Something for Writers to Marvel at this Christmas

by Lori Hatcher @LoriHater2

Elizabeth, John the Baptist’s mother, asked a question I often ask in my journey as a Christian writer: 

“But why is this granted to me?”

Elizabeth asked Mary this when Mary entered her home. Both women were pregnant. Elizabeth carried John, the herald who would prepare the way for the Messiah. Mary sheltered the Messiah deep within her.

When Mary entered the house, John leapt in Elizabeth’s womb.

“Why is this granted to me,” Elizabeth marveled, “that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

Elizabeth recognized the profound honor that had been granted to her—to be in the presence of the woman who carried her Savior—the Savior of the world.

I’ll have to wait till heaven to meet Elizabeth, but, like her, I often marvel at the grace God has granted to me.

I marvel at the grace He extended to me when He called me to salvation. Paul articulated it beautifully when he said, “Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong” (1 Corinthians 1:26-27). 

I did nothing to earn God’s favor, nor do I deserve anything from Him but wrath. But He had mercy on me and called me to Himself. 

Why is this granted to me?

I marvel, too, at the grace God extended to me when He called me to write. Of all the professions in the world, He allows me to craft words, and sentences, and paragraphs, and blog posts, and devotions, and articles, and books that point people to Him. 

I’m not a theologian. I don’t have a doctoral degree in biblical studies. I haven’t been to seminary or even Christian college. I’m a retired homeschool mom with a degree in Dental Hygiene. But I love God and His Word, and I want others to know and love Him, too. 

Why is this granted to me?

Finally, I marvel at the grace God extended to me when He placed me into a community of writers who glorify God through our writing. Instead of calling me into the secular world where competition rules and writers keep their best information, techniques, and contacts to themselves, God called me into a family dedicated to helping each other succeed. They share their insight, knowledge, and experience. They connect me with those who can help me take the next step in my writing journey. They critique my writing, encourage me when I want to quit, and pray for me. 

Why is this granted to me?

As Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the lowly state of His maidservant. . . . For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name” (Luke 1:46-49).

Today, on this blessed Christmas morn, celebrate the gift of your salvation. Praise God for the privilege of writing for Him. Thank Him for calling you into the family of Christian writers. 

And marvel at His goodness to you.

Now it’s your turn. What are you marveling at today? Leave a comment and join the conversation.

TWEETABLE

Something for Writers to Marvel at this Christmas - @LoriHatcher2 on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Lori Hatcher loves God even more than she loves chocolate—and that’s a lot. Since He called her to Himself at age 18, she’s been on a relentless journey to know and love Him more. Her deepest desire is for others to join her on the journey. As an author, blogger, and women’s ministry speaker, she writes for Our Daily Bread, Guideposts, Revive Our Hearts, and Crosswalk.com. She’s written three devotional books, including Refresh Your Faith, Uncommon Devotions from Every Book of the Bible, and Hungry for God…Starving for Time, Five-Minute Devotions for Busy Women. Connect with her at LoriHatcher.com or on Facebook, Twitter (@lorihatcher2) or Pinterest (Hungry for God).