Showing posts with label God's purpose for writers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label God's purpose for writers. Show all posts

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Fulfilling His Purpose

Thursdays - Devotions for Writers

“The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me;
your love, O Lord, endures forever—do not
abandon the works of your hands.”
(Psalm 138:8 NIV)


Do you know anyone who doesn’t want to have purpose in his life? I don’t. I think it’s a need in most of us—if not all of us—to feel that we’re contributing something to the world and the people in it. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we want to believe that our presence makes a difference. I think when people deny the internal need for purpose, the result is selfishness and greed.

God tells us that He does have a plan and purpose for our lives. We’re not put on earth to meander until we breathe our last breath. As writers, part of our calling is to write and share His word, in whatever format works best for us.

Many of you have witnessed lives changed by people not only reading the Bible, but also the devotions, articles, and books that authors pen. I’m often spiritually fed by a Christian novel as much as I am by attending a church service.

If God chooses, He can use our work to reach people not only here in the U.S., but to the corners of the world. More and more frequently, I hear of author’s books being translated into a variety of languages and sent to other countries.

A missionary friend of mine works with orphaned girls and teens in Peru. His organization takes abandoned children off the streets and provides safety in three large “homes” built for them where they can get food, medical care, and education. They receive love from the staff and they learn about the One who “is” love.

Most of these little girls have been sexually and emotionally abused. They’re wounded both externally and internally. But with care, it's possible for them to heal.

My friend expressed a need for Christian books in Spanish to help the girls understand God’s love and acceptance of them – no matter what they had done—or what had been done to them. Along with children’s books, I sent Francine River’s, Redeeming Love. The teens devoured it, and when it came time for one of the older girls to leave, he gave her a copy to take with her because the story had meant so much to her.

We may never write a novel as internationally read as Redeeming Love, but dear writers, we have our own job to do. When doubts creep in, remember . . . God will fulfill His purpose in you.

Dawn

Thursday, January 14, 2010

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

Thursday, December 3, 2009

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