Write His Answer

The invitation to teach two workshops at the Annual Convention of the Evangelical Press Association was totally unexpected. It was a great honor and an incredible opportunity professionally. But I almost said no.

Why? With deadlines pressing in on me for both the Colorado and Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, taking three days off to go to a convention (plus making time to prepare two new workshops)  was anything but realistic. But to be honest, the bigger reason for my reluctance was that I felt intimidated by the audience I’d be addressing of “primarily editors and writers for Christian periodicals . . . most of them employed by magazines.”

Although I’ve served on the faculty of 70 Christian writers conferences and given my one and two-day writing seminars over 50 times around the nation, teaching “already good writers”  how to “enhance their skills” and networking outside the comfort zone of my own conferences created a “crisis of confidence.” The stranglehold of fear almost caused me to miss the tremendous blessings Father had planned.

But I said yes. And then I stressed and whined for weeks.

I finally stopped grumbling long enough to hear the Lord say, “Trust Me, child. The EPA Convention is My gift to you.”

And so I went April 6-8. And yes, indeed, I was blessed “exceedingly, abundantly beyond.”

I have no doubt God wants to bless many of you with the gift of the May 11-14 Colorado or August 3-6 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference. “But I can’t get time off work. I don’t have anyone to watch my kids. I can’t afford the cost. And, the biggee, I’m afraid . . .”

Father, please help us to focus on You rather than on what we think we lack. Help us to overcome our self-doubts, our fears, by choosing to put our hope, our faith, our confidence in You. Thank You for the plans You have for us.

Partial scholarships are still available for the May 11-14 Colorado conference, but the registration fee increases April 12 so now is the time to ask. Registration for the August 3-6 Philly conference opens April 15. (Now that is a faith statement! A faculty of 55 editors, agents, and authors is now in place along with the keynotes, 8 continuing sessions, and clinics. I still need to assign 60 workshops, get the brochure online and to the printer, and do tons of work on the website. Thank You, Father, for reminding me – again – that nothing is impossible with you.)

Many, LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done,
the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
they would be too many to declare.
Psalm 40:5 (NIV2011)

Do you need more encouragement? Click here for a free chapter, “Crisis of Confidence,” from my book, Write His Answer – a Bible Study for Christian Writers.