As I walked with the Lord a few days ago, He said, “I am going to use the books you are writing to instruct and encourage a future man who will do great things for Me. All the things you’ve wanted so desperately to do for Me I am going to have him do. As for you I am going to hide you away with Me in obscurity. You’ll be hidden from the world and spend your days with Me in solitude.”

And then… as the tears fell from my eyes He asked me again, “Are you willing to be unknown so that I can be known?” And with His Words I saw all the men and women who are going to be touched by the life of that future person who is going to be instructed and encouraged by the books that I have, am, and will write. It was an overwhelming vision. And I know my heart cried out, “Yes! Yes, I am willing to be unknown so that You can be known!”

Even as the holidays roll over me and the pain of the loneliness of these days consumes me, I am reminded that He asked all of this of me. Even as the tears pour out from the pain in my heart of the deep loneliness I feel, God holds me close. And I am reminded of what Jesus told me: “The produce of solitude can feed the entire world.”

And the truth I know is this: I am more blessed than many. How many have been asked to give up everything for the sake of Jesus Christ? And even beyond that how many say their eternal yes and are found worthy to suffer for the sake of the cross.

So, my prayer remains:

“Father, I bow before you in the quiet stillness of this lonely place. I lay all that I am at your feet. I humble my heart, my mind, my body, and my spirit before you. Take all that I am and use me to bring Your Great Name glory and honor and praise.”

So, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!