As writers, each of us has a message  God wants us to tell. It can be hard to write, hard to find the time to work. It can be hard to figure out what to say and hard to imagine all the steps needed to get God’s message out.

I’ve heard it said that if you want a message from God, read the Bible. If you want to hear Him speak, then read the Bible out loud.  This blog contains advice that comes from God’s Word, the Bible. I hope this  encourages you.

• Jesus is the Logos, the Word. Jesus is God, part of the Trinity that is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.The Word is all-powerful. God spoke all things into existence (John 1:1-5). 

• You are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). Being made in God’s image is an immense honor. Although you are not God, you can reflect His attributes. Being made in His image is your birthright and you must  guard and protect it at all costs. As an image-bearer of God and of Jesus the Word, one attribute you possess is words. Your words are powerful. Explosive. Your words can move people, whether for good or for evil. You must recognize this power and use your words only for good.
• Once you are His, God has assignments for you. First you need to acknowledge that you cannot make yourself good enough to be with God. Next you need to accept the atoning sacrifice of Jesus as payment for your sin so you can be reconciled to a holy God. Then, since you belong to Him, He calls you to live according to His ways and leads you to assignments that will reflect His glory and further his mission in the world. Isaiah 6:8 reads, And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” Then I said, “Here I am! Send me.” These tasks God gives you can be daunting. Impossible even. But the good news is that not only does God call you to do things for Him, He also empowers you so that you CAN do them (Psalm 32:8, 1 Thessalonians 5:24). He wants you to succeed and He will do everything He can to help you (Philippians 2:13, Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13).

• Community is important. Look to God for help in finding a writing group or network that will encourage you not only in your craft but also in your walk with Christ. Writing as a follower of Jesus presents difficulties unbelieving writers don’t face and we all need the support of like-minded others. (Ecclesiastes 4:12).
• As a follower of Jesus be careful at all times of how you speak and write. Communicate God’s truth and love rather than tearing down. Skillful writers without God have done great damage in our world. Carefully weigh the consequences of your words before letting them loose. James talks about the power of the tongue in James 3:5-10.
• It’s okay to not know how your words are going to turn out. Just trust the Holy Spirit and the process and take one step at a time (Psalm 119:105). A lamp at your feet only lights the next step.
• You are called to be faithful, not successful. If you are doing the work then you are doing what God wants you to do. Your success doesn’t depend on how anyone else responds (Ezekiel 3:10-11).
• You are called to persevere. You don’t know what good you may be doing even if you don’t see results.
• The world needs our message. Keep moving ahead! Practice persistence. (2 Timothy 4:1-5).

• Remember that in God’s economy nothing is wasted. God turns a MESS into a MESSAGE, a TEST into a TESTIMONY, a TRIAL into a TRIUMPH, and a VICTIM into a VICTORY. Romans 8:28 says,  “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
• Remember that God loves you even if you screw up. He loves you if you procrastinate and if you are stymied. He loves you even if can’t do anything at all. Nothing surprises Him. Stay close to Him and don’t sweat it. Keep picking yourself up and moving ahead. John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved YOU that He gave His only begotten Son, that if YOU believe in Him YOU will not perish but have eternal life.”

That’s the best news of all!