Having Confidence in Writing

Here’s a question for you. Have you ever had a string of good news? Publisher asks for more stories from you or perhaps you are asked to read your book to a group, or maybe a long awaited answer to a piece of writing you have submitted is finally accepted?

These writing events can happen at any time. Recently, several emails and letters arrived with good news about my writing. Upon reading the messages, my first thought was to thank God for His blessings. I thank Him for giving me words that He wants to share.


I wanted to make sure I didn’t “puff up” myself. The words that were accepted by publishers and the opportunities to read my stories to groups was not my doing. God is the one who made all those great things happen.

Yes, I am thankful for these wonderful opportunities. Yes, other emails and letters had rejection notices. There is an important lesson in everything.

As happy as I was to receive news that my writing will be shared with others, I also began to have strange thoughts.

“Well. All this good news. I wonder when the bad news will come.” Speaking these words under my breath, I was shocked at myself. Why would I begin to dwell on the possibility of another rejection when I had just received numerous answers of “yes” to my writing?

I prayed and asked God to forgive me. I thanked Him for the blessings of being able to share words with others. The note on my computer says “PRAY FIRST”. This is a reminder for me to pray and ask God for guidance in writing and in every moment of my life.

These feelings of doubt do not come from the Lord. The feelings of doubt come from the one who is trying to steal my joy and prevent me from sharing God’s Word. This will not happen.

I will have more rejections and more pieces of writing that will be accepted. I will continue with my prayers.

“Lord, thank You for Your blessings. Forgive me for any feeling of doubt of what is to come with the next pieces I submit. I know these feelings of doubt are not from You. Thank You for the confidence You give me when I write. Thank You for being able to share stories that draw people to a closer relationship with You. Amen.”

These feelings of doubt do not come from the Lord. The feelings of doubt come from the one who is trying to steal my joy and prevent me from sharing God’s Word. This will not happen. #seriouslywrite #writing @mimionlife

Blessings,
Melissa Henderson

Melissa Henderson is a writer of inspirational messages. Her first book for children, “Licky the Lizard”, was released in 2018. She also has a story in the compilations “Heaven Sightings” and “Remembering Christmas”. Her passions are helping in community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon and Stephen Minister. She and her husband Alan moved from Virginia to South Carolina to be near son, daughter-in-law and first grandchild. The family motto is “It’s Always A Story With The Hendersons”. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest  and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com 


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Amazon link to "Licky the Lizard"
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