Thursdays - Devotions for WritersTherefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you
know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Cor. 15:58 NIV)
Do you ever question putting forth so much effort, time, heart, and soul into writing?
Three years ago I created a blog called "From Dawn til Dusk. " Since then I’ve written and posted over 200 articles. Sometimes my posts focus on current events, inspirational stories, and author interviews. But most of the time, I include snippets of my life with a spiritual connection woven into the piece.
I’m not as prolific as many of my fellow bloggers. And I don’t generate the frenzy of comments that some popular blogs create.
The numbers on the stat counter continue to climb, but days can go by without a word written in response to what I’ve put out there for all of cyberspace to view.
It would be easy to question if it’s worth my time and effort.
But every once in awhile, a comment is left.
A comment that lets me know that someone is reading. Someone is being helped, challenged in their spiritual life, or blessed by the words I write.
I’ve also created short stories written into scripts for a radio ministry. I’ll never know how many people listen to the broadcasts across the states. The likelihood of meeting any of them is slim. So it could be tempting to wonder if my words really make a difference.
But every once in awhile, the producers receive a request for a manuscript copy that includes one of my stories.
When I read a comment on my blog, or am told about a request for a radio manuscript, my heart swells. Not with pride, but with gratitude for the knowledge that God used my words to help touch someone.
I’m blessed every time God reminds me I only need to be the vessel. He’ll take care of the real work. Whether I know it or not—He can use my written offering.
You may never know:
* The Sunday school lesson you struggled writing reached a teen.
* Your article brought respite to a harried mother.
* The devotion you prayed over touched a grieving heart.
* The novel you spent countless late night hours writing and rewriting helped a young woman find courage.
Regardless of who—or how many—read our work, God has a reason for creating us with this passion for putting thoughts, feelings and stories down on paper.
Keep writing.
And know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Dawn
