The Little Pencil in God’s Hand
Inspired by the words of Saint Mother Teresa
There are times when people tell me how much they enjoy one of my articles, videos, or blogs. They say the words encouraged them, strengthened their faith, or simply made them smile. Those comments are always appreciated, but they also remind me of a beautiful truth that keeps my feet firmly on the ground.
In one of my books containing daily devotional readings drawn from the writings of Mother Teresa, I came across a quotation that perfectly expresses how I feel whenever I sit down to write.
“I don’t claim anything of the work. It is His work. I’m like a little pencil in His Hand. That’s all. He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”
— Saint Mother Teresa
Those simple words contain a profound lesson for every Christian.
God Is the Author
When we surrender ourselves to God, He can accomplish far more through us than we could ever accomplish by ourselves.
The temptation is always to think that success comes from our own intelligence, education, talent, or experience. While God certainly gives us those gifts, they become truly fruitful only when they are placed back into His hands.
Just as a pencil cannot write a single word by itself, neither can we bear lasting spiritual fruit apart from God.
Jesus reminded us:
“Apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)
That verse has become increasingly meaningful to me over the years.
Every Article Begins with Prayer
Before I begin writing, I try to remember that these words are not ultimately for me.
Whether I am writing:
- a spiritual reflection,
- a World of Dogs story,
- The Good News Newsletter,
- or simply sharing the highlights of the week,
my prayer is always the same:
“Lord, if this can help even one person come a little closer to You, then use me.”
That changes everything.
Instead of worrying about finding the perfect words, I simply try to remain open to wherever God wishes to lead.
The Holy Spirit Is the Best Editor
Many people have asked how so many articles, videos, and stories seem to come together.
The answer is really very simple.
The Holy Spirit has an unlimited vocabulary.
He knows exactly what someone needs to hear today.
He knows which Bible verse will touch a hurting heart.
He knows which story will encourage someone who feels like giving up.
When we allow Him to guide our thoughts, remarkable things begin to happen—not because of us, but because of Him.
A Pencil Is Useless Until Someone Picks It Up
A pencil has no power of its own.
It doesn’t decide what to write.
It doesn’t choose the message.
It simply allows itself to be used.
That is a wonderful picture of the Christian life.
God is not looking for the most talented people.
He is looking for willing hearts.
He can take ordinary people and do extraordinary things through them.
History is filled with saints who were not famous because of their own abilities but because they allowed God to work through them.
We Can All Be God’s Pencil
You don’t have to write articles or produce videos to become God’s pencil.
You may be:
- encouraging a lonely neighbor,
- praying for someone in need,
- preparing a meal with love,
- smiling at a stranger,
- volunteering at church,
- or quietly living your faith every day.
Each small act becomes part of God’s beautiful story.
Sometimes the smallest pencil writes the most important message.
A Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for allowing ordinary people to participate in Your extraordinary work.
Keep me humble.
Never let me seek recognition for what belongs to You.
Make me, like Saint Mother Teresa, only a little pencil in Your hands.
Think through me.
Write through me.
Love through me.
And may everything I do bring glory to You alone.
Amen.
Final Thought
If anything I write encourages someone, strengthens a family, inspires a reader, or brings one soul a little closer to Christ, then all praise belongs to God.
I am simply grateful that, despite all my imperfections, He is still willing to pick up this little pencil and write.
As Saint Mother Teresa so beautifully said:
“He does the thinking. He does the writing. The pencil has only to be allowed to be used.”
May each of us become that little pencil in the loving hands of God.
I Thak you for reading this. Please share with others.
Rick Herring
thmjmj@gmail.com
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