Do you have an idea?


Proverbs 16:1--The first nine verses of chapter 16 tell us a story of the wise way to begin a new project or endeavor. 

As an author, I live in my head. Which can be a scary place sometimes, especially when a new idea for a story pops in my head. Which is why I especially love this passage.

Whether you're a writer, engineer, architect, teacher--it doesn't matter--creation begins with a seed. The "what if" of an idea. But, where does that seed come from?

I believe that spark comes from the heart of GOD. As Creator of the Universe, He's brilliant at it. Here is our first encounter with acknowledging GOD's part in our project.

The development of that seed can take seconds, minutes, months, years--a lifetime, but it begins in our brain. We mull, scribble ideas, throw them away, begin again, think some more, research, then do all this over again until we're ready to begin.

Many times there will be more moments of inspiration in this process. Acknowledge Him and continue to seek His guidance.

Before we pray verse 3 (committing our ways to the LORD), I would recommend seeking out wise counsel. Proverbs is pretty adamant about seeking advice (Prov. 1:7; 12:15; 13:10; 11:14; 19:20-21; 28:26--are just a few). But who do you seek advice from?

Not just anyone. It might seem logical to go to someone who has experience in the area you're seeking to develop, but that might not be prudent. Here's where we need another layer of prayer and discernment. Seek the LORD who we should consult. Then judiciously follow His guidance.

There's something about seeking counsel from another that makes the idea real. We begin to pull the dream from our mind, drawing board, or computer into words. We learn very quickly that if we can't share the seed and basic development of this idea in a few words, we haven't fully developed that idea.

In the writing world--and I've discovered corporate and media worlds as well--it's called the elevator pitch. If we can't explain our idea in the amount of time it takes to travel a few floors in an elevator, then we're not ready.

If we're not ready, then it's back to the drawing board and our knees to get the answer from GOD.

It doesn't matter if we believe our passion for an idea comes from the heart of GOD, we still have to do our due diligence. It's part of the journey, and I think just as important to our Heavenly Father as the completed job.

Honestly, He could do it Himself. Inviting us to participate is a sweet way for Him to include us in His Kingdom. Which is pretty amazing, don't you think?

Proverbs 16:1--The plans of the heart belong to man, but the tongue’s answer is from ADONAI.

[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society's CEO, Daniah Greenberg Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]

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