I was given a reminder in church a few weeks ago. It isn’t my will, but God’s. We all know this to be true, but how hard is it to live by? As a writer, it is not easy to be patient and wait for the right timing or read through rejection letters. Not to mention that little panic when you wonder if you are meant to be published. I know I used to wonder if I was fulfilling my needs in writing and afraid that wasn’t God’s plan at all. Were my stories only for me? But why give me these great characters and setting if nobody else is supposed to read about them?
The publishing day and my dream came true. But, there were times I really lacked patience, as well as suffered from self-doubt, among other emotions, in waiting to get there. I will admit that I still struggle with what I perceive my needs to be instead of accepting what God wants for me. I don’t think I am alone. I believe we are all a bit like children, or teenagers, in accepting that Father does know best, especially when it is something we really want or think we need.
Do you struggle with patience or not content with where you writing career is? Do you wonder what God’s plan is for you as a writer? Or, could it be something else in your life where the teenager in you wants to argue with what Father knows is best?
On a side note, I am happy to report that my thoughts did not turn to my novel during the sermon. Okay, maybe it did for a small fraction second. The verse Ecclesiastes 7:20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sin, plays in so well with the verse that set me going a few weeks ago, Matthew 5:48. I jotted it down real quick so I didn’t forget to look it up again, and focused back on the sermon. I am making progress.
I was blessed once again to be able to pray for my fellow bloggers last week and I hope everyone received the answer from God they were hoping for and if not, that you were at least granted peace with the decision He made for you, as He does know what is best for you. I would like to continue praying and ask that you once again list your prayer requests. Thank you.
My cousin Marion....thanks. I hear you about the publishing bit...I'm self publishing and fine with that have distributed about 75 of my books and am not writing a book for my grandkids and others called Animal Poems for Kids. I don't need to be rich and famous but do need to have my voice heard. I'm focus on the growth and connecting that comes with writing family histories and am working on completing my hubby's story for Christmas...
ReplyDeleteI understand completely. I think most writers can...especially unpublished ones. That's why I think it's so important to ask ourselves why we write? And would we still do it, if we knew we'd never be published? Thanks for being so transparent! And thanks for visiting my blog today!
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Katie
Good post - - request for family members to always desire a closer walk with God. THANKS!
ReplyDeleteOh goodness, yes, I struggle with patience every single day. Pray for it every sigle morning. I'm a very impatient person. Growing up, my mother always said, "Don't wish your life away." The same is true, even now, as I find myself wishing I was one step ahead of where I am now in my writing journey. I want to enjoy the ride, you know?
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my blog tonight and for sharing your thoughts here. I think all writers can relate to these sentiments.
ReplyDelete"Patience is a virtue and a virtue never hurt you." My older sister always said this while I was growing up with her kids. She's much older. UGH! And to this day my patience isn't.
ReplyDeleteI need to pray for it more. Please pray that I remember to ask God every morning for more patience. And thank you Amy. I covet prayers for my son Christopher. And you are on my prayer list, Amy. :)
Very good post:) I smiled when I read that your thoughts go to your writing even during a sermone! Mine do sometimes too!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your thoughts on patience; I enjoyed reading them.
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, too, for visiting my blog!
Cindy
Sometimes the difficulty lies in that we have a God who is with us regardless of the direction we decide to go. Our route may not lead to publication, but we may learn something along the way that we needed to discover.
ReplyDeleteAmy, yes, many times I have questions about my writing, but I know Who knows, all the answers...so I wait too. I would like a little prayer for my grandson, one-year-old, who will be undergoing surgery Thursday. Thanks dear sis in the Lord.
ReplyDeleteAmy, so many questions I do know how to answer, but I am thankful that One does, and is always there to listen and help me on the way.
ReplyDeletePatience? hmmm. my greatest struggle...to wait...not rush...and to hear His gentle voice....and sense His wise guidence. Sarah
ReplyDeleteOuch! Did you write this just for me? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAmy, this is very encouraging. Thank you. I do struggle with self-doubt and this post helped encourage me onward.
ReplyDeleteI have found that God's plans for me as a writer, ideas for my blog, etc. wander into my thoughts a lot when I'm at church - even during the sermon. GASP! I try to open my heart and close off my mind while freely worshiping God, but my dreams and desires to write are so large at times. I pray that God sees into my heart and realizes that much of my writing life also centers around the good I wish to do for Him.
ReplyDeleteGreat encouraging post, Amy! Thanks!
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who wrestles with doubts and 'bugger brain" days.
ReplyDeleteYOU are so sweet to pray.
I need release from anger. I don't even know why I'm angry. Thanks and love,
Jen
Audience of ONE
There's no magic time when we'll feel 100% fulfilled on earth--even though we hope that if this or that happens, we will. Thanks for this message.
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