Tuesday, July 28, 2020

Let's Refocus by Emily Wickham

“Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart”
(Psalm 37:4, NASB).

Aspirations Tuesdays are designed “to deal with whatever issues are hindering you” as a writer. And in my mind, 2020 has presented each of us with unprecedented challenges plus concerns about our literary ambitions. Perhaps the conference we planned to attend was rescheduled or canceled. Maybe the publisher we hoped to contract with is reducing their number of new publications, or our plans to self-publish have been interrupted by a reduced income.

The world is filled more than ever with uncertainty, and we might wonder what the future holds for the writing industry.

Let’s stop, take a breath, and refocus. Our God, who never changes, remains in control. Nothing ever surprises or confuses Him. He foreknew every event of 2020 before time began. So you and I, Christian writer friend, can rest assured in His perfect plan for our writing.

The answer to our multiple questions rests in our Lord, who’s always willing to hear our cries and petitions. Yet we must discipline ourselves to sit quietly before Him in prayer, delighting in Him and uttering the desires of our heart.

On that note, please pray with me:

Father in Heaven,

You are worthy.

Your glory and strength, righteousness and wisdom, holiness and sovereignty surpass all else. We exalt You, Almighty God, for who You are. Your hand holds the past, present, and future. Your power awes us, inspiring us to bow before You in worship.

We yield to You.

Realizing our fallible tendencies, we confess any impure motives or selfish desires. We reject every temptation to seek others’ approval above Yours, dedicating our writing anew for Your purposes and glory. We submit to Your will for the words with which You anoint us.

Your grace is sufficient.

Thank You for supplying daily grace, for we are weak in ourselves (2 Corinthians 12:9). You are the strength and surety we need, empowering us to communicate truth. We’re grateful You desire to use us—along with the words we write—in “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

You go before us.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, You maintain a purpose for the skills You entrusted to us. We delight in knowing You pave the way toward each opportunity. Because nothing can stop You, we joyfully anticipate the unfolding of Your unique plan for our writing.

We trust You.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart Be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). We move forward in faith echoing the psalmist’s desire. Whether fiction or nonfiction, may the words we pen reach into deep places, offering hope and peace in Christ.

We belong to You.

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we long to follow You. Please continue to encourage us along the way and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). Speak to us and through us, “those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved” (Colossians 3:12).

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

Despite the world’s uncertainties, God maintains a purpose for our writing skills. @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #WritersLife #Purpose #SeriouslyWrite

Emily Wickham seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for LifeWay, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016.

Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 30+ years. They are the blessed parents of four adult children and two daughters-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.

Connect with Emily:
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Alcanzando la Justicia
Do you know any missionaries to Spanish-speaking women? Or, is your church involved in outreach to the Hispanic community? Emily would love to put her Bible study on Esther into their hands, and she’s willing to fundraise for this purpose. Please see her website for more information. You also can purchase Alcanzando la Justicia on Amazon.