“When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child, but when I became a man, I put away childish things.” First Corinthians 13:11
The past few weeks have been all about facing the truth for me. Two people who are very close to me have had medical issues to deal with. We have learned that by facing unpleasant facts, we can form a plan. God has everything figured out before we get there. We just need to allow Him to take over, leaving our worries at His feet.
As for me, this week I reached a turning point in my writing journey. A long awaited answer turned out to be another No.
At our mid-week Bible study the same day (watched remotely) I was reminded of a story I had forgotten about. One of the wise voices in our congregation helped us understand Simon the sorcerer, who witnessed the apostles performing miracles in Acts Chapter 8. “And when Simon saw that through the laying on of the apostles’ hands the Holy Spirit was given, he offered them money, saying ‘Give me this power also, that anyone on whom I lay hands may receive the Holy Spirit'” Acts 8:18 Though he was rightly rebuked by Peter for thinking that God’s gifts could be purchased, I sympathized a little with him. Simon did what came naturally. He was obviously envious of the healing power the apostles possessed, and was looking for the easy way to get it for himself. I don’t think we hear of Simon again, but I hope he realized that God had given him his own gifts, and perhaps he learned to use them to God’s glory.
One year ago this week, I had also reached another turning point at the ACFW national conference. There, I learned that my stories are mine. Yes, I can make them better, and by making them better, they will be more marketable. But, I don’t need to try to rewrite them to a prescribed formula in order to find a market. When they are finished, polished up, perfected, ready for prime time, they will find their own market.
With the latest truth to face, should I give up on reading craft books and learning the craft of writing? Of course not. There is so much to be gleaned by the expertise and experience of others who have traveled the same road ahead of me.
So, am I giving up on publishing fiction? Is that the lesson to be learned here? No. I am giving up on telling people “When I grow up, I want to be a Christian fiction author.” This gets a lot of smiles when they notice the color of my hair, and the smile lines God has added to my face over the years. Today, I recognize that the gifts God has given me are uniquely mine. I am already using them to reach others. I have a small, but very loyal following, and my words are reaching their hearts. I have already arrived as a writer. I am grown up. I am ready for God to continue to use me in whatever way He sees fit.
My plan for the future? Continuing on the path He has laid out for me.
Seeking His kingdom. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Matthew 6:33
Waiting on Him to renew my strength. “But those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31
Walking humbly with Him. “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?” Micah 6:8
(All scripture references are from the New King James Version)
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