Our Ways versus The Lord’s Ways by Cindy Williams

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jer. 29:11

"The End." We write those sweet words at the end of our story and breathe a sigh of relief… maybe post it online or celebrate with friends. We’ve plunged our characters into danger, immersed them in intrigue, struck them with love. They’ve been driven with purpose, fixed on their goals.

But what if you get to the end and realise that all their plans, all the things they were so concerned about, all the situations that drove them to achieve or fight or flee were not what the story was about at all!

This is the case with my new book, The Silk Merchant of Sychar. It is based on the John 4 account of the Samaritan woman at the well: a woman who had had five husbands and was currently with a man not her husband.

In the culture of her time marriage and children brought honor and security. Yet this woman had married and lost one man after another – five times! Imagine what thoughts occupied her mind. When she went out to the well, was she thinking of Jesus? Was she planning to do something great to please God? I don’t think so. She was coping with life in all its messiness.

Yet God used this woman as one of the first evangelists for Jesus. She was so excited after speaking to this Jewish man that had told her ‘everything she ever did’ that she rushed back to town to tell everyone. As a result, the town leaders invited Jesus to stay – a radical move as there was no love lost between Jews and Samaritans. He taught them for two days and many believed.

The Lord works the same way in our life. We may be trying to live a life pleasing to God or simply trying to get through the day. We may be doing the things we think He wants us to do and writing the words we feel called to write. Yet when the Author of Life planned and created us perhaps He wove in a few fine golden threads that He uses to His glory without us even trying, or maybe even knowing.

The Lord knows the plans he has for us and when we finally get to meet him we may be amazed at what seemingly insignificant events in our life bring a smile to his face and the words to his lips: "Well done good and faithful servant."

"...when the Author of Life planned and created us perhaps He wove in a few fine golden threads that He uses to His glory..." #SeriouslyWrite #amwriting

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Cindy Williams is an Australian author. For over twenty years she spoke and wrote about

healthy eating. Now she writes a more varied diet – of history, health, food and faraway places.

Exercise is her stress relief. Prayer is her sanity. Coffee and croissants are her downfall.

She writes stories of flawed women who battle injustice, and sometimes find romance.

She reviews for the Historical Novel Society, blogs for International Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers, and teaches scripture in schools.

Her first novel, The Pounamu Prophecy, was short listed for the 2016 Caleb Prize.
One woman, five husbands and a weary rabbi at the well who
knows everything she ever did.

The day after they bury her husband Leah Marcellus loses her
baby. A widow and childless, what man will want her now?
Her father arranges a second marriage – a profitable business
arrangement – sealed on Mount Gerizim, the holy mountain
where every true follower of Yahweh worships. But Leah’s heart
belongs to another. Her passion only brings trouble - jealousy,
murder and lies.

Leah’s skill at the loom and the secrets of dye – the woad, the
murex and madder – brings her renown among the Roman
women of wealth.

Yet death and betrayal soon steal her security. Leah is determined
to protect her family ... at any cost.

From the olive groves of Samaria to the bloodied sand of a
Roman stadium to the exquisite silks brought from the East,
The Silk Merchant of Sychar weaves colour into the biblical
account of the woman at the well.

Listen for God's Voice

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“My sheep listen to my voice, I know them,
and they follow me.” (John 10:27 NIV)

Do you ever ask, “What does God really want me to do?”

Does the question pertain to your writing?

I try to include God in all aspects of my writing, but I admit that sometimes I neglect to check out what He wants. Even though I know that the decisions I make, and the words I write, will bear more fruit if He’s directing them.

I’ve probably learned more about waiting on God while working on devotions for Seriously Write. Even though I’d love to have a month’s worth prescheduled to post, often the topic God wants me to address doesn’t come until the weekend before it goes live. I’ve had to trust that God will give direction if I just wait and open myself up to what He wants shared.

And surprisingly – or maybe not surprisingly – I’ve frequently discovered that Annette has had the same topic pressed upon her heart for the weekly feature she writes. Coincidence? I don’t think so.

I desire to listen and follow God’s direction on not only what to write, but also where to submit my work - whether it’s a publishing house or an agent. I want to know how much time and energy He wants me to put in to this part of my life, so that I’m careful to not neglect Him, my family, or friends.

