Five Lessons I Have Learned

By Del Duduit

To say I didn’t expect this to happen so fast is an understatement.

For years, I wanted to be used by God for great things. And for a long time, I struggled with why I could not find my niche. I sat back on the sidelines and festered with resentment why certain people had a prime place in the Lord’s lineup. After all, I was a decent athlete.

Still, I felt discouraged and useless. I just waited all the time on the Lord and watched life whiz by.

 

But I realized one night I did not practice as much as I should. I wasn’t sold out as much as I could have been when it came to my daily devotions and prayer time. I did enough to “get by.”

I thought I was in the Master’s favor because my wife plays the piano and sings and both of my boys preach.

Yet deep down inside, I knew I could contribute in some way.

In the fall of 2016, I started my journey back to earn a spot on the first string. I had come through a difficult time and was brought to my knees in despair.

“God, please use me, somehow,” was my simple prayer.

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This was different. I was not in charge and did not make suggestions. The word “somehow” was the kicker.

I finally gave in to my wife Angie’s suggestion and started to blog and created a website. My first post appeared on Nov. 20, 2016, and it had an impressive 27 views.

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When I do something, I like to go all out and think big. How could I increase these numbers? Who can show me what to do?

Bam! God put me in contact with a tremendous circle of Christian writing friends who have become family to me. I bounce ideas off them, and we support each other.

Now, last week’s post gathered an incredible 1.6 million exposures! That’s a big jump from last year.

But why did it take so long for me to find my calling? I had always wanted some sort of a ministry, but I just assumed it was not going to happen. After all, I was 51. God could not use me, I thought. My chance was over.

I found the cause of the problem when I looked into the mirror one day.

“Get out of the way,” was what I heard. “I’ll take over from here.”

I have learned five main lessons over the course of my brief, yet fast-paced writing ministry. I have vowed to remain to:

• Be humble: This road was not revealed to me until I put away the map. “When pride cometh, then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.” PROVERBS 11:2
• Be willing: I was prepared to do anything He wanted. At that point, I didn’t really care what I did. But I’m glad he chose a way for me to use the gift He gave me. “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be; if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” JOHN 12:26
• Be patient: This ministry may have started sooner if I had not been so stubborn. But I know it came along at the right time. “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.” PROVERBS 16:32
• Be sincere: At the moment of despair, I just wanted God to take over my life. I returned to the basics and practiced. I was consistent in my daily devotions, and my prayer time increased. I worshiped God and thanked Him more than I did in the past. “Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, and in whose spirit, there is no guile.” PSALM 32:2
• Be ready: I didn’t know when or how my assignment would come, but I wore my helmet and stood next to the coach. “He will not suffer thy foot to be moved; he that keepeth thee will not slumber.” PSALM 121:3

Since I’ve been in the game, so many wonderful opportunities have come my way. (I am not boasting, but I am praising God for what He has done for my ministry.)

• I signed a contract with my literary agent.
• My first book is in production.
• I am assembling the launch team for my upcoming book and am planning a launch party.
• I have written three more manuscripts.
• I am almost ready to email my agent another manuscript to begin production.
• I have been asked to be part of a new and exciting writing business venture.
• I will begin to write quarterly articles for a great Christian magazine in Atlanta.
• I am helping two fellow writers co-author books.
• I have an amazing and huge opportunity for a major breakthrough for a book next month.
• An article I wrote will appear in Clubhouse Magazine, a production of Focus on the Family. I was just given another assignment for the magazine.
• One of my posts appeared on the website of a personality from Fox News.

My agent, Cyle, often tells me I have the favor of God on me. The Lord has opened up so many doors this year, and I thank Him for His goodness. I look back and wish I had done this years ago.  But then it occurred to me – I wasn’t ready then.

God knew what He was doing all the time.

Do you expect great things from God? Has He delivered for you? Do you need to get out of His way?

Tell me how you want the Lord to use you next year. Are you willing to do whatever it takes to fulfill His plan for your life?