“Opening the Gates to His Glory”
Dear writer, I hope you had a beautiful spring week and took some time to enjoy the lovely weather. This week, we’re going to look at how, as writers, God has made us to be gatekeepers of His freedom, goodness, grace, and beauty.
You see, writer, God called you to write because you have something particular to share. Something that will reach His people in a way that nothing else can. That’s why part of learning to steward our writing gift well is to recognize the value of what He’s planted in us.
But before we get started, let’s take a look at some others who recognized their God-given gift and, because they knew its value, were able to share that gift widely.
Value in History
Louis Braille is a great example of a man who knew the value of what he’d been given. When he attended the Royal University for Blind Youth g as a ten year old, Louis was disappointed to find it had only three books with large embossed lettering that was very difficult to “read.” When Louis discovered an army captain’s newly invented “night writing” technique, he quickly worked to improve its complicated twelve dot phonetic system into a simple six dot lettering matrix that would allow him read and write fluently.
Because Louis believed so strongly in both the value of his newly forming Braille system for writing and reading, he worked tirelessly to perfect it and presented it to his college at the age of fifteen. Not only was his new writing system accepted, but Louis became the first blind professor at age nineteen as he traveled to present Braille across the country to make writing accessible to the visually impaired.
You see, writer, sometimes to appreciate the value of what God had given us, we need to value ourselves and our worth as well. Just like Louis did.
Value in the Bible
David is another example of a young man who knew his value. When the Israelite army faced the murderous taunts of Goliath, David believed in both the ability to fight fearsome foes that he’d gained as a shepherd and in the strength of God’s covenant promises to Israel. With his confidence rooted in God’s person, promises, and his personal preparation, David was able to rise above the ridicule of his family, the taunts of the giant, and the pressure of King Saul and instead faced Goliath with God’s strength to overcome.
You see, writer, part of recognizing the value of the story you’ve been given is recognizing the value of the One who gave you the story in the first place. When we remember that He is totally faithful and cannot lie, we can lean into Him in full confidence that He will finish what He’s started in us. Even as we face difficulties in our writing journey.
Value in Life
I saw the value I had to offer when the ministry I worked for asked me to train their Ugandan staff in report writing. As I gave a hurried-together presentation of the five “W’s” and “H,” I saw the Ugandan staff readily understood the concepts I’d presented and would likely be able to master the craft with access to some ongoing coaching. Coaching I knew I could give. As a result, when I felt the Lord lead me to return and teach a semester-long class, I was quick to say yes. And here’s the thing…
Value in Your Life
When we recognize the value God’s placed in us, it allows us to see and unlock the value in others, too. And as we recognize where God is at work in our lives, it sensitizes our eyes to see Him at work more and more all around us. Let me show you…
- For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light. – Psalm 36:9
- You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven – Matthew 5:14-16
- 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
- There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9
You see, writer, the words God give us are not just ideas and narratives, they are His light to those in darkness. And when we begin to recognize that this light is not from us, but from Him, it gives us a boldness to share, knowing that as we are faithful to steward His word, it will accomplish the purpose for which He sent it. His message will produce the value He intends not just on the page but in the lives of men. Isn’t that exciting?
Where to Start with Value
So I encourage you, if you haven’t yet considered the value of the story God’s given you, take some time to prayerfully consider these questions…
- What Story Has God Given Me? It may be one story or several, but taking time to prayerfully reflect and review the message God’s given you to share is critical to valuing it correctly. Ask the Lord to clarify any parts that are unclear. As you pray, write down, to the best of your ability, the gift God’s given you to share. This will serve as the starting point to grow from and as an anchor to help keep you from getting derailed on your writing journey.
- Who Needs This Message? If you haven’t done so yet, take time to write down who desperately needs your message and how it will change their lives. I encourage you to pray regularly for these future readers and to journal your prayers and thoughts about them as you do. This kind of focus on your readers and God’s heart for them can bring great insight into your writing process.
- How Am I Getting My Message to My Readers? This might seem a bit obvious at first, but so much wisdom and insight can come from consistently asking God for and thinking through the strategies you can use to reach your readers. Asking, seeking, and knocking trains our mind to look for and recognize ways to reach our goals, and it sensitizes us to how God may be speaking.
- Pray. Pray consistently over your story, your readers, your strategies as you write, because here’s the thing…
One of the key ways we value God’s gift in us is by investing in that gift. Christ Himself said that where your treasure is, your heart will also be. And when we embrace the value God’s given us by pouring our lives back into it, it prepares us to share that gift boldly with others.
Just like Louis’ investment in the Braille system not only unlocked his ability to read and write but positioned him to bring that freedom and ability to others. Just like David’s investment in his relationship with God allowed him not just to stand up for his father’s sheep but for his nation. Just like my initial investment in the Ugandan staff members opened doors for greater work in their lives and then through their lives as they took those skill s and began to teach others.
So, I encourage you today, writer, if you’ve felt shy or unworthy about the call of God to write, lay those fears squarely at the feet of Jesus and accept His thoughts and words about you instead. As you recognize the incalculable value of what He’s given you, it will strengthen you to face the difficult parts of your writing journey. Because here’s the real deal…
Learning to value God’s gift, is really about learning to agree and partner with Him in all you do. To learn invest yourself wholeheartedly and without reservation, trusting that as you do, He will use the light He’s given you to ignite the hearts and minds of others, too.
#value #light #gatekeeper #investment #freedom #EveryWriterWriting
