“Discovering Who You Were Created to Be”
Dear writer, I hope you had a good week and began to identify and explore your unique voice! This week, we’re going to take a step back and look at how we gain courage to take our writing to the next level!
You see, writer, all stories begin as seeds, but unless we transfer those seedlings to the ground and embrace the process of growing them into fully-fledged trees, our stories will be arrested in the sapling stage. Moving forward may stretch us out of our comfort zone, but here’s the beautiful thing…
Though a sapling may be lovely in its own right, a tree produces shade and shelter and fruits that provide refreshment, protection, and nourishment. And when you grow your story to its fullest potential, its life-giving impact on others will multiply, too.
But before we dive in, let’s take a look at some others who had courage to grow to a whole new level.
Courage to Grow in History
J.R.R. Tolkien is an excellent example of a man who was challenged to embrace the uncomfortable growth process needed to bring his personal writings about Middle Earth to their full expression. C.S. Lewis was instrumental in encouraging Tolkien to overcome his perfectionistic streak, to look beyond simply creating languages, and to embrace the work of plot and character development needed to take Tolkien’s story writing from a hobby to a published work. Though sometimes that encouragement led to disagreements, Tolkien’s willingness to grow led to his powerful The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit. And not only did Tolkien publish, his works are still having a worldwide impact today.
It’s the same way with us, writer. Sometimes, embracing the skills we need to make our work great is uncomfortable, but it’s in the stretching that Lord expands the scope our work so it can touch the people He intends for it to reach.
Courage to Grow in the Bible
Esther is another wonderful example of someone who had courage to grow. When Esther became queen, many people would have assumed she’d arrived. However, when the plot against the Jews was uncovered, Mordecai challenged Esther to take another courageous step—and to approach King Xerxes to plead for mercy. Though it could have meant her death, Esther earnestly sought the Lord, courageously went before the king, and then wisely prepared him for her request. Her courage step into a new arena, not only saved her people, it changed the face of a nation as she—with Mordecai’s help—began writing laws that impacted the entire Persian nation.
It’s the same with you, writer. When you stand on the cusp of something new, it’s important to remember that God has brought you to it for such a time as this! And it’s also important to remember—as Esther did—the importance of preparation as you lean on the Lord for guidance.
Courage to Grow in Life
I was challenged to grow when the ministry I worked form came under new management. As their graphic designer, I’d often begun designing by searching for inspiration. When my new manager challenged me to take a fresh approach and not to lean so heavily on the designs of others, I felt a little intimidated by losing my “training wheels.” However, I listened, and to my surprise, I began to produce some of my very best work. This not only developed my skill as a designer but it also helped me to discover my “voice” as a creative and prepared me to move with confidence into my unique gifts and calling. To my delight, this confidence opened surprising doors and opportunities to then inspire confidence in others.
You see, writer, sometimes when we step into new realms, it may feel like we’re forced to leave familiar support structures behind. But here’s the beautiful thing. As we begin to rely on the Lord in new ways, He develops an inner strength that not only supports us but becomes a strength for others as well.
Courage to Grow in Your Life
When we are willing to grow into new areas, it expands our ability to reach others, because every skill and strength we gain becomes a new avenue and mechanism through which God can reach and touch His people. Let me show you…
- He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” – Matthew 13:31-32
- Jesus also used this illustration: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.” – Matthew 13:33
- “After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20 The man who had received five bags of gold brought the other five. ‘Master,’ he said, ‘you entrusted me with five bags of gold. See, I have gained five more.’ “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ – Matthew 25:19-21
- Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. – Philippians 2:12-13
- And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. – 2 Corinthians 3:18
You see, writer, we are made to grow. In fact, the only things in life that don’t grow are dead things. But did you catch this? As we work out our faith, it is God works in us. It is He who supplies our talents. It is as we behold Him that we are changed.
There is a partnership here, writer. Without God, all our attempts to grow are impossible, but as we submit ourselves to Him to faithfully take the next right step, it is amazing how He begins to open doors and opportunities we never imagined.
Just like Esther’s faithfulness to approach the King led not just to Israel’s salvation but also to their advancement in the Persian empire. Just like Tolkien’s faithfulness to develop his craft led not just to a published work but to worldwide impact. Just like my faithfulness to grow my unique creativity opened the door for me to help others grow theirs.
Where to Start with Courage to Grow
For you, it may be time to share your manuscript with others for feedback. Or it may be time to develop some craft skills. Or it may be time to join a writers group or attend a class or a conference. Whatever your next step is, I encourage you, when we place our faithful efforts in the hands of our faithful King, He will multiply them in unexpected ways.
So are you ready to begin growing into the next step of your writing journey? Here are some ideas to get you started…
- Recognize Obstacles as Learning Opportunities. As you begin to grow into your next level, it’s important to recognize that your greatest obstacles are often places the Lord is highlighting for growth. Begin thinking creatively about the problems you are facing. Ask the Lord for wisdom. Consider taking a online class. Do some research and read blog posts on the topic. Sometimes we fear growth simply because it is unknown, but as you choose to learn, the unknown suddenly becomes less frightening.
- Lean into Community. Oftentimes to grow into the next level, we will need the help of others to encourage and equip us. I urge you to consider joining a writers group or a critique group. It is as we interact with each other that we are challenged and strengthened as iron sharpens iron. Ask the Lord what people or group might be best for you to engage in during this season.
- Seek the Lord. Ask the Lord to guide you as you grow and regularly pray and journal about your next steps. As you engage with the Lord, He will help you to shift your mindset and give wisdom to engage in the growth process.
- Encourage Your Faith. Find and write down scriptures that speak to your insecurities about your identity as a writer or your next steps and read, pray, and speak those verses out daily to help prepare you for where the Lord is leading you. Because here’s the thing, writer…
Gaining courage to grow is often about changing our mindset. It’s about learning to see God and ourselves in Him bigger than we did before. Because here’s the other thing: the bigger we see Him, the more confidence we will have to be who He’s called us to be. And the greater our confidence, the more easily we will be able to share His beauty, peace, and joy with others. Because here’s the final thing…
You can only give to others what you yourself have received, and the process of growth is truly about fully realizing all the Lord has given and made you to be so that you can become a free-flowing channel of His blessings to others. Just like Lewis encouraged Tolkien to see his work as more than a hobby. Just like the Mordecai challenged Esther to see God’s hand in positioning her as queen to intervene on her people’s behalf. Just like my manager challenged me to see myself as a true original. In each case, expanded vision led to expanded blessing for entire groups of people and nations.
So I encourage you today, writer, if you’ve seen yourself and your abilities as small, begin to seek the Lord and remind yourself of what He has said about you. Begin to step into the new as you step into what He’s called you to be. As you do, it’s impossible to calculate what blessings He will begin to grow in and through you!
#courage #vision #identity #EveryWriterWriting
