God's Strength Keeps Writers Strong

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Have you ever witnessed a marathon? Participated in one?

While I have never run a marathon, two of my sons were long distance runners in high school. 

Recently, I was reading Psalm 119 and a verse captured my attention. I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. Psalm 119:32 (NASB). This verse reminded me of watching our sons run those long races. And it brought to mind the similarities of marathons and the life of a writer. Truly it's God's strength that keeps writers strong as we each run our own writing race.

Take a walk down memory lane with me while I revisit one race in particular—and as I share some insights I've gleaned from God's Word.

The crowd began to roar as the runners came into view, arms pumping and feet pounding. All of their training and discipline came into play during that last mile. Their faces reflected the struggle to continue—to finish the race. If you’ve ever witnessed a marathon, you know what I’m talking about. These athletes train for months to be able to finish that grueling 26 mile race.

So how do they manage this amazing physical feat? They’re not born with the ability to run these distances, no one is. It takes training, months and years of discipline and sacrifice—and a larger heart. That’s right, doctors have found that long distance runners have significantly larger hearts than the average person. This is a result of their intensive training. They need this larger muscle to pump additional oxygen through their blood to compete at this level. 

As believers—and as believers who write—we also have a race to run. God has a purpose for each of us. At times that purpose is a grueling marathon of faithfulness and work. But God also provides the strength, the larger heart, to accomplish His purpose through us. As we practice daily obedience and discipline, our capacity for the lifeblood of the Holy Spirit increases. Our hearts enable us to be used by God in His work. We too can become elite spiritual athletes, an example of what God wants for all His people.

So join me as I train for my marathon. Feel the joy that comes from a writing life lived with purpose and discipline. Accept God’s training and provision as He enlarges your heart. 

A Prayer for the Writing Marathon

Dear Lord, I ask You to give us the strength and everything we need as we write for You. The life of a writer truly feels like a marathon. There are the endless hours of honing our craft as we pound away at the keyboard. These times are punctuated by brief moments of cheering as we watch something we’ve worked on see the light when our words are read by others. 

Help us to stay focused on You as we continue to train and grow. Keep us away from the pitfalls of exhaustion and discouragement. Put people around us to cheer us on and remind us that Your purpose is sure and we can have faith that You are using our words to touch others. 

Don’t let us take a detour, hoping for an early victory. Instead keep us steady in our faith as we follow the path You have laid out. You breathe life into our words and Your Spirit continues to give us what we need to stay the course. Amen.

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God's Strength Keeps Writers Strong, insight and a prayer from author @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Edie Melson is a woman of faith with ink-stained fingers observing life through the lens of her camera. No matter whether she’s talking to writers, entrepreneurs, or readers, her first advice is always “Find your voice, live your story.” As an author, blogger, and speaker she’s encouraged and challenged audiences across the country and around the world. Her numerous books reflect her passion to help others develop the strength of their God-given gifts and apply them to their lives. Connect with her on her website, through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.