“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10, NASB
Dear Christian Writer Friend,
Do you ever wonder if God has called you to write for Him? #Calling #ChristianWriters Click To TweetI have. Oh my, have I ever. When I’ve experienced negative fallout like marital tensions or family difficulties because of writing commitments, my mind has wandered down that question’s path. When little or no response accompanies my posts, when my search for an agent extends into years, or when I compare myself to other writers, anxiety over this question can plague me.
Can you relate?
Our answer to whether or not God has called us to write is fundamental.
Because if He hasn’t called us, why are we doing what we’re doing? Crafting words requires time, skill, and commitment. Surely other ways exist for us to serve the Lord. On the other hand, if God has called us, why do we get mired down with doubts and fears? An enemy prowls around, seeking to discourage and prevent us from fulfilling God’s will.
Please join me in exploring four milestones from my writing journey, which I pray will encourage you forward in yours. #AmWriting #ChristianWriter Click To TweetMilestone #1: God’s Word
Early on, God used Jeremiah 1:5 to call me into writing and speaking:
Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, And before you were born I consecrated you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.
Though God spoke these words to Jeremiah about 2,500 years ago, He’s used them as a repeated confirmation to me through the years. The Lord has entrusted me with His truth, and while I don’t travel extensively, my words travel places I never dreamed possible. The internet and magazine publications carry them to far-off places, reaching the destinations God intended long ago. Glory to Him!
Milestone #2: God’s People
Way back when at the church I formerly attended, I offered to teach my material to the Women’s Bible Study. Sadly, it was a no-go. I was discouraged by the leaders’ unenthusiastic responses. Didn’t they respect my ability? Didn’t they desire to grant me an opportunity?
Through that painful experience, God held me close to His heart. He planted a loving, godly woman in my path who encouraged me. She helped me step forward by praying for me, working side-by-side in ministry, and even painting the artwork for the cover of my first Bible study workbook. I remain grateful for her faithful and loving involvement that moved me forward in ministry.
God has used many of His people to prompt me ahead since those beginning days. I can’t name them all, but gratitude rises within me for every person who has invested time, prayers, and support on behalf of Proclaiming Him to Women Ministries. In particular, the Lord’s provision of a ministry prayer team has added tremendous benefits. This amazing group of women has fluctuated slightly, yet some of the original members remain. Their prayers and support mean more than I can express. God be praised for His timely encouragement through His people!
Milestone #3: Opportunities
Pondering God’s calling from another perspective reveals a powerful answer. For instance, did God call me to be a wife? Why, yes. He gave me a husband (and a wonderful one at that 💕). Did God call me to be a mother? Of course. He gave me my beloved children. If I use that same logic to consider whether He called me to write, I can respond affirmatively with confidence. God gives me words—words that flow and others I struggle to capture. He also dispenses my drive to write despite long hours and elusive words. The Lord propels me forward step-by-step, renewing my strength and compelling me to continue.
God has opened doors I didn’t anticipate. Writing devotions for Journey Magazine assures me of His hand. The opportunity to organize and teach at Embrace Bible Study Community plus mentor precious young women reveals God’s presence in my ministry. Selling articles and receiving a request to teach at a local church’s women’s retreat further confirms God’s calling. And the opportunity to teach at the Asheville Christian Writers Conference astounds me. God gives. He forges ahead, making the rough places smooth and calling each of us by name:
To open doors before him so that gates will not be shut: I will go before you and make the rough places smooth; I will shatter the doors of bronze, and cut through their iron bars … In order that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name. Isaiah 45:2-3
Milestone #4: Impact
God speaks to me through feedback from readers and those He uses me to influence. When I discover that my words positively impact another person, my hearts sings. God is using me. He has a plan for the words He gives me. Everything I possess belongs to Him, and it’s incredible to realize He’s using little me. The wife and mom who juggles responsibilities and wrestles with feelings of failure. The woman without a college degree. The writer who entered the industry without connections.
Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling different members of Your family to write for You. Please rally us as a vast army to enter territory in people’s hearts that must be conquered and claimed for Christ.
In Jesus’ Mighty Name, Amen.
The Lord has called me to write. How about you? Which of these milestones especially resonates with you? I’d love to hear your story.
In Christ’s Love,
Thank you for this, Emily. I’ll try to keep these milestones in mind as I continue on this writing journey.
Dear Carole,
You’re welcome! Thankful to be journeying with you . May the Lord bless your writing and continue to use you in others’ lives.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily
Dear Jackie,
I love the Scripture verse! What’s the reference? It’s fabulous. And, I love that you write birthday cards to your church family – such an amazing ministry! I know the recipients are blessed to read the words God puts on your heart for each of them. Thank you ever so much for being such a blessing. The Lord is using you and the words He gives you.
In Christ’s Love,
Emily
This is the verse that spurred ME on to a writing ministry:
New International Version (NIV 2011): “The Lord announces the word, and the women who proclaim it are a mighty throng.”
English Standard Version (ESV): “The Lord gives the word; the women who announce the news are a great host.”
After reading the letters of John Newton, and HOW the Apostle Paul wrote his letters to churches and individuals, I began (as the Lord led) a ministry of writing birthday cards to every member of our church (we have a list and addresses). In the cards I write words of appreciation, encouragement, challenge, exhortation, comfort… whatever the Lord leads on that person or child. It’s amazing how many say to me how blessed they were to read it. (Many younger people were also astounded to actually get a card IN THE MAIL!) Yes, the postage adds up, but I never give it a thought because of the blessing it gives and brings. (And occasionally someone will send a packet of stamps in a return thank you card.)
I also write continuing “letter-stories” to children, as if I were a Missionary Kid, or a friend of their grandma. What immense fun! I’m collecting some of the MK stories into a book to publish in the fall.
Jackie