 books here.
Yet even if all that I can contribute is all this for the kingdom of God, I cannot complain of anything; I am happy I am alive by the grace of God.
And on the bright side, my health is not heading downhill; thus, we may meet in person if it’s in the Lord’s will.
I am glad; there is always a bright side!
Behind the scenes:
There are few who want to be behind the scenes; it is not my choice either. It is joyous to work our lives out, but for me, this second-choice world, although not a real choice, is where I meet God more often than on my outings.
As for me now, staying behind the scenes is good for my health, financial status, and my family. Although bombarded with euphoria of emotions, I should not give up, nor get depressed, and I will enlighten myself in the solitude of home despite the call of the outside world.
God willing, a day will come for me to spring up for the glory of God.
Our role is different; I am hopeful my writings will bring hope and renewed compassion to at least a few people at the right time and place ordained by the Lord.
May the living water keep flowing!
May the Lord use the few who keep their trust in him. May the Lord grant your requests!
Here I would like to conclude with the prayer for the King in Psalm 20, not in comparison, but because my wife has read a portion of it as our prayer on one of our special days. We rise up, and we stand firm in the abiding grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Some trust in chariots and some in horses
But we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
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