I went to the Buddhist altar last Sunday. If you know me at all, you know this is a big deal. As the pastor continued to preach the message and the worship team began to sing the second verse, I knew that conviction was directed directly at me. Most of us have felt this way at some point. I was convinced that this sermon was made just for us, but God has a sense of humor. So I stood up and walked forward with shaking hands, a beating heart (which everyone else could hear), and trembling legs.
Our church has been doing a series about Jesus’ Great I Am Proclamation. For example, Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. But this week’s focus was on the great parallels between Jesus’ separation from his disciples and Thomas’ questions and doubts. Near the end of the sermon, we learned that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. But sometimes we get so caught up in figuring out exactly what that looks like in our lives that we miss Jesus Himself.
We are too focused on getting answers and insights; with him And stay in God’s presence. be together The way, the truth, the life itself. Because the path, truth, and life are who you are, not a destination or career path to find. Because answers, destinations, insights, It’s him. And just as the pastor has asked each of us, we must ask you. Do you want blessings, results, answers, or do you want God?
Do you want answers or do you want him?
I have been writing full-time as a writer since May 2024. Although I was called to this work when I was only 14 years old, I began pursuing this calling nearly two years ago. Over the past two years, I have experienced the highest highs and the lowest lows. I signed with an agent on the spot, had my writing featured on big platforms, and attended dozens of writing conferences. But I was disappointed when a project I thought would definitely be successful received 26 rejections for being “not famous enough.” Not just because I was turned down, but because I “almost” signed a contract six times.
As any good author would do, I pivoted. I proposed a completely different project and had high hopes that this would be that project. A few months later, I was told again, “You’re not famous enough.” I worked hard to improve two projects and created a third. Just a few weeks ago, my agent sent me a new project, and today I’m writing this article knowing that my proposal will be submitted to the final publication committee meeting tomorrow. This book has received incredible interest from some major publishers, but I’m fighting this tension in my heart.
What if I’m told I’m not famous enough yet?
What should I do if I receive rejection number 27?
What if it never happened?
What if I can’t become a traditional publication?
When will God answer my prayers?
When I heard the pastor ask me if I wanted blessings, results, answers, or God, I immediately felt guilty. Because for the past 12-24 months, all I wanted to do was be traditionally published. To be everything God called me to be. To fulfill, or begin to realize, the dream he gave 14-year-old Amber. And they are not inherently wrong. We should desire to fulfill the desires and callings God has given us.
But the reason I went to that altar was because I thought it needed to be enshrined. A desire to be traditionally published. A desire to be in control. A desire to know the next best step. The desire to know your future and have it planned right in front of you. My desire for a book deal outweighs my desire for God Himself.
What do I need to lie down?
As much as I wanted (and still want) this book deal, Jesus has been and continues to be exactly what we need, far beyond what we think He wants. God continues to give good gifts to His children, and we must not overlook that gift, Himself. Do we seek more answers (in my case, a book deal) or a relationship with God? Are we chasing certainty or getting closer to God?
If most of us are honest, certainty and answers feel like control. It’s about knowing what’s coming next and knowing you’re on the best path. But confidence does not bring peace if we are not resting in Him who gives us peace in the first place. So instead of asking for answers, maybe we need to beg more of God and His presence. It is to sit with the Lord, knowing that He alone is sufficient for today, tomorrow, and all the unknown days to come.
I don’t know what prayer you’re asking the Lord to answer today. I don’t know the burdens you carry or the situations life throws at you. But I know that if we are always looking for answers, results, and insight instead of God’s presence, we will always feel restless and empty inside. We should seek God for answers, wisdom, guidance, and discernment because God is anxious to grant us the desires of our hearts. But this is about our state of mind, folks. Matthew 6:21 says this: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (NIV).
As we continue this week, I want to encourage you to seek the Lord. Please continue to pray that your prayers will be answered. Ask God to direct, guide, and guide you in your path. But at the same time, ask God to reveal the motives and intentions of your heart. Get on your hands and knees before God and confess whatever you need. Then ask God to help you seek Him above all things in this world (includes goodness, answers, and direction).
Jesus is enough for us
Jesus Himself is the way, the truth, and the life, and with Him we have everything we need, regardless of the answers we hear. Sometimes God doesn’t always show us the next step. He doesn’t always tell us his exact plan. But the Lord says, “Stay with me. Believe in me. Wait. I know it’s scary, but believe in me. Have hope. Cling only to me.”
Tomorrow, my book proposal will be with the world’s largest traditional publisher. I’m still pretty nervous about the results. Since I gave my heart to the altar, I know that no matter what happens, Jesus is still with me. He is my share and my prize. He is more than enough for me and He is all I need. God has a good plan and is in control.
I am starting to seek God more than His answers. More than just a book deal. More than anything in this world. And contract or not, he’s still who he says he is. He is still my loving father. He still has strong hands and powerful arms. And His will will be done because no one can stop Him.
Friends, Jesus is enough for you. Seek the Lord today.
Photo credit: Unsplash/Naassom Azevedo
Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up, Amber looked for resources on faith and mental health, but couldn’t find anything. Now, she gives hope to young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond just reading the Bible and praying more. Because even though we love Jesus, we can still be plagued by anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help you navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.
