I'm Not the Author of My Story (or even the main character)

 

As I officially embark on the journey toward officially publishing my memoirs, I found this great post by Paul Tripp, one of my favorite authors.   What follows is a meditation I will return to often.  You can read his entire post here:  You are Not The Author of Your Story.

I have taken an accounting
long needed,
long overdue,
humbling,
convicting,
heart-correcting.
I had to admit
that in many ways —
subtly sometimes,
boldly other times —
I have taken personal credit for what I could not
conceive,
produce,
achieve,
or accomplish on my own.
I have no independent
successes,
accomplishments,
attainments,
prizes,
or positions
that I have manufactured
on my own.
There is nothing that I have done
in my own strength.
There is no ability that I have employed
that does not come from
you.
All the things around me
that had to be in place
for me to do
what I have done
exist under your sovereignty,
not my own.
All the people that have mentored me,
assisted me,
advised me,
cooperated with me,
employed me,
loved me,
guided me,
rescued me,
taught me,
supported me,
stood with me,
stood against me,
cared for me,
protected me, or
worked with me
came into my life
brought there by
you.
I have arrived at places
that were not in my plan.
I have done things
I never envisioned to do.
I have lived in situations
that were not of my wise choosing.
I have been regularly surprised by the turnings
of my own story.
I have not had the
character,
will,
wisdom,
ambition,
courage,
patience,
commitment,
perseverance,
humility,
discipline,
contentment,
or vision
of a hero.
As I have taken an
accounting,
this is the sum:
there is only one hero in my story,
only one who deserves
credit,
honor,
celebration,
esteem,
and praise.
Clearly that hero is
you.
My successes are the result of
your sovereignty,
your generosity,
your faithfulness,
and your grace.
You are the
author,
expediter,
and completer of my story.
There is nothing
that I have done
that could be done without
you.
There is no reason for me to
boast.
The account points me here —
if I am to boast,
I will boast in
you.