Last week, I attended the Montrose Christian Writer's Conference in Montrose, Pennsylvania. It was one of the best weeks of my life. I learned a lot and made many life-long friends. I met some really incredible people who had much to teach me about the writing craft, as well as the Christian faith.
One of these people was Bob Hostetler. He spoke a number of times, but my favorite was called "What if John Had Not Written?" Bob put himself in John's shoes and wondered aloud, "Do I really have to write? Matthew, Mark, and Luke have already told Jesus' story. Writing is hard. Do I really have to do it?"
And then he described the many Bible passages that only John told. John had a unique perspective and he shared the Gospel in a way that only he could. Yes, three other men transcribed Jesus' story, but each story is slightly different and the Bible would be incomplete without John's words.
Bob went on to ask, "What if King David didn't write? What if Solomon didn't write? Can you imagine not having the Psalms or the Book of Proverbs?"
And of course, then he asked, "What if you don't write? Who needs to hear your words? God can only use your words if you write them down."
Bob's words are true about more than just writing. What is God asking you to do? Who is waiting for your words of encouragement? Your invitation to church? Your small act of kindness?
God has a plan for each one of us and we're here to do His work. So I'm asking myself today: What if I don't write? What if I don't reach out to someone in need? What if I follow my own agenda and ignore God's leading?
My mother taught me not to waste time with What if's. And it's a good thing.
Because when it comes to reaching people for Christ, there's no time to waste.
