by Kennita (Kay) Williams
As the year draws to a close, many of us writers find ourselves reflecting on unfinished projects, unmet goals, and dreams that feel distant. But take heart—God is still at work in your life and in your writing. Philippians 1:6 reminds us:
“Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (NIV).
Even if this year has not gone as planned, know that God’s timing is perfect. He finishes what He starts.
Here is a five-step guide for writers on God’s mission to finish the year strong.
Step 1: Remember the Call
I stared at my unfinished manuscript, overwhelmed by life’s constant demands. Writing felt like an impossible task. One night during prayer, I was reminded of God’s words in Habakkuk 2:2:
“Write the vision and make it plain.”
I realized my writing was not just a personal goal—it was a divine calling. My words were meant to uplift, inspire, and plant seeds of hope. With renewed purpose, I wrote this verse on a sticky note and placed it near my workspace.
Encouragement: Reconnect with God’s call on your life as a writer. Your words carry power and purpose. When you feel stuck, remember that you are fulfilling a mission bigger than yourself.
Step 2: Commit to the Process
Motivated by this renewed sense of purpose, I created a realistic writing schedule—one hour every evening. Some days were productive; others felt fruitless. But I stayed committed, trusting God to breathe creativity into my efforts. Colossians 3:23 became my guiding verse:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Slowly but surely, chapters started coming together. Writing was not about perfection—it was about showing up consistently and allowing God to work through me.
Encouragement: Discipline transforms dreams into reality. Commit your writing time to God, even when inspiration feels distant. Trust Him to multiply your efforts.
Step 3: Overcome Obstacles with Faith
Challenges came like a flood—family emergencies, personal struggles, and waves of doubt. I wondered if I was the right person for this task. Was I truly called to write?
In a low moment, a trusted friend reminded me of Philippians 1:6:
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.”
With renewed faith, I pressed on. Each obstacle became a steppingstone toward the finished work God had in mind.
Encouragement: Trust that God equips you for the assignments He gives you. Obstacles are not meant to stop you—they build the perseverance needed for the next level of your calling.
Step 4: Find Strength in Community
Feeling drained and isolated, I joined a local Christian writers’ group. Their prayers, feedback, and encouragement lifted my spirits. We became a support system, united in our shared mission to spread God’s Word through our writing. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 came alive for me:
“Two are better than one… if either of them falls, one can help the other up.”
Together, we prayed over our projects and celebrated milestones. Community turned loneliness into strength.
Encouragement: Surround yourself with like-minded believers who share your mission. Community provides accountability, wisdom, and the encouragement needed to finish strong.
Step 5: Trust God with the Outcome
Thanksgiving week, I typed the final sentence of my book. Tears streamed down my face—not from exhaustion, but from gratitude. God had guided every step of the journey.
My role was to be faithful; the outcome was always in His hands. Ephesians 3:20 filled my heart:
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine.”
I released my work to God, trusting Him to use it however He saw fit.
Encouragement: Finish strong by surrendering the outcome to God. Trust that He will use your writing in ways beyond what you can imagine.
5 Principles to Finish the Year Strong
Even if you feel behind, remember that God is still working. Here are five principles to help you close out the year with purpose:
1. Remember Who Holds Your Future
God is the Author of your life story. Trust that your delays aren’t denials. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us:
“For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
2. Refocus on the Goal
Do not let unfinished tasks define your progress. Look back with gratitude and forward with determination. Progress, not perfection, is what matters.
3. Renew Your Mind
Your mindset shapes your outcome. Speak life over your writing and replace negative thoughts with God’s promises. Romans 12:2 urges us to:
“Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
4. Rely on God’s Strength
You are not in this alone. When you feel weak, lean into God’s strength. Isaiah 40:31 promises:
“Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength.”
5. Rejoice in the Process
Celebrate how far you have come. Every step is a victory worth praising God for. Gratitude fuels endurance, even in unfinished seasons.
Final Thought: Keep Writing with Purpose
Writers, as the year ends, remember that God has not forgotten you or your writing. Stay focused, trust His process, and move forward in faith. What He started in you, He will complete.
With God, nothing is wasted. Finish the year strong, knowing that your words, inspired by Him, have the power to change lives. Your best days—and best stories—are still ahead!
Key Scripture: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
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I have been struggling for the last year with my writing. I put it aside which made me more uncomfortable than struggling. Your article is refreshing me to do what God has called me to do.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
Amen! You can do it Art... prayers and blessings to you.
DeleteThanks for the wonderful reminder, Kay!
ReplyDeleteStay encouraged... keep writing! Blessings.
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