From Edie: Discover how to trust God as the true guide for your writing journey. Learn practical ways to surrender your plans, listen for His direction, and find joy and purpose in the creative process—even when the path feels unclear.
When God Is Your Writing Guide: Trusting Him With Your Creative Journey
by Ginny Cruz, MPA, PT
Have you ever assumed a role in life where you longed for a guide to show you the way? When I became a mother to my first child, that’s how I felt. Questions came to mind, such as, “What should I be doing with my baby all day?” “What toys or activities are best?” I longed for guidance. Those feelings of lostness fueled the passion for my latest book, The New Mom’s Guide: Help and Hope for Baby’s First Year. It’s my gift to new mothers who also long for advice. In it are the answers to many common questions, background information on their child’s development, and encouragement, which all moms crave.
When God called me to write, I also longed for a guide to show me the way forward. Unfortunately, there was no guidebook to direct my next steps. The only choice, it seemed, was to be like Abraham when God told him to pack up everything, leave home, and trust that God would show him the way.
Do you ever wonder if God is your writing guide? If so, here are five points to ponder:
Going without knowing. Are you attuned to God’s still, small voice, allowing Him to guide your writing plans? Often, His plans are far different from ours. Every writer He calls will not get a publishing deal or win awards. He cares about building His kingdom, not yours. Keeping our hearts humbled before Him allows His words to flow. It can be challenging to accept God’s path for our writing, especially when it involves letting go of our own plans and surrendering to a higher purpose. Yet, if God is guiding your work, you must let Him lead.
Understand that the path will be difficult. Do you believe that God's way for your writing life will be easy or filled with open doors, awards, and wealth? A brief reading of Jesus’ life reveals that God’s plans for His only son appeared to the world as an utter failure. Jesus received no wealth, no castles or gold. He was misunderstood and maligned. Few followed Him. Ever felt like no one cares or appreciates your work? Keep your eyes on Jesus and work to please Him, not the world.
Invest in daily prayer time. Do you spend time each day studying and filling yourself with God’s words, or do you write what you want to say? Discerning the difference can be difficult. What God calls you to write may not find a vast audience. Jesus began with only a small group of followers. Yet, He changed the world. Love your readers, no matter how many there are. Pray for them.
Determine to keep His voice first. In our online world, filled with thousands of competing voices, it can be easy to follow the wrong ones. Tune your ear to follow His voice alone. I admit it is challenging. Even Christian voices can be incorrect. Stay on the path He has you on, even when you feel it’s not going where you want it to go. And work diligently to stamp out all unhelpful voices and distractions from your writing life.
Enjoy the writing journey. If you’ve lost your joy for writing and become disillusioned, maybe your desires are misaligned with God’s plans for your work. Learn to enjoy the waiting, the editing, and even the lack of applause. As the Apostle Paul wrote, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11 NIV). The writing journey is arduous. There will be periods when your body and spirit need rest, rejuvenation, and revival. Take time to nourish yourself for the vital words God has called you to write.
My life verse is, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV). That verse has guided me on many occasions when the path forward was unclear and my bones were weary of the journey. It guided me as I raised my sons. It kept me going as I wrote my book, even when obstacles appeared. To allow God to direct your writing journey, you must learn to enjoy all parts of it, attune your ear to your shepherd’s voice, and even when you have no idea where you’re going, be like Abraham. Let God be your guide.
What part of your writing journey has been the most challenging?
TWEETABLE
Don't miss Ginny's latest book!!!!
by Ginny Cruz
Ever wonder, "What do I do with my baby all day?" The New Mom's Guide tells you what to do, how to do it, and why. During the first year, your baby's brain undergoes a faster pace of development than at any other time. The skills learned are foundational for all future learning.
Included in the book are:
- Toy and play ideas to promote healthy development
- The why behind the recommendations
- Places to record your baby's achievements, plus milestone trackers
- Discussion prompts for doctor visits
- Encouragement, reassurance, and hope
Developmental delays can occur when your baby doesn't receive proper growth opportunities in the early years. Help your child embark on a path to optimal development with these time-tested and expert-recommended activities.
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