When’s God’s “Yes” Doesn’t Look Like Yours

It’s the time of year when a lot of the big writing contests are notifying their winners or finalists. I have, from time to time, dipped my toe into contests. After all, the idea of winning feels like it lends some legitimacy to my books – it’s the stamp of approval from “the people who matter” – the cool kids, if you will – that the words you’ve put down are actually worth reading. And so you wait and try to remind yourself that it doesn’t matter in the overall scheme of things.

And then the Facebook posts and blog posts start. The ones from winners and finalists that go on and on about how awesome it is is and how amazing to see God working on their behalf and how He took their dreams and made them come true. And on one hand, you’re happy for them. Because it’s cool to see good books and authors getting recognition.

On the other hand, though? If you’re not careful, you can start to wonder, “What’s wrong with me that God doesn’t seem invested in my dreams and wishes?” It’s not sour grapes, though it’s often (and rapidly) dismissed as such – but sour grapes (at least to me) is saying that the other person shouldn’t have gotten the award at all. I don’t think anyone I know (myself included) begrudges the winners and finalists their honors. But I know I have to work hard to remind myself that my turn will come. At some point and in its own way.

And that leads me to the two primary thoughts I want to put out there for consideration. They’re addressed to two very different groups of people and, while I’m couching this in writer terms, they’re applicable to any kind of situation that has “winners” and “maybe next years.”

First, to the winners: I understand the need and desire to give all the glory to God. First off, because absolutely He deserves it, but also because everyone wants to appear super humble when they’re being blessed. So definitely, say thank you, give Him the glory – but work to do it in a way that acknowledges the fact that his blessing doesn’t in any way make you better or more deserving than someone else. So often, we unintentionally and unnecessarily wound others with our joy. And while sure, you can make the case that that’s their problem – shouldn’t we at least be doing everything we can to avoid it when possible?

Finally, to the maybe next years, celebrate with your friends (and with the people you don’t know) who’ve won. And remember that your turn is coming. It may not come as a major award. (I’m realizing this more and more for myself. Unless it’s a leg lamp. I could totally win a crossword puzzle award.) It may not come as recognition from the masses at large. But the fact of the matter is, God’s yes doesn’t have to look like we think it should. (This is something I have to tell myself a lot – so it’s not as if I’ve got this all down pat. There can be and often is a huge disconnect between what the mind knows is true and right and what the heart feels.) Take a minute (no more than two!), let yourself be disappointed, and then pray. Ask God to show you the yes that He has just for you. And even if you can’t see it, choose to believe it’ll come at some point in its own time, and ask for the wisdom to recognize it when it does.