How to Find Your Mojo
A friend sent me a message one day after I appeared to her in her dream. She asked what the best way was to get people healed. I told her “It’s all about your mojo.” She wanted to know if I could explain that.
Not the healing thing. The mojo thing.
After I published my first book, some friends who had been teaching about healing were invited to speak at a conference. I was invited too, but I wasn’t able to go. I had to work.
The conference I missed out on was just the beginning. My friends soon began traveling around the country, speaking at more conferences, while I stayed home.
I was happy for them. They were teaching some cutting-edge things that the church needed to hear. Still, I couldn’t help feeling a little sorry for myself.
One day I had a chat with the Holy Spirit. I asked Him an uncomfortable question, “When was I going to have my chance?”
“Is that what you want?” He replied.
“I don’t know. I’ve never tried it.”
I didn’t feel like the life of an itinerant minister was for me. I was 30 years into a medical career and throwing it all away so I could speak on the conference circuit seemed a bit impulsive. And there were bills to pay.
But still, I felt… overlooked.
There were also books to write. So I kept my mind focused on writing.
Not long after this, my wife had a dream. In it, she went to buy a Christmas tree and ended up at the house of C.S. Lewis’ parents. They had a tree for sale and told her all about it. Then they told her about something else that was for sale.
It was their son’s writing desk. The desk and the Christmas tree were being sold for the same price. But she could only buy one. She didn’t purchase either of them.
When she told me about the dream, I immediately understood the symbolism of the desk, but not the Christmas tree. That revelation came later.
I kept working on the ambulance and managed to write a couple more books. My friends continued speaking at conferences and church meetings. Then one day, I was given my chance.
The conference I spoke at was the perfect venue for someone like me. It was small. There were lots of friends there. And I was surrounded by mature prophets with whom I could share the platform. The Gathering was perfect in another way.
Someone was there who was more developed in their gifting and they were willing to minister to the audience. Steve Harmon spent the weekend praying and prophesying over people and setting them free of demons. That allowed me time to mingle with my friends. The closest I came to any real “ministry” was hanging out with Steve while he worked his mojo.
A couple of months later, I was asked to speak at a church in another part of the country. The pastor said a lot of well-known ministers had spoken there recently and he thought I would be a good fit. I asked what I would be expected to do. He explained that I would give a couple of messages, pray over people for healing, deliver prophetic words, and walk away with a nice honorarium.
It took about 10 seconds to realize I had no interest in doing it.
Men of God aren’t supposed to say things like this. But flying across the country, talking for hours, and then standing in front of a line of people who need prayer and a word from God is the last thing I want to spend my weekend doing.
It isn’t that I don’t like meetings. I love being in the glory and seeing the miraculous. It’s not that I don’t like people. I’m an extrovert in every sense of the word. And I like praying for people, though at times, it can be emotionally overwhelming and physically exhausting. (It took three days for me to recover from the last meeting I ministered at.)
I think the problem is the disruption to my mojo that happens when I travel.
Every time I get on a plane with my wife, it takes half a day for us to pack our things. After we arrive, we need to get a rental car then rush to get showered and dressed, and then find our way to a place we’ve never been to before. After three or four hours, we return to the hotel exhausted. We get a few hours’ sleep then get up and do it all over again.
I like traveling for pleasure. But I could not imagine living half my life out of a suitcase. Going to meetings. Praying for strangers. Going to bed every night exhausted. Knowing I need to catch another plane tomorrow. And do I have time on the way to the airport to grab a cup of coffee?
The problem is that I like my daily routine and I can’t follow it when I’m on the road.
Most days, I wake up whenever I want. Sometimes, it’s 2:05 am. Other times it’s 9:23. The first order of business is making coffee. If Denise happens to be up I make enough for two. If I’m in the mood I’ll make breakfast. We chat. We watch the sunrise. We listen to the birds in the palm trees and enjoy the view from the window in our dining room. I check my email, see how the books are selling and take out the trash. Then I go to work.
Most days I sit at my writing desk with a cup of coffee and work on a book. I’m might be writing a new story, researching a supernatural subject, or editing a manuscript. It’s a routine. But it’s my routine. And I’m addicted to it. There’s nothing I love more than writing. Not even bacon or coffee.
We all encounter God in different ways. I do it mostly through writing. When I write, it’s like God is sitting next to me. I ask Him questions and He shares His thoughts. I sit at my computer and dictate our conversations. It’s how I’ve come to know Him and it’s how He’s working out my destiny. It’s my mojo. And if it matters, it’s my method of worship.
Being a writer isn’t a flashy life. There’s no podium. No bright lights. It’s not all sparkly and shiny like a Christmas tree. It’s comfortable. And if you happen to be a writer, it’s where you find your mojo.
God knew I wasn’t cut out to be an itinerant minister. So he gave me a wife who believed I could be a writer. And He gave her a dream.
If I have any advice, it would be to rest in the knowledge that God has a unique plan for you. A unique destiny. Your destiny doesn’t look like the one He has for someone else. When you see someone doing their thing don’t be envious. Be glad. They found their mojo. If someone tries to hand you a destiny that doesn’t fit, don’t buy it. God’s plan for you is so much better. Hold out for the thing that’s comfortable. The thing that fits you like a glove. When you find it, you’ll know it. Until you do, keep asking and keep seeking. Your mojo is out there looking for you.
Waiting for my MOJO
I’m amazed by this: “There’s nothing I love more than writing. Not even bacon or coffee.” But I love it, and it is “true.” You’ve clearly found your mojo, and we are blessed.
I love that. Years ago I had a dream in which God showed me a giraffe. Then He asked me, “Does a giraffe ask what he is? No, he knows he’s a giraffe.” I got the message.