But, how does God speak to us? How does He tell us these things?

Of all the ways, I believe He most frequently uses His word, wisdom already gained or given from others, and the small voice of the Holy Spirit inside us who speaks God’s will to our spirit. Our spirit is then able to convey to our mind and heart God’s will and the action to take. Then we feel that glorious inner peace of knowing we’re on the right path.

What have you experienced in your writing career after listening for God's voice?

Dawn

A Few Surprises

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

"Many are the plans in a man's heart,
but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." (Proverbs 19:21 NIV)

All writers probably have a dream, vision, or plan of what needs to be accomplished before they can feel successful in their writing careers. The prize may first be a contracted novel. Then it may be a three book contract for a series. For some, it may be an article published in a major magazine.

I have my own dream. But, I’ve also discovered something on this journey. The Lord has a purpose for our writing, which may include a few surprises along the way.

I work for a national telecommunications company. It’s known that I’m a writer, and so through a series of events, I was handed the task of creating a quarterly publication for our department of 90 people.

At first, I thought it a bit daunting. But then – selfishly – I thought how wonderful it would be to have a creative outlet. A breath of fresh air!

I was thinking only about myself. My plan.

Because of time limitations, I requested help. Management and I worked out a way to solicit four other people in the department, with me taking the role as lead editor. I didn’t know what to expect, but God had a plan. He provided a gold mine in the four coworkers who stepped forward.

They've arrived at meetings, excited to offer ideas and suggestions. I’m mentoring one person to someday take over the role of editor. She's struggled with her job and told me this project is the one thing she has. The one thing that helps keep her going.

A young man in his mid-twenties has beamed these past weeks. Desiring to go to art school, the opportunity to design our graphics has been a needed creative outlet for him. He emailed that working on the publication has been a great experience for him.

God had a plan.

I don’t believe my work on this publication was just a way for me to add more credits to my writing resume. I believe the Lord’s purpose also included this small group of people who were feeling just as I was. Desperate to fill the void inside that occurs when we don’t have the opportunity to create.

Sometimes God uses our writing gifts in ways we don’t expect.

Sometimes, God surprises us.

Be open to those surprises . . .

And have a great week.

Dawn

A Plan!

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord.
"Plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future." (Jer. 29:11 NIV)

I’m a planner. I like to have things figured out ahead of time. If I’m going to host a holiday celebration, I plan the meal and decorations weeks in advance.

I’m the same way when it comes to writing. Some people are SOTP (seat of the pants) writers. Not me. I’m a plotter. I need to know how the story is going to end and how I’m going to get there.

For people who like to have the future planned out, the unknown can be a little daunting. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Jeremiah 29:11 is one of my favorite verses.

It’s also a favorite because after living through difficult times—like so many people have—I’ve learned to lean on the fact that God is still in control. God still has a plan for my life. Knowing that has always brought me hope.

God has a plan for our writing careers, too.

At times it can feel like He’s forgotten that we’re relying on Him to help us in our calling by providing necessary opportunities. Especially when other people seem to be blessed in their writing careers. But even when we feel—despite our prayers and hard work—no headway is being made, He hasn’t forgotten.

God has a plan.

Sometimes that plan can take what feels like a detour. But, there may be good reasons. Maybe the road up ahead is full of pot holes – or possibly even a sink hole. Maybe the detour will lead you to opportunities that will strengthen what you have to offer and better prepare you to hop back on the road towards your destination.

I was recently handed an opportunity to lead a small team in reviving a newsletter for a department of 80 people in the corporation where I'm employed. The door swung wide open for me to take this on, even though it’s not the type of responsibility I normally hold in the department.

Part of me is excited. Part of me is a little scared. The people I need to please are business oriented. They’re people who are comfortable with concrete, black and white data. I’m a creative writer. I want to show them that information can still be relayed in an interesting and fun format.

God has a plan.

He doesn’t want us to shrink back from opportunities He presents. Opportunities that may bring us closer to where He wants us to be.

I’m facing this challenge with the newsletter believing that God is going to use the experience for my good.

Be willing to walking through unexpected open doors.

God has a plan for your writing career.

Trust that.

Dawn