Why You Need to Know Why

The Hidden Driver of Your Soul

Everyone has a reason they do things, writer. A why. Sometimes we know that reason. Sometimes we don’t. Sometimes that reason, known or unknown, is a great reason. Sometimes it’s petty one. But whatever the case may be, that reason shapes everything we do.

That’s why “why” is one of the most powerful questions we can answer. Because here’s the thing. When you intentionally seek out your “why”—you can begin to actively partner with God’s work in us as writers in three specific ways. In our…

Content: What we write, the way we write, and for whom we write.
Choices: The decisions we make at key turning points in our story and in their development—or even in our careers.
Commitment: Our longevity and ability to continue our work when things get hard.

“Why’s” in History

“Why’s” have been doing these three things across humanity for ages. And powerful why’s are prevalent throughout history.

One clear example is William Wilberforce. Wilberforce had two great objects—two very public why’s. One was the abolition of the slave trade. This burning “why” kept him on his path through failures, through shifting social and political climates, and through personal trials until he finally accomplished it over fifteen years later.

“Why’s” in the Bible

One of the most powerful “why’s” of all was the “why” of Jesus. Though He stated that why in many ways the reason he was sent (and these are just a few!)…

• To seek and save the lost. (Luke 19:10)
• To testify to the truth. (John 18:37)
• To destroy the works of the devil. (1 John 3:8)
• To preach the good news of the kingdom of God. (Mark 1:38)

…all of these “whys” culminated in His becoming our perfect Passover Lamb through His death on the cross to redeem us from slavery to sin and death.

Because Jesus knew the cross was His goal, He “set His face to go toward Jerusalem…”(Luke 9:51, John 12:27, Isaiah 50:7) This why caused Him to wash His disciples’ feet on the eve of His arrest. (John 13:3) This why kept Him from fleeing the pain of death in the garden of Gethsemane. (Luke 22:42) And it kept Him on the cross during the darkest hours a human life has ever known. (Hebrews 12:2)

“Why’s” in Life

But here’s another thing, writer. Even a simple “why” can hold great power. My own why—for people to discover the truth of their own lives within my story—kept me from disaster in the editing phase of my first book. When my “corrections” began to kill the light, flowing prose and life-like characterizations I knew were needed, it was easy to tell something had gone wrong. And I began a soul-searching that gave God space—not only to grow me—but to save my story. My “why” guarded my story’s content, guided my decisions, and kept me going through the VERY difficult editing phase. Now readers of all kinds tell me how my story helped them see their own lives afresh.

Your “Why”

So you see, writer? “Why’s” can free slaves. Save lives. Reach readers. They can also help you start a business. Hold on in a difficult relationship. Or get that degree you know you need. And absolutely…finish your book. And here’s the wonderful truly wonderful thing. Everyone and every work has a “why.” A great one. And everyone can discover that “why.” Let me prove it to you.

• • For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. – Ephesians 2:10
  • If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:4
  • Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known. – Jeremiah 33:3

You see, writer. For most of us, God is simply waiting for us to ask Him about our “why.” And as you ask, you can begin a journey of discovery that will focus and transform your life. Because, here’s the final thing. “Why” is often a journey. All words from the Lord come to us in seed form and as we get our “why,” write it down, and begin to run with it, it will begin to grow and take on more and more definition. But that’s for another week’s blog post. (Next week, I’ll be sharing a few tools to help guide you in your conversation with the Lord.)

Where Do I Start with “Why?”

For now, I encourage you, writer. If your “why” is fuzzy or unknown, take some time this holiday weekend to do two things:

1. Begin a conversation with the Lord about your “why.”
2. Write down what He shows you and your next best step toward it.

You will never regret pressing on to “take hold” of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of you! (Philippians 3:12) This can be the beginning of life’s most glorious adventure! And if you still feel a little lost…don’t fear. The Lord is your good shepherd on this journey and as you follow Him, He will lead you safely through!

#why #power #journey #courage #EveryWriterWriting