Grace for the Writer’s Journey: Creative Power

Dear Writer, I hope you had a beautiful week and leaned into God’s grace to become untethered! This week, we’re going to explore the creative power that comes when we truly begin to partner with God’s grace for us.

You see, Psalm 33:9 (TPT) says, “God breathed words and worlds were birthed.” And here’s the thing: when we release the words God’s given us, it births whole new worlds, not just within the pages of our books, but in the hearts and minds of our readers as well.

When we speak God’s words, it can unlock new realms of freedom in the soul of another. And do you know what that means? It means your call to write is more than a pastime or hobby or good idea. It’s a holy calling with the eternal impact that marks all of God’s works.

But before we dive into what that looks like for us, let’s look at some others whose awareness of God’s creative power in them birthed new worlds…

Creative Power in History

The Founding Fathers of America were a beautiful example of creative power at work. When they assembled to draft our Constitution, they were well aware of the weight their words would carry. As a result, there was quite a bit of contention over exactly what was to be written. Finally, they reached a stalemate.

It wasn’t until Benjamin Franklin called the entire company to a day of corporate prayer that they were able to come to an agreement. Through their stewardship of their God-given creative power, the United States – an unprecedented world of freedom – was birthed. A freedom that has begun across the globe to this day.

Creative Power in the Bible

Boaz is another beautiful example of a man who understood the creative power of his words. When Ruth came to Boaz at the threshing floor and expressed her desire to be his wife, Boaz understood his power to unlock the future of both Ruth and Naomi. Though there was one relative in line before him, Boaz wisely used his words at the gate to become Ruth’s kinsman redeemer.

As a result, Boaz established Ruth and Naomi in a world of plenty and freedom. Not only that, Boaz’s words allowed God to use his family to birth the royal line of David that led to Christ.

You see, writer, when we release the words God’s given us to build freedom in the lives of others, we have no idea how far God will reach with those words to impact the families and generations of our readers.

Creative Power in Life

I first became aware of the creative power of my words when I taught western-style news writing for a semester in Uganda. From the start, I saw several of my students held personal and cultural beliefs that kept them from releasing their God-given voice. So, I intentionally used each class period, not just to teach writing, but also in back and forth discussion and exercises. 

During these exercises I targeted questions to built critical thinking, creative problem solving and, confidence in their ability to rise to any occasion. I knew I had succeeded when one student said, “You’ve taught me that anyone can learn!”

As a result of investing God-given words into their lives, my students were equipped both to use what I taught and also to continue learning and teaching others long after I’d returned home.

Creative Power in Your Life

You see, writer, when we release the words God has given us, they have creative power to shape not only someone else’s world, but their very identity. Let me prove it to you…

• • How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:14-17
  • From the fruit of a man’s mouth his stomach is satisfied; he is
    satisfied by the yield of his lips. Death and life are in the power of
    the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits. – Proverbs 18:20-21
  • “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he…” – Proverbs 23:7a
  • The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” – Matthew 12:35-37

You see, writer, we were all raised with a certain set of words and ideas inherited from family and culture. Some of those words are true and some are utterly false. Nevertheless, we can only live by the words we know. Part of the grace God has given us as writers is to use His words to build new ideas and fresh identity in the hearts and minds of people who may not receive it in any other way.

Where to Start with Creative Power

So are you ready to embrace the creative power of the words God’s given you? Here are some ideas to get you started…

1. 1. Own the Gift. We can’t fully begin to harness God’s creative power through us  until we own it. If we entertain imposter syndrome and unworthiness, we will find ourselves tempted to imitate others rather than writing in the authentic voice and God-given message. The first step in being His writer is believing that we are. If you struggle with this, have some friends pray with you to grow in your identity. Write down and regularly speak God’s call to out loud to yourself. 
   2. Know the Gift. Once you’ve begun to own the fact that you are God’s writer—that His creative power flows through you—you can begin to discover the uniqueness of the message He’s given you. Take some time to consider what story is burning on your heart and who you want it to reach. Consider what themes God has woven through your life and given you a passion for. Practice writing without imitation or AI and to identify and grow your unique voice.
   3. Guard the Gift. As you begin to write and explore your voice, stories, and message, begin to get feedback from others. As you do, take special note of those parts of your writing that are close to your heart. Certain feedback might frustrate you. Pay attention in those moments. Assuming you have a teachable spirit, those instances where feedback seems to grate, it may indicate there is a part of your voice someone is asking you to change. Take time with the feedback that discourages or frustrates to weigh out why you disagree with it and how what’s said will affect your overall story goals.
   4. Grow the Gift. Once you begin to identify what aspects of your story and voice are non-negotiable, it frees you to explore how to adapt the feedback you receive to make your unique expression stronger, clearer, and more impactful than ever before. Because here’s the thing…

God’s word to us is often given in seed form. And, learning to unleash the creative power He’s given us lies in recognizing that unique gift and learning how to bring it to it’s best expression. To do that, we must stay connected to Him and connected to His people.

Just like the Founders not only leaned into one another but into Him to bring forward a full expression of freedom. Just like Boaz brought his words not just to Ruth, but to the men at the gate and worked through a process that produced their security. Just like I worked not just with my subject matter but with my students’ unique needs.

You see, writer, embracing the creative power of our God-given words starts with embracing the God who’s given them. But it ends in learning to carry His heart and priorities for our readers throughout the creative process.

So I encourage you today, writer, if you’ve not done so yet, to fully embrace the creative power God has given you. As you allow His word to shape your identity and purposes, you may never fully grasp how He’s uses those words to release freedom and identity into others, too.

#freedom #creativepower #identity #HeartofGod #EveryWriterWriting