Write His Answer

Planning the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference is a huge step of faith for me each year although I don’t think I worry as much as I used to. 🙂 I certainly shouldn’t for Father has been so faithful . . .

I’m reminded of the words I wrote over 20 years ago in my book, Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers (now in a second edition and still in print).

God has called me to write. Neither I nor my husband question his call. I know Paul fully supports my choice to stay home and write. But I also know our financial obligations make my writing seem like an unaffordable luxury. If I put in the same number of hours at a “real” job, there would be a regular paycheck. I wouldn’t need to worry about how we are going to pay for college for our two children or the repairs our house desperately needs. And Paul would not have to work a second job delivering pizzas.*

It’s as if I’m engaged in a tug of war between what I know I am supposed to be doing and the realities that make it seem unrealistic. I feel guilty staying home and writing when I see my children doing without some things I’d like to be able to give them. And then the doubts come. I wonder whether I’m torturing myself with writing aspirations that are only pipe dreams. . . .

I am reminded of Jesus’ words about God and money in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus knew the hardships his countrymen endured because of the heavy taxes Rome imposed. When crops failed or the nets were empty, no doubt many went hungry. Yet Jesus told them not to worry about food, drink, or clothes. He sought to change their perspective – to help them see that they should be grateful for life itself.

Jesus drew their attention to the birds of the air. “They don’t worry about what to eat – they don’t need to sow or reap or store up food – for your heavenly Father feeds them. And,” he reminded them, “you are far more valuable to him than they are” (Matt. 6:26 TLB).

He pointed to the lilies in the field. “King Solomon in all his glory was not clothed as beautifully as they” (Matt. 6:29 TLB). Again he spoke words of reassurance. “And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won’t he more surely care for you, O men of little faith?” (Matt. 6:30 TLB).

His words convict me. My faith is little. My perspective is wrong. Although God promises to meet all my needs, I waste a tremendous amount of emotional energy worrying. This gives Satan a dangerous foothold in my life. I allow him to rob me of the joy of writing when I embrace negative thinking patterns and my list of “have nots.” As a result, more times than I want to admit, I’ve wondered if I should just give up. Because my work is not selling and ministering to people? No. Because what I earn from manuscript sales never seems to be enough.

Then something else Jesus said comes to mind. “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matt. 6:33 NIV).

That is the key! I must keep my priorities in order – must keep my eyes on the Lord and the kingdom work he is calling me to do. I cannot lose sight of my call by allowing my writing to get tangled up with my worry about our finances. I need to see God as our Source instead of trying to “produce” bigger and better manuscripts that will bring in larger and more frequent checks. I have been assuming a burden God never meant for me to carry instead of trusting Him to provide.

______________

*  More than twenty years later I can witness to the fact that God is and has been faithful. My son graduated from college and my daughter from medical school  the same spring I received an honorary doctorate. Our house didn’t fall down around us, and Paul no longer delivers pizzas. He’s now retired, and two years ago  we moved to a new home within walking distance of our three precious grandchildren. Our old house is still on the market – another faith-stretcher. We thank God that it is paid for and that He is enabling us to absorb the extra expense of taxes, insurance, and utilities along with our new mortgage payment. And I am so, so grateful that I didn’t give up and get a “real” job.

The  above (minus the * postscript) is just a portion of the chapter, “Seek First His Kingdom,” and just one of the thirty-three chapters in Write His Answer – A Bible Study for Christian Writers that address issues such as self-doubts, writer’s block, rejection slips, discouragement, procrastination . . . Best-selling author, Lee Roddy, says,

“This book can change your life.
It not only gives ongoing encouragement
to respond to God’s call to write,
 but helps you keep on writing.”

 Click here to view the Table of Contents and two free chapters as well as info for ordering at the discounted price of $11.90 (retail $14.00). Mention this blog in the “comments” section of the secure online order form and take an additional 10% off through the end of January.

Father, You know the struggles we face as we seek to “write Your answer.” Thank You for Your promises. Help us to see the challenges we face as opportunities to trust You more.