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After praying for a year for the chance to write professionally, God led me to write a column for my local weekly newspaper.

One morning I received an email from my sister-in-law’s mother who alerted me to this opportunity. I have now been writing for Community News for ten years. I had no idea God would give me the opportunity to write Christian material in a secular newspaper. It’s been a gift to encourage both friends and strangers through my column. When people tell me they enjoy and look forward to my column, I’m encouraged and humbled.

Another surprising bit of guidance resulted from a conversation with my therapist. She suggested I seek work cleaning houses. I’d been praying for months for a way to earn more money. Within a few weeks of our conversation, I started cleaning a neighbor’s house. It’s not glamourous, but it’s honest work, and I thank God for the extra income.

Leading music during Vacation Bible School, teaching children’s Sunday school classes, and playing my trumpet in my church’s praise ensemble are other ways I serve God. I never expected to receive these responsibilities, but I’ve been blessed by each one. When I run into a child I haven’t seen since last year’s VBS and her eyes light up, that’s my reward. The shock on a Sunday school student’s face when he, the son of dairy farmers, understands Jesus lay in a feeding trough and was found by shepherds warms my heart. Seeing smiles on the faces of my church family after playing my trumpet during offertory also encourages me.

God directs us toward His purposes. And sometimes His will surprises us. We never know where we will find joy in God’s service, but He gives us a sense of satisfaction when we serve Him, because we are obedient. And obedience is a reward in itself.

Obey God, and see what He gives you to do.

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)