An Audience of One
I’ve spent the better part of the last year trying to grow, to expand, to learn, and to reach people carrying the word of the Lord. In that time I had expectations and I had hopes, and dreams, and ideals that I would set my compass towards and try my best to achieve those goals. I have watched as my graph day to day stayed exactly the same. Without much change my numbers stayed within margin the same place every day. While this by some standards is a success because I have at least reached 1 a day, to me, I expected to grow. I average between 10-25 visitors a day, with an average view of 20-30 per day. I’ve been at the same numbers for a year. Sure I have good days, but with 87 followers, and several foundations for the blog to get out onto I feel my numbers are staggeringly low. I figured way back if I used modern pop culture I’d be able to reach more people. I figured if I made it exciting people would read and respond in kind. I was hoping word would spread and it would grow. I was hoping people would leave feedback if they liked it or hated it. Sadly feedback is rare on the site, and spreading doesn’t seem like it’s going to happen. I’ve felt lately that perhaps I should find a different venue, a different way to get the word out there. As I’ve been doing this every day, for nearly a year now, I have grown weary. I have grown discouraged and I’m not sure where to go from here. I hope and pray that this would leave a foundation for me.
Someone told me once we need to remember why we do the things we do. Someone mentioned to me that as long as God is the focus to whatever it is we do, then nothing else matters. The growth, the feedback, none of it matters if God is pleased. If the blog touches and influences just one soul it’s worth it. If nothing ever comes of it, but one soul is led to the Lord, or someone is strengthened by the words, then it would all be worth while. These words while true are tough to follow. I think we as people usually struggle with that aspect of our life. Are we doing what we do for the right reasons? Are we putting to much on our success? Just because we don’t reach our goals, are we doing exactly what God wants us to? Glorify the King, bring joy to the Lord by every bit of work we put in, and the rest doesn’t matter. It’s a place in our heart we need to get to, and let go of the desires of our heart and question where our hearts really are. Galatians 6:9 “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” I know that in time there will be a time to reap. I know I must continue doing what God has called me to do. I know that the sewing may take a long time, perhaps even years, but when we remain true, remain faithful, God won’t forget us. I will continue to fight the fight and move forward. Though I grow weary, and tired, I will fall on Isaiah 40:31 “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” I will remember these verses to heart, and I will keep pushing forward. The Devil nips at my heals and I’d very much like to turn around and kick Him in his smug demon face.
Keep the faith, keep strong, keep planting and keep watering. Tend to your garden and when the time comes you will see your fruit. Never quit and remember to keep the Devil out of your head. Ignore the lies, the deceit that is to pull you away from God’s truth. Never give up on hope because one day, you will have the desires of your heart, if it’s God’s will and if you are walking a righteous path. Keep look to God and you can’t go wrong.
The Arrow Preacher 