Using Your Why

“Your Best Yes”

How was your week, writer? I hope you had a chance to explore your “why!” This week, we want to show you how to use that “why.” Because, here’s the thing—when we begin to understand God’s “why” for us, we can begin to intentionally align our lives with His plans and purposes.

Saying “Yes” to “Why” in History

One good example of a “why”-directed life is Joan of Arc. Joan knew God had called her to help rescue France from oppressive foreign rule. That “why” helped her make some bold choices and gave her courage to stand, even when the new King of France that she helped crown backed down on his “why” and failed to come to intervene in her unjust trial and death sentence. But Joan’s dedication to her “why” and the choices she made because of that “why” outlived her, and her courageous actions sparked the change that was needed to free France once more. And, in the end, the King himself worked to clear her name and legacy.

Saying “Yes” to “Why” in the Bible

King Nebuchadnezzar is one of the most beautiful Biblical examples of a “why”-driven life I know. King Nebuchadnezzar had no doubts that he was to be king of Babylon! But when God revealed to him why he was king—because God had appointed him—and why he was allowed to remain king after his bout of appropriately humiliating insanity—the way Nebuchadnezzar operated as a king forever changed. He saw that his “why” as king was actually to execute God’s will and to glorify Him. Because Nebuchadnezzar embraced that “why,” he became the only gentile in the Old Testament to write a chapter of the Bible—the inspired Word of God! All because, when God showed him his “why,” he started using it.

Saying “Yes” to “Why” in Life

For me personally, my “why” came into play the day my neighbor, Mark Brady, asked me if I wanted to help him start a writers conference. I already knew God had created me to speak and write His truths and words and to help others do the same and was able to recognize the fact that Mark’s invitation was a God moment. So, I was able to give Mark my instant “yes!” We have seen God bring so much fruit from that “why”-directed “yes.”

Saying “Yes” to You “Why”

Now, here’s the beautiful thing, writer. Knowing our “why” not only equips us to say “yes,” it also frees us to say “no.” To align fully with God’s Kingdom design for us. There is nothing that glorifies God more than when His creation is functioning exactly as He designed it to! Or, as Saint Irenaeus said, “The glory of God is man fully alive.” Well, that “fully alive” is found in the middle of His “why” for us. And that’s exactly where we find lasting Kingdom impact, too. Sound like it’s too good to be true? Let’s look at Jesus…our very best example.

• • I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. – John 17:4
  • Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. – Hebrews 12:1-3
  • No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. – 2 Timothy 2:4
  • Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. – Romans 12:1-2

Here’s the thing, writer. When we commit to our God-given “why” and fix our eyes on Him—the One who gave it—He will meet us in that space and give us wisdom and strength to accomplish it as long as we don’t give up. Just like Joan, though her goal was accomplished after her death. Just like King Nebuchadnezzar, whose words now give glory to God eternally, though his kingdom ultimately forsook God. Just like in Experience Writing, where my execution of His intents was far from equal to the results He gave.

When we let His “why” for us direct us—and don’t give up on it—He will make sure His purposes for our lives don’t fail. Because God never changes His mind. Just as it says here:

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28

Our job is simply to align our life and mind with His. And to keep going!

Where to Start with Saying “Yes” to Your “Why”

I encourage you today, writer, to take some time and—in as far as you know your “why” at the moment—do a few simple things.

1. 1. Pray and dream about what a fully “why”-aligned life would look like for you. What would it look like when you’re walking in the fullness of your “why?” Write this picture of life down in as much detail as you can!
   2. Identify steps/action points, both short-term and long-term, that can get you into that alignment, choose one (or up to three) that most effectively bring you closer to that goal, and put date you hope to achieve it by.
   3. Find one small step you can take toward that goal today. Once you’ve completed that step. Find the next one.
   4. Pray daily over these steps and goals and find a godly friend to pray with regularly about them as well.

That last step is vital, writer! Because here’s the final thing. As you begin to dream and pursue your God-given “why,” your best “yes’s” and “no’s” will become clearer…and they will stretch you. But don’t fear. You were made for this by your King! Keep going, no matter what it looks like. Lean into Him, and He will be faithful to move and show His glory through you.

#Why #Glory #Yes #EveryWriterWriting