Love, love, love it! And love your writing!
I took my camera up to a little lake at the base of a mountain a couple of days ago. The turquoise water was perfectly still and reflective. The birds gathering to fly south made the only sound. I enjoy meeting with others and sharing what the Lord has shown me. I like writing at my desk in the pink room with the big window, but my mojo flourishes when I am wandering through creation just observing and appreciating. Thanks for this.
Thank you so much for this! I am so glad you decided to be a writer.
I too have been blessed to have a husband who has supported and encouraged me to be an artist. I would not be where I am today without him.
I was asked about 3 years ago to write a book, which is most artist’s dreams, and I did it because I thought I SHOULD do it. The director changed after I was hired and what I was told I could do was changed. I lost my mojo and have been trying to recover ever since.
I’m also glad you shared about your morning routine. It’s almost the same as mine! I sometimes feel guilty I don’t do mornings like most people, but this made me feel better that I’m not alone.
Thank you for sharing about sitting at your desk, writing, taking dictation of what The Lord says as being worship. That’s what I do a well. Actually, nearly every word of this fits my personality and I’m sure will help in the coming days
Love it! Great thoughts!
I am VERY glad that you have your mojo and are keeping it. You are in the right place and at the right time and that alone is godly.
Keep up the wonderful work that you are assigned to do as I am sure you bless many many people, as you have me.
ps
Please do not rule out changes in the weather for your future.
David, you have a wonderful Gift . It so much more than just writing,you are a Teacher. And I like your teaching method because it is a simple guide to how to operate in the Kingdom. I remember being in college and one math professor was brilliant but he never was able to actually teach us,he talked above us,over our heads. You are a Visionary ,willing to put yourself out there to expand our thinking and operating in the Kingdom. I may not always jump on board with you but I always carefully and prayerfully consider what you are teaching . I was a teacher,I taught 1st and 2nd grade and Sunday School and taught some in a home we visited. I absolutely loved teaching,building them up,loving on them;seeing them excel ,do their very best whatever their best wasIit brought great satisfaction, fulfillment,Joy to my heart. You are Joyful ,I see it all over your face as you are sharing,writing. I thank God for you. Once you find your purpose it is quite an exhilarating Adventure with God!!!!!!!!!!!! I too have found my purpose and He told me we were going on a Great Adventure and it is!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I love what you have written, it is an act of worship!!!!!!!!!!!
I absolutely LOVE the fact that you were wise enough to turn down the “circuit”. As Christians it’s all too easy to get sucked into “THE” way of doing ministry rather than hearing what God has for you. Thank you.
Now you have me in deep thought. Thank you!!
Your sentiments here about not wanting to be itinerant are some of the the exact reasons why I decided to leave traditional ministry. The itinerant life was where it was headed and I wanted to enjoy being a private citizen with my husband, children and grandchildren. I did not want to travel and be “on” all the time, it just didn’t feel like who I was.
i am so glad i tan on to you thru the joan hunter ministries , as my funds allow im going to get all your books thank you for sharing your knowledge of the lord and his ways it fits with my experiences .
We’ve found our mojo and unlike you, we are traveling ministers. There’s nothing else we’d rather do than teach, train, equip & activate the saints for the work of the ministry. It’s our life’s work and calling. We also write books, manuals and curriculum. Papa is awesome & He distributes to each his own. Isn’t that wonderful? We think yes! Margi Spencer
PS: hello Ann Madden. Fancy meeting you here, my friend!
Loved the article! Thought about the word MOJO and couldn’t help redefining it to be,
My Obvious Jesus Obsession!
I LOVE it!
My friend,
Half way through this post my eyes were getting clouded with tears. I am so thankful that I have a friend and a role model in you. The life of travelling seems less appealing to me now. I am pleased that you say your writing is an act of worship. I personally believe our lives, no matter what we do, should always be an act of worship. I have found that also, The Holy Spirit camps with me when I write. I have one book, that I have listened to in the background when I have been on Facebook, that is on audible that I wrote, that amazes me every time I listen to it, that I actually wrote it. I am amazed and what God does through me.
I am so glad you have your wife. It must be so good to have a wife that is 100% behind you and 100% in front of you while walking in step by your side. Praise God for the women. I have a mother that supports me.
I have personally learned a ton from you (more than “church” meetings most of the time) and put into action, the things you write about! You are genuine, kind & have a heart like Jesus. I’m so very blessed that God led me to your Praying Mefic page and your amazing wife! My “Facebook Jesus Tribe” is my comfy place, my church pew is right here with you all! Now to get my mojo back! Thanks again for a perfect message! Please stay at that writing desk! It was built for you two!
Thank you! I had trouble with the word MOJO but like your friend’s version 🙂
My morning routine used to be like yours until July. However I still would change anything as I love where I am whether it’s sewing a dress for a girl in the U.S., writing, or caregiving.
I’m happy and enjoy life which is what I think God desires for us when we walk with Him!
I think you have described praying ceaselessly. Keep writing! Love your books.
Don’t really have anything profound to say but just THANK YOU for writing.
Wow! Absolutely love it. God bless you for sharing.
I love that your words have a way of confirming and making direction clearer. I have grown due to your obedience to a somewhat lesser traveled path in ministry. We all can learn to avoid unnecessary hassles in life, to keep our MOJO and become more full of what is God breathed in our lives.
And there was me thinking we were similar, Dave! I guess just the extrovert part is the same – my mojo lies in the ministry and meetings. Give me a room full of people to love and share with and it’s like I’m breathing for the first time. Throw in a hotel room and a satnav and I’m in my element.
The writing, for me, is a means to share what I know – but it’s only part of my “mojo make-up”.