Why We Should Never Say Never

“I believe God gives you hopes and dreams in a size that is too large, so that you have something to grow into.” Lynn Robinson

One day I will learn to never say never. I think that just issues a challenge to God. When I left the media sixteen years ago, I said I would never return. Nineteen years of being in front of the camera was enough. While I loved covering sports and had great opportunities like reporting from Super Bowls, All Star Games and the Winter Olympics, I was ready to transition to a behind the scenes, more low key profession.

And I did for a while.

But I have learned that God does not waste any of the training he’s provided. He began wooing me back to media during a Bible study we led in our home called Dare to Dream by Mike Slaughter. The curriculum was all about finding your God purpose in life. I really didn’t think the material applied to me. I thought I had found my purpose through a writing and speaking ministry, Pearls of Promise. But then my friend, Moses, reappears in one of the chapters. Moses and I have similar tendencies and patterns.

Excuse makers.

Insecure about abilities

Jewish heritage

Although poor, raised in a privileged environment

Called to ministry later in life

Told by God to set the captives free, in my case, helping to free women held captive by past dysfunction in their lives.

In that chapter, it discusses Moses’ many excuses as to why he couldn’t do the job God called him to do. He asked God, “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, “The LORD did not appear to you?’” Then the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’”

You have probably figured out by now that Moses had an ordinary shepherd staff in his hand. For the last forty years, he had tended those curly-haired critters in Midian and that’s what he knew. Then the book asks the readers the question, “What’s in your hand?”

Hmmm.

That question was thought provoking. I realized I had nineteen years of media experience in my hand. I stopped and looked up. “You are not calling me back to the media, are you?” And besides, how would I do that? It was a dream too large for me. I was older. Washed up.

However, I kept the thought in mind but didn’t act right away. Like Moses, I am an excuse maker and also need multiple repeat messages from God before I move forward.

And I got them.

One after another after another.

Then the series of repeat messages culminated in an offer to do an international radio show called A Time to Dream, debuting Monday, September 7^th on the WRNO worldwide radio network. At least it wasn’t television.

So God is now using what’s in my hand for HIS glory.

The program, found on shortwave receive 75kHz as well as wrnoworldwide.com, will reach China, India, Israel, Viet Nam, Africa and many more countries all over the word via short-wave radio. For most of these countries, it is the only place they can receive Christian programming.

Never say never.

God’s hopes and dreams for our lives are often grander than we can ever put our arms around.

I am co-hosting the program with Donna Skell. It is in an interview format and features people with interesting testimonies as well as those who are world changers for the Lord.

We have numerous shows ready to edit and more on the calendar. Technology has changed so much since my days in the media that now you can put a program together remotely and record directly to your computer. The process is fascinating and I love to hear how God has worked in people’s lives. While the hope is that it encourages and draws others to God, the program is also encouraging me.

So today I want you to reflect on the question, “What’s in your hand?” The Lord does not want to waste any of the talents he gifted you with. We are the ones who store our gifts away in a remote drawer. Shake the dust off your abilities, lay them before God and ask him how he would like you to use them.

Oh, and one parting thought. Never say never.