There isn’t a day that comes and goes where I haven’t, at some point during that day, doubted and/or questioned my abilities to be a parent, teach, and counsel. It has been that way since God placed me in these positions without asking me first.Yet every day, God shows up and places his thumbprint on each of my doubts. Reminding me that he takes the smallest of individuals to accomplish His greatest tasks. Reminding me of not the part that I play in the lives of others, but the significant and dramatic part they play in my life.
And in these areas my doubts continue to be turned into extraordinary blessings.
Yet in one area of my life I have no doubts. I don’t question my abilities.
That area is photography.
God has given me a gift that He has yet to tell me His purpose for. I believe this is because I have no doubts about this gift and I don’t question my abilities regarding this gift. I believe it’s because of pride.
Psalm 10:11
He says to himself, “God has forgotten; he covers his face and never sees.”
There is an incompatibility between blind arrogance and the presence of God in our hearts. Proud people depend on themselves rather than on God. This causes God’s guiding influences to leave their lives.
When God’s presence is welcome, there is no room for pride because he makes us aware of our true selves.
Taken from The Life Application Study Bible
I believe that until I remove the pride I feel about my abilities behind a camera lens, God will never reveal His purpose for blessing me with such a gift.
These thoughts have been a long time brewing. The following actions have been well thought out over many, many months.
I am no longer going to pursue photography as a business for personal gain. When Danielle Batog Photography comes up for renewal November 27th, I am going to let it go.
Does this mean that I am walking away from behind my camera lens. Oh dear me, definitely not. It does mean however that I am walking away from the pride I take in thinking that I can make a personal profit from this gift God has given me.
I believe God has other adventures in store for me and my camera. I am uncertain what they may be but I am NOT uncertain that God will let me know where He wants me and my camera to go.
I am certain He isn’t going to ask first.
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6 Comments
That’s a big step, Danielle, and I sense that it’s the right one. You do have a gift for photography, but it seems to me that the for-profit side of your photography hasn’t been a consistent focus for you…it appears that it was moving in fits and spurts. If so, then perhaps dedicating your lens to what He has planned for it and you is where your focus should be. He’ll definitely let you know one way or another where your lens should be pointing.
i understand letting things go when it’s not going.. i struggle with that as well for my photography and have been content with where it’s going (even if i’m not making anything on it lol)
hugs my friend!
I am sure as this window closes there will be a door opened.
What a decision! Good for you…your talent is beyond question..now to find His thoughts on the subject.
and No, He often do not ask first. 
I think that act of falling into His plan without pride is so important. You definitely have the photography gift and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for you either.
Much Love,
Susan
Isn’t it grand to have a skill that you feel so comfortable with? It truly makes life worthwhile even if you’re not sure how to utilize it fully!