Thursdays - Devotions for Writers“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit.”
(I Cor. 12:4 NIV)
Most of us have probably accepted the fact that God doesn’t give everyone the same kind of gifts, nor the same amount of talent. Some are teachers. Others will have the ability to offer warm hospitality. There are musicians, artists, athletes, scientists, and inventors. We’re blessed to have a world that includes people who have the gift to heal, either through prayer or through medicine.
I think it’s also true that God didn’t provide all writers with the same gifts. Oh, we all have the ability to study the craft, learn, and improve with hard work. But I think we’re given our own place – our own nitch - where He’s provided talent specific to His plan.
Some people have the ability to write articles, devotions, or books that challenge spiritual growth and give insight into God’s word.
When it comes to fiction, I read and enjoy a wide range of genres, but that doesn’t mean I can write them. I do have a sense of humor and occasionally will write something funny. A line or two. But I couldn’t write 395 pages labeled as comedy. It’s just not in me.
I categorized my first manuscript as women’s fiction and the second as a mystery. I originally planned to place the novel I’m working on now under women’s fiction.
And then one day Annette confronted me and said, “Honey, accept it. You write romance.”
Would you believe I fought that? I didn’t want to write romance. Why? Because of painful experiences in my past, I didn’t want to go there.
But, I’d always been a romantic. And once I looked closer at all three manuscripts, I realized that despite having elements of other genres, they contained vital romance threads.
“Okay, Lord. I get it. That’s who I am and I accept it.” Wow! I felt free.
God has a job for each of us. I admire people who can write comedy because they bring laughter to people and brighten their day. I respect authors who can bring me to tears with stories of women’s courage and relationships. They make me want to be a better person and remind me to appreciate my own relationships. I enjoy mysteries and suspense because they give me a thrill and challenge my mind. Historicals, science fiction, and fantasy take me on adventures in other times and places.
And romance? Christian romance is able to teach through the love of a man and woman, how much God loves and forgives us.
God gave you the ability to write in a way that no one else can. Embrace it. Treasure it. Be proud of it. It’s special and specific to you.
What gifts in writing do you believe God has given you?
Dawn
I think it’s also true that God didn’t provide all writers with the same gifts. Oh, we all have the ability to study the craft, learn, and improve with hard work. But I think we’re given our own place – our own nitch - where He’s provided talent specific to His plan.
Some people have the ability to write articles, devotions, or books that challenge spiritual growth and give insight into God’s word.
When it comes to fiction, I read and enjoy a wide range of genres, but that doesn’t mean I can write them. I do have a sense of humor and occasionally will write something funny. A line or two. But I couldn’t write 395 pages labeled as comedy. It’s just not in me.
I categorized my first manuscript as women’s fiction and the second as a mystery. I originally planned to place the novel I’m working on now under women’s fiction.
And then one day Annette confronted me and said, “Honey, accept it. You write romance.”
Would you believe I fought that? I didn’t want to write romance. Why? Because of painful experiences in my past, I didn’t want to go there.
But, I’d always been a romantic. And once I looked closer at all three manuscripts, I realized that despite having elements of other genres, they contained vital romance threads.
“Okay, Lord. I get it. That’s who I am and I accept it.” Wow! I felt free.
God has a job for each of us. I admire people who can write comedy because they bring laughter to people and brighten their day. I respect authors who can bring me to tears with stories of women’s courage and relationships. They make me want to be a better person and remind me to appreciate my own relationships. I enjoy mysteries and suspense because they give me a thrill and challenge my mind. Historicals, science fiction, and fantasy take me on adventures in other times and places.
And romance? Christian romance is able to teach through the love of a man and woman, how much God loves and forgives us.
God gave you the ability to write in a way that no one else can. Embrace it. Treasure it. Be proud of it. It’s special and specific to you.
What gifts in writing do you believe God has given you?
Dawn
