I’ve often written about the three Deadly Ds.
Disappointment
Doubt
Discouragement
Anyone seeking to serve the Lord through the ministry of writing, or any ministry, is likely to encounter these Deadly Ds.
But there is a 4th “D” that can transform the three Deadly Ds into something positive.
Dependence
Your strength will come from settling down
in complete dependence on me.
Isaiah 26:4 MSG
As long as we’re trying to make something happen in our own strength, we’re likely not only to encounter the Deadly Ds but to miss the ever-deepening dependent relationship the Lord wants us to have with Him.
Jesus put it this way:
Live in me, and I will live in you.
A branch cannot produce any fruit by itself.
It has to stay attached to the vine.
In the same way, you cannot produce fruit
unless you live in me.
John 15:4 GW
The 4th D is what keeps me going and, I trust, growing through the now 21 years of directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference and 34 years of directing the Philly conference. The past week has been challenging to say the least, but finally the brochure is off press and the bios of all 56 faculty members are now online.
It’s dependence on God that is what Pastor Andrew Brunson, wrongly imprisoned in Turkey, is clinging to. See his words that CCWC faculty member, Catherine Lawton, shared in her blog. (Click here.) Please pray for him.
It’s dependence on God that is enabling my friend, Kelly Fordyce Martindale, to compile a book of stories to encourage and offer hope to readers who, like her, have lost a child or a young person near to them or have supported someone who has. Click here for more information. Stories of 1,000-3,000 words are due by March 10, but please let Kelly know by February 21 if you intend to submit a story.
Father, help us to look to You when we’re facing the Deadly Ds and to choose to depend on You.
Depend on GOD and keep at it
because in the LORD GOD you have a sure thing.
Isaiah 26:4 MSG
Write His Answer 
Thank you, Marlene, for sharing the prayer request for Andrew Brunson. Truly, when one member of the “body” suffers, we all suffer. We can all surely identify with Andrew’s words: “Even if when I call, You don’t answer but remain silent, I will follow You.” Praise God, He doesn’t remain silent forever. In fact, He is speaking continually. “Lord, give us ears to hear … and hearts dependent on You, as Marlene reminds us.”