Writing With Faith

Memling Diptych of Maarten Nieuwenhove panel detail 3 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When I start a book, I may have an audience in mind. Often I think about where I will submit the manuscript and who will read my words. I never know if what I dream about will happen. If I put too much faith in myself and my ability to publish the book, I can lose my way. I have to trust God for what He will do with my efforts.

I’m often surprised at where the work goes. Sometimes the trashcan! Some writing is just for me and my own growth. That can be painful. But the work that’s ended up in the file cabinet or the trash can has grown me and taught me. Part of the process of my spiritual growth is obedience to God in putting the words on paper, then surrendering where it will be used by Him.

When we started our latest book, my sister said to me, “I think someone, somewhere is praying for this book. They’re looking for this book and praying that it comes to them.” I love that idea. I don’t know where our words will end up but I have faith that God is working through us and in us as we write. I have faith that our desire to please God pleases Him more than the results of our work.

I love this prayer by Thomas Merton and pray it often:

My Lord God,

I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.

Amen

It is comforting that I don’t have to have all the answers.

Today we will write with faith, The Writing Sisters

25 Responses »

ReeknittingwordswithGod on March 26, 2012 at 7:20 am said:

That prayer is so timely for me today, thank you for sharing it! Be blessed!

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 11:48 am said:
  
  Thanks for your comment. I needed it too!
  
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Lynna Clark on March 26, 2012 at 9:26 am said:

Wow, I love this so much! Thank you again sweet sisters!

A beautiful passage has become my prayer. I know it’s speaking of Christ, but in desiring to be like Him, I think the Lord is okay with me praying it for my writing too. Isaiah 50:4:

“The Sovereign Lord has given me His words of wisdom, so that I know how to comfort the weary. Morning by morning He wakens me and opens my understanding to His will.”

May it be so for all who want to honor our beloved Lord.

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 10:54 am said:
  
  I love this scripture. Thanks so much for sharing. How precious to be given words of Wisdom.
  
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Katie on March 26, 2012 at 10:23 am said:

All of your questions are mine too that keep me from writing. Thank you for this

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 11:48 am said:
  
  Thanks for your encouragement. It means a lot.
  
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Butch Dean on March 26, 2012 at 10:47 am said:

Thank you for this post.

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Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 11:49 am said:

Thank you for your comment! It is a great encouragement to us to hear a “Thank You”.

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ktlee on March 26, 2012 at 12:32 pm said:

Wow, what a great post today. Just last night I prayed about my writing, and I prayed a similar prayer to what you posted. I felt that I didn’t know why I was being led to write, but I felt God pushing me to continue. We can’t always know what His plans are for us, but all we can do is be willing instruments with the talents we possess. What great timing — thanks so much for your post!

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 4:12 pm said:
  
  I agree, being willing is half the battle.
  
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admin on March 26, 2012 at 12:55 pm said:

Thank you for your encouraging post. It is so good to know we write and God uses it as he wills. Abundant blessings are yours!

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 4:14 pm said:
  
  Amen.
  
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Caddo Veil on March 26, 2012 at 12:59 pm said:

This is especially wonderful to me, as I struggle over a major writing project, whether God has “green lighted it or not”–I love what your sister said!! Thank you for sharing. God bless you both–today and always.

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 4:14 pm said:
  
  Praying for your project. I love your writing.
  
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  - Caddo Veil on March 26, 2012 at 8:36 pm said:
    
    Thank you for saying so! I rather imagined I wasn’t up on the same level with you lovely sisters!
pasturescott on March 26, 2012 at 3:09 pm said:

It’s amazing how applicable this post and prayer are for many walks of life. God’s blessings!

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 4:13 pm said:
  
  So many things to surrender!
  
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sundowniest on March 26, 2012 at 4:29 pm said:

I agree! Prayer, don’t stay home without it?

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- Writing Sisters on March 26, 2012 at 4:30 pm said:
  
  So true.
  
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granbee on March 26, 2012 at 5:16 pm said:

I believe your sister is correct–a lot of us out here need the book you are working on, if this post is any indication of the attitude and philosophy with which you are both working on that book. I have always benefitted from everything and anything I have read by Thomas Merton. Thanks for the prayer reminder here.

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- Writing Sisters on March 27, 2012 at 2:34 pm said:
  
  So thankful for you kind words.
  
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bwebbjr on March 26, 2012 at 9:00 pm said:

We never know who God has intended as the audience of our writing and how He will use it to touch their lives … I find his distribution and timing are always perfect. Thanks for sharing a bit of insight into your writing process. Bernie

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Writing Sisters on March 27, 2012 at 2:35 pm said:

Thanks Bernie, He is faithful.

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apronheadlilly on March 28, 2012 at 10:26 pm said:

Great post and prayer!

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Linda Joyce on March 29, 2012 at 8:52 pm said:

I marvel at folks who scoff at faith. Without it, I do not know how I could live. A loverly prayer.
Thank you, Linda Joyce

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