|
Hope Unto the End
Thanks to Marie DisBrow for this meditation
Published in the Sep/Oct 2003 issue of Cross & Quill.
For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which
ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we
desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the
end." Hebrews 6:10,11 KJV.
All writers have something in common – the desire to see their work in print. Christian writers
have an additional hope – that their published works will minister Christ-centered encouragement
and enlightenment to readers. The verses above tell us that God is faithful to remember work that
is done for Him with the desire to minister to the body of Christ. He encourages us to show
diligence and to hope unto the end.
I believe that the Lord gives His guidance to writers who sincerely seek it, and I also believe
that He makes a way for finished works to be published, at the right time and in the right
publication. He leads us to timely ideas.
There was a time when I obsessed about every facet of my writing: what should I write about, where
should I submit my work, is it worthwhile? After submitting a manuscript, I was on pins and needles
until I had a reply. Rejections were painful and personal. I found it hard to concentrate on my
next project because I was fretting about the words I'd already submitted.
One day, during my daily Bible reading, the verses above spoke to me. I'd read this portion of
Scripture many times, but I'd never applied it to my writing. I felt that God was telling me to
trust Him by allowing Him to inspire ideas and by trusting Him to connect me with the right
publisher at the right time. He assured me that if I did my best to minister through writing, He
would be faithful to see it through to the end.
It is very freeing to know that God is in control of every area of our lives. If we are diligent to
do our best, as He guides us, we can leave the outcome in His hands. This allows us to concentrate
on our next projects without worrying about manuscripts that already have been submitted. The
expectation of Christian writing is that through the written word we can comfort, encourage, and
exhort fellow believers—and witness to unbelievers. God assures us that His Word does not return to
Him void, but it accomplishes what He pleases. (Isaiah 55:11).
Be assured that when you wait upon Him for the right ideas and cooperate with Him in writing on the
topic, His promise will not fail.
Thank You, Lord, for assuring us that we can hope in Your faithfulness and
Your goodness. Help us to constantly look to You for guidance in our writing and to leave the
finished works in Your hands. Amen.
© Marie DisBrow 2003
Return
to Devotions for Writers
|
