Friday, December 5, 2008

What Prize Are You Trying to Win?

Most people would agree that self confidence is a good thing . But usually I am in short supply of said self confidence. A couple of weeks ago I was offered the opportunity to enter a writing contest. "Yep!", I said to myself, "I can do that!" You know what? I was so self confident that I had a good chance at winning one of the 1st, 2nd, or 3rd prizes that I even emailed one of the ladies in charge to discuss how I would arrange the receiving of one of the prizes! She very sweetly and humbly told me we would cross that bridge if and when we came to it. Oh my....I can feel the heat in my face now just thinking about how "self confident" I was about that contest!

I had been eagerly awaiting the results of the contest. Yesterday I received the email I was waiting for....but it wasn't exactly as I had pictured it would be! My name was NOT at the top of the page by 1st Prize! Nor by 2nd Prize! Nor by 3rd Prize! Not even in the Top Ten!!! Out of 35 entries mine was......number 28! In case you're wondering, that is WAY down the list! I mean WAY down! ha

It has actually been pretty comical after I got over the shock! I can just see the Lord looking down at me saying, "What is your problem woman? When are you going to remember that if and when you write anything that is any good it is when you do it to bring honor and glory to ME.....not to YOU!" Oh my, I'm a hard-headed student! Maybe this will teach me a lesson.

It did remind me of this verse:
"For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith." Romans 12: 3

I hope to remember in the future that my main undertaking in life should be that
"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3: 14

May we press toward that prize together!

Marilyn

7 comments:

Cathryn said...

Hi Marilyn, I'm new to your blog. My name is Cathryn. I had to chuckle when I read this post. I have had times when I've had to reel myself back in ~ a way of keeping us humble, right. I enjoyed reading your post and look forward to checking your blog out some more. Blessings ~ Cathryn

Joyful said...

Such a timely word with the Cool Christmas GiveAway's being hosted this weekend on so many blogs - mine included! The prize I treasure the most - the eternal prize - I've already been given. I'm so blessed! Thanks for helping me put things in perspective too!

Love ya,
Joy

Cindy said...

I had to laugh when I read your post because it sounded so much like me.

I am so thankful that God loves us anyway and forgives us when we get out of hand.

Cathy said...

Bless your heart. Sounds kind of like a review I received from a music contest, on one of the songs I wrote. I found you on the KJV website.

Leah Adams said...

Marilyn,

Been there, done that, but hopefully am doing it less often. After the Lord lets you "be brought down a notch or two" as my Daddy used to say, you eventually begin to learn. Thanks for sharing your heart!!

Leah

Deborah said...

hmmmm...yes I can relate...with the less than overwhelming book sales I've had, even in my own church...it can be quite a humbling experience can't it!?

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

A hard lesson to swallow, but one that I've experienced multiple times. All for our growth, friend. And don't let those results be your benchmark. You're a great writer, despite the outcome.

peace~elaine