Sit Up and Write On

Christian writers are like messengers or prophets. We are to take what God has given us or taught us and share it with a needy world. There are people in our circles who will not respond in any way to what we write. There are others who desperately need it.

Even when we have an idea of an intended audience, we won’t know who truly needs to read what we’ve written—only God knows the one who needs the message He’s given through us.

But see, that’s the thing—it’s His message through us not our own message. And that changes everything.

When discouragement hits over not having enough followers, remember Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Be faithful to go where He leads you as you write.

When thoughts of quitting come because fear of insignificance rises, remember 2 Timothy 1:7 which says, “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.” Write from a heart of obedience.

When consideration of whether to give up increases for any number of humanly logical reasons, remember Ephesians 2:10, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” Ponder that the battle belongs to God (2 Chronicles 20:15) and let Him fight it.

Your job is to be faithful to deliver what He’s given you.

We can’t get wrapped up in results. As I’ve read the books of prophecy in the Bible, I realized those prophets of old didn’t have any control over how what they said would be received. Many of them knew the words they had to deliver wouldn’t be accepted. Some even argued with God over what’s the use.

But they still shared the message God gave them.

When we remember that the message is God’s, the purpose is His, the results are up to Him, the audience who reads it is brought by Him, we can then take our hands of control off and remember only He can change a heart.

We are simply the vessel He uses. And what a blessing that is to be part of His method.

Jesus said that He spoke and did only what God told Him. As Christ’s representatives, messengers, we must do the same. Wherever and however we speak and write.

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” Colossians 3:17

At times, the battle is from external sources. Other times, it’s from our own insecurities. Try reading John 1 and ponder the number of times that John the Baptist pointed at Christ instead of himself. Then, make the decision to sit up a bit taller and write on for God’s name’s sake.

About Susan Sage 6 Articles
Susan Sage is a writer, teacher, speaker, mentor, and Critique Group Director for Inspire Christian Writers. Susan writes devotionals and flash fiction and has been published in two Inspire anthologies. She was the mentoring editor for several past Inspire anthologies as well. She has recently completed her first novel. Susan and her husband make their home in Rathdrum, ID, after moving from Northern California in 2017. They enjoy visiting the lakes in the area and adventuring along many hiking trails.

6 Comments

  1. Susan,
    Your article was both refreshing and encouraging. I’ve been in those dumps in the past. Just recently, I’ve come to the place you are speaking of. You explained God’s plan for all of us writers so eloquently. Thank you so much.

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