Tune Out and Turn Away by Susan Tuttle

Susan Tuttle

I love the story of David and Goliath. Much like Gideon—another Biblical story I gravitate toward—David was the youngest of his family. Maybe it’s because I’m the youngest in mine, who knows? But I simply love how God takes the uncommon, the small, the perceived-as-weak and uses them to accomplish huge things.

But God didn’t simply play puppet master here. Nope. David had to believe and speak the truths of God and then step out into them. It took faith and action on David’s part, and that’s where I want to pick up the story, because as writers, we can gain so much from David. So for my next few posts I’ll be camping out in this story.

First, let’s just all agree, to many of us the publishing world is like our very own Goliath. We feel that we are on this battlefield for a reason, but if we don’t cling to God’s word and tune out other voices, we begin to wonder if we’ll ever come out victorious.  So I want to highlight a few things David did to encourage those ready to step out with our slingshots.

When David came on the battlefield, he heard all about this terrible giant. To be sure, we’ve heard how impenetrable the publishing industry can be to those starting out. Well, there was no shortage of talk on the field David arrived on. Yet, David didn’t let it deter him. He hung out at camp trying to gain knowledge on what was happening. And when his older brother questioned who David thought he was coming down to this battlefield—in essence, attempting to dishearten him—what was David’s response?

What is it with you?...ignoring his brother, he turned to someone else… 1 Samuel 17:39-30

Rather than listening to his brother, David tuned him out and turned away.

You may have people in your life who don’t believe what God has called you to do. You may have naysayers and discouragers. These people can be as close as family members and friends, or they may simply be other writers in the community. It doesn’t matter who they are but what they are saying, and if it’s discouragement, you need to distance yourself. Ignore their words. Turn away from them. Cut the relationship. Do whatever you need so that you shut out their voices and continue listening to the only Voice that matters.

Because, let’s face it, the writing world is a tough one, and the only way to walk through it is with God by your side. And to remember that nothing—nothing—can remove the calling God has on your life or his ability to get you there. What can happen, however, is you remove yourself from that path because of allowing another to convince you you’re ill-equipped or on the wrong one. This is why you must make up your mind who will speak into your life and let the rest go. Find a time dedicated each day to spending time with God. Cling to his word. Ask for his continued direction and listen only to his voice.

Anything else, tune it out and turn from it.

Dora here. Do you have any naysayers in your life? 

How do you cope with their discouraging comments?

Susan Tuttle is a homeschooling mom of three who is crazy about coffee, dark chocolate, and words—both reading and writing them. Combine that love of words with her passion for leading women to a life-changing encounter with Christ, and you’ll find her crafting Inspirational Contemporary Romance stories laced with humor, love, and healing transformations. When not cheering on her Ironman hubby, chasing the family dog, or tackling complex math problems to teach her kids (yes, even the third grader), you can catch Susan at her blog, Steps.