The other day, I posted a poem that appears in my book, to this blog site. It’s called “Somebody Has to Be First“. It doesn’t take a genius to see why a poem about taking a step of faith would prove to be popular. It’s easy to motivate others to take risk; however, it is a different story when it is you.
The above photo is of a marsh located in England. It’s so well camouflaged that it would be easy to miss. I found it in a photo search on “taking a step of faith”. I thought it to be appropriate for today’s article. In fact, I am in the process of taking my own step of faith and trusting in God’s provision and guidance. I’d like to talk with you about what’s happening. I trust that it will be of encouragement to you, too.
In Ecclesiastes 11:2, we are told that it is wise to diversify one’s asset for you do not know what tomorrow will bring. The same principle can be applied to farming or any other endeavors that involves risk-taking. Christianity Explained is no exception to what King Solomon says in that pearl of wisdom. Here’s what is happening.
For the past six months, I’ve diligently been posting to my YouTube channel, audio podcast and this blog site. At first, I started with a video version of what I’d typically write. In addition, I was posting an audio version to my podcasting host, Anchor.fm. For a beginner, they are a great help.
Four months ago, I began posting articles to this site. I’m actually surprised to see that it is still going. In essence, I was repeating myself on all three platforms: video, audio and written. Here is a key component to taking a step of faith. You do not know what will succeed or go down in flame. At the same time, I’m learning to trust the Holy Spirit to guide me to where the hidden bridge for each platform.
14 The backslider in heart [from God and from fearing God] shall be filled with [the fruit of] his own ways, and a good man shall be satisfied with [the fruit of] his ways [with the holy thoughts and actions which his heart prompts and in which he delights].
15 The simpleton believes every word he hears, but the prudent man looks and considers well where he is going.
16 A wise man suspects danger and cautiously avoids evil, but the fool bears himself insolently and is [presumptuously] confident.
Proverbs 14:14-16 Amplified Classic
As the above proverbs points out, it would have been foolish to go rushing forward and not take note of what is working or not working. It does not mean that you should never take a risk; however, you do need to check to see how things are progressing. It also helps to get wise counsel to learn what to look for. I did just that and waited a few months.
What did I learn? What am I hearing from God? The last question may come as a shock; especially if you are not taught that God the Father does desire to talk to you and is interested in guiding you in the right way to go. At the same time, I’m not afraid to think that I misunderstood what I’m told. God can do the same thing for you, too. It all begins with prayers and reading the Word of God.
The good folks at Think Media and VidIQ have already pointed to the need to diversify what I’m doing. They were trying to help me in avoiding burnouts. Wise counsel and I needed to discover what works on each platform. Do you know what I discovered, and it should not surprise any seasoned bloggers?
When I write an article for this blog site, it does not take long to read it. I typically write a 1500-word article and it takes a few minutes to read. For Speedy, it is likely to take less time. I can’t say the same thing for the video. I don’t do well when it comes to keeping the viewer’s interest. How do I know that? Did anyone leave a comment?
For one, there is a tool called YouTube Analytics and it is designed to help you learn the behavior patterns of your viewers. Of course, it doesn’t help that my videos were 15 minutes long or longer. Thankfully, I do have friends who did privately pointed to the same thing and the Analytics bore them out. It soon became clear that I need to step away from the types of videos that I was doing.
Did I fail in taking a such a risk by duplicating the type of contents on these three platforms? No, it is not a sign of failure. I’m not done with YouTube, and I don’t think God has closed the door on that platform. Here’s another surprise for you. God is not angry with my taking such a risk and I suspect that Jesus has something else, in mind.
About a year ago, I started to experiment with something new on my YouTube channel. It’s something that is totally out of the box, and I’d never have thought of it.
I felt like the Holy Spirit was directing me to create gaming videos. Though I did play video games in the past, the idea of playing to entertain others caught me, by surprise.
Why Minecraft? I do have experience playing an older version of this game and need to stop spam clicking. I had a couple of other reasons like getting lost. Where’s my base, again? I think that you get the idea.
Years ago, I had a friend who would say that God is not always ask you to do something you already like doing. In a sense, he is right. You might think that I am contradicting myself because I already have a history of playing video games, in the past.
When it came to my past games, it is on a computer, and no one sees how I am doing. I was never into recording the latest hijinks in a game of Minecraft, Galactic Civ, Civ IV, Dungeon Master, The Sims, SimCity 2000, Ultima VI and so forth. I simply played to have fun.
I was not comfortable having my gameplays recorded for the benefit of other people. Yet, God did not call us to sit in comfort. We are called to step out in faith and not worry about the opinions of man. Could I be in error? It’s possible and I will place my trust in Jesus to guide me in every step.
Oh, I am not done with this article! There is the matter of the book chapters that are coming. If you read my article, “From Blog Posts to Book to Blog Posts” then you will know about what I’m proposing to do. I felt like the Holy Spirit is prompting me to take the eight chapters from my first book and place each one on this site.
If you are a subscriber, there is no need to fear. I’m not dumping all 8 chapters turned posts in your inbox. Instead, I’ve made individual blog posts for each chapter and schedule them to be published on separate days. One reason for this is the chapters are each close to 3000 words. There’s only two chapters that are 1500 words.
After they have all been published, I’ll add a menu item for the “Books”. Of course, the printed version will still be available. I do not know why God is directing me, in this direction. However, I will trust in my Father’s guidance.
What about the audio podcast? I do not know. I simply felt a need to place it, on hold. I will trust in God’s timing. No, God is not bothered by my jumping ahead. Yet, I need to trust in HIS timing, not mine.
15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always].
Colossians 3:15 Amplified Classic
Christianity Explained 