Surrendering our Writing to God’s Plan

by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes @KHutch0767

Throughout my journey as an author, I’ve encountered successes and failures, difficult times, and moments of triumph. Despite achieving publication victories, I grapple with disappointment, closed opportunities, and rejection. During these challenging periods, I seek solace in God, which helps me to recall that there’s much to appreciate. Ultimately, I’m reminded that God is at the center of each struggle and victory, especially when we embrace the power of surrender.

Writers who follow the Christian faith have been given a unique talent to convey the truth and love of God through their writing. Whether it’s a Bible study, a gripping novel, a devotional, or a blog post, we can motivate, uplift, and provoke others in their spiritual path. However, this talent comes with significant accountability, and we must employ it judiciously. 

4 Ways to Surrender Our Writing to God

• 1. Convey the message of Christ with clarity and modesty: In James 3:1, we read: “Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (NIV). This passage reminds us that, as writers, we are responsible for handling God’s truth with care and precision. We should be thorough in our research, prayer, and study of the Bible, consistently striving to convey the message of Christ with clarity and modesty.

• 2. Write with Compassion and Empathy: Beyond accuracy, we must also strive to write with compassion and empathy. Our words shouldn’t be used to tear down or belittle others but to build up and encourage them. As Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what helps build others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen” (NIV).

• 3. Glorify God: As we write, we must also remember our goal isn’t to impress others with our words but to glorify God. Whether we’re writing for an audience of one or one million, our focus should always be honoring Him. As it says in Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (NIV).

• 4. Surrender our Writing to God: We must surrender our writing to God’s plan and life purpose. We may have our ideas and goals, but ultimately, it’s God who directs our paths. As Proverbs 16:9 says, “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps” (NIV).

Let’s strive to write with accuracy, compassion, and humility, always focusing on glorifying God and surrendering our writing to His plan. May our words reflect His love and truth, and may they inspire others in their faith journey.

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Dr. Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021). She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color),

AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 board and the 540 Writer’s Community board and is an art instructor for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine hosts the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel to her first general market thriller novel. Her thriller A Fifth of the Story will debut in February 2024 through Endgame Press.

Katherine flourishes in developmental editing and coaching writers. She has a twenty-year career in education, leadership, and journalism. Katherine freelances as an educational consultant for charter schools, home school programs, and churches. In this role, she has written and edited curriculum, led program development, and helped manage growth facilitating and public relations.

She also works as an editor and book coach through her consulting business. Katherine provides skill, accountability, and professionalism so clients can begin, develop, and finish their writing projects for publication.