A Pattern on the Threshold for Writers, Part 2

by Audrey Frank @AudreyCFrank

Go here to read last month’s Part One: A Pattern on the Threshold for Writers 

Tempted in the Wilderness

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1).

There is an observable pattern in the lives of writers who stand on the threshold of God’s calling and purpose. Jesus asks us only to walk where He first has. On the eve of His public ministry, Jesus was compelled by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted.

In the place of wild animals and hunger, the resounding accusation of God’s enemy is if you are…

Following Jesus’ footsteps, we go into the wilderness equipped with the Father’s love and delight. Our identity is secure: We are Beloved and our Father delights in us.

God’s enemy hates that we are loved. Hates that we bring immeasurable joy to our Father. His temptation comes twisted, and deceptive.

Power

If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread (Matthew 4:3).

It is easy to forget who transforms manuscripts into nourishing words that feed hearts and minds. We may be tempted to believe it is our power that transforms words into published books. We may trust the myth that platform size determines our success.

The victorious writer relies on God’s power to transform his words into books. The peace-filled writer knows that her most important platform is the fact that her identity in the Lord is Beloved, one who brings great joy to her Father. She is committed to giving her Father’s words to others.

But Jesus told him, No! The Scriptures say, ‘People do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God’ (v. 4).

The bread that nourishes human hearts is every word that comes from the mouth of God. When we allow God’s Word to feed our writing, we work together with Him to serve bread to hungry hearts.

Distortion

Then the devil took him to the holy city, Jerusalem, to the highest point of the Temple, and said, “If you are the Son of God, jump off! For the Scriptures say, ‘He will order his angels to protect you. And they will hold you up with their hands so you won’t even hurt your foot on a stone’” (vv.5-6)

Satan tempts us to distort the Word of God, believing that being His child means things will be easy. We’ll be protected from rejection, struggle, suffering. He tempts us to make demands of God in our zeal and impatience.

Jesus responded, “The Scriptures also say, ‘You must not test the Lord your God’” (v. 7).

Writers who spend regular time in Scripture can recognize the enemy’s distortions. They will be ready to respond to him with Truth. They know the writer’s way is not always safe, but they trust the One who is the Way.

Glory

Jesus’ third and final temptation happened on the peak of a very high mountain, where Satan showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.

“I will give it all to you,” he said, “if you will kneel down and worship me” (v. 9).

This is perhaps the most tantalizing, deceptive temptation of all and this is where Jesus drew the line.

Get out of here, Satan,” Jesus told him. “For the Scriptures say, ‘You must worship the Lord your God and serve only him’” (v. 10).

Writers who follow Jesus’ example draw the line when the glitter and glam of publishing success tempts them to kneel to its mesmerizing power.

Control

Jesus was tempted to take control. He was, after all, the Son of God, with unlimited power. However, the Son of God chose to surrender to His Father’s control. He believed His Father who called Him Beloved, the One who delighted in Him. The Father who could be trusted.

Will we?

Lord, strengthen me with Truth that I may overcome temptation in the writer’s wilderness. Amen.

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A Pattern on the threshold for Writers, part 2 from @AudreyCFrank on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)

Audrey Frank is an author, speaker, and storyteller. The stories she shares are brave and true. They give voice to those whose words are silenced by shame, the hard things in life that don’t make sense, and the losses that leave us wondering if we will survive. Audrey and her family have spent over twenty years living and working among different cultures and world views, and she has found that God’s story of redemption spans every geography and culture. He is the God of Instead, giving honor instead of shame, gladness instead of mourning, hope instead of despair. Although she has three different degrees in communication and intercultural studies, Audrey’s greatest credential is that she is known and loved by the One who made her.

Audrey is the author of Covered Glory: The Face of Honor and Shame in the Muslim World (Harvest House Publishers), an outpouring of Audrey’s heart to introduce others to the God of Instead. Shame is not unique to the developing world, the plight of the women behind veils, young girls trafficked across borders; shame is lurking in hearts everywhere. Through powerful stories from women around the world, Covered Glory illuminates the power of the Gospel to remove shame, giving honor instead. Available at favorite booksellers: BARNES & NOBLE, BOOKS A MILLION, AMAZON.

*All Scripture quotations are from the NLT.