Thursdays – Dawn’s Devotions for Writers“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God,
you will receive what he has promised … I take no pleasure in the
one who shrinks back.” (Hebrews 10:35-36, 39 NIV)
You must be. Otherwise, why spend time and energy pouring your thoughts, imagination, and emotions on paper or the computer screen? Why risk sharing your work with other people? Especially those who might tell you it could be better?
Why spend funds on “how to” books, conferences, or freelance editors? Why spend hours reading books on craft or attending critique groups? Why submit your writing to publishers, only to receive one rejection letter after another?
When we’re “called” to write, we can do nothing less than put our heart, mind, and soul into our work. Even when we’ve experienced disappointment, we dive back in.
There are times when we may feel discouraged. We may wonder if we’re ever going to get it right. But look at what Hebrews 10:35-36 says. Don’t throw away your confidence. God in his timing will reward you. We don’t know what that “reward” will look like, but God does.
On the other hand, God does not take pleasure in those who become lazy. Those who refuse to follow their calling, or retreat because obstacles block the path.
He’s given each one of us a purpose. (That includes the place writing has in our lives.) Don’t give up when the way becomes challenging, demanding, or just plain more difficult than you expected.
If it helps—whenever you feel discouraged, think of this as your personal cheer. *wink*
No shrinking! (clap, clap) Persevere!
Okay, maybe that’s going a bit overboard. *grin*
Follow your calling with confidence!
You will be richly rewarded.
Dawn
