Writing with a Purpose

by Bruce Brady @BDBrady007

The Sovereign Lord has spoken to me, and I have listened. I have not rebelled or turned away. - Isaiah 50:5

I’m moving!

I didn’t want to, but I’m moving. I’m leaving my church and friends behind, and relocating to a place I once considered undesirable. It’s a transient-filled town that thrives on tourism. It’s also noted for its abundant crime. I don’t really like crowds, and I’m certainly not a fan of lawlessness. I prefer peaceful quiet, so when I heard the words “let’s move here” come out of me, I questioned whether my motive was simply an impulse to care for my wife should she be widowed.

Many of you know I’m living with cancer and could be called home at any time. When I suggested we move, I thought the Lord was leading me to this place I don’t particularly like so that my wife would have family support when I leave this world. But I was wrong.

As soon as we committed to moving, God showed me—us—His reason for our painful packing. A new ministry. One He revealed through my wife. He often speaks to me through her about important matters. (I wish He’d stop doing that—it’s very humbling.)

So what does our next chapter have to do with you, and writing? It comes down to obedience. As the verse says, when He spoke to us, we listened and didn’t rebel. Our submission to His lead has resulted in a home sale and move that has gone eerily smooth—with the exception of the painful packing experience. And this is the promise He makes to us all. When we follow Him, He smooths our paths (Exodus 23:20).

The ideas and words will flow as we obediently write for Him. Sure there will be bumps along the way. Sometimes they result from our taking control away from Him. Other times, He wants us to involve others in our writing process—because we were created for community.

The Lord created us to have an intimate relationship with Him. He also wants us to tell others about His desire to be deeply involved with every man, woman, and child. A relationship where we know He loves us and submit to His lead, knowing He will provide our best possible outcome. We can’t communicate the depths of His love without first developing a kinship with those we encounter. It’s the way He designed us.

While personal relationships are most effective for sharing His love, our writing can reach hundreds, thousands, even millions of people. Our words will influence those who read or hear them. Our stories have the power to change lives.

This is an exciting possibility and an awesome responsibility. When we write from a world view, we will most likely excite human lusts and fears. But when we write for Him, we can lift our readers to new heights. We can help them reach their full potential. We can lead them to the greatest relationship they’ll ever have. These are some of the best reasons to listen to and write for Him.

What do you think? Let me know in the comments below.

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Bruce Brady is an author, writer and playwright. His work has appeared in Focus on the Family’s Thriving Family, www.ChristianDevotions.us, and on stage. Currently, Bruce is working on a Young Adult Novel about a boy who must deal with the death of his dad, being bullied, and helping his mom through her grief. His first five pages took third place in the ACFW South Carolina Chapter’s “First Five Pages” contest.

When he’s not writing, Bruce spends time learning from and helping other writers. He serves as Mentor of Word Weavers International’s Online Chapter, and as a member of Cross ‘N’ Pens, The Writer’s Plot, ACFW’s National and South Carolina Chapters.

“My dream is to entertain my readers and give them hope as they travel the rocky road of life.”