The Writer’s Heart: Guidance

The Writer’s Heart: Guidance

Teens and adults packed luggage and bodies into the two mini-vans before we headed to northern Minnesota—Puposky to be exact. We met a sweet elderly lady, painted her house pink with white trim, held a children’s bible school, fought mosquitoes as big and numerous as a flock of birds(I may be exaggerating but not much). We witnessed God’s presence among us and his guidance as we made our way through some big cities.

My husband and I now seek guidance in our spiritual journey. For nearly twenty-five years we have done these mission trips. The Lord is leading us to step down—age has a way of creeping up on a person. This doesn’t mean God is through using us for his glory, only that he has a new direction and adventure waiting for us. He promises to guide us through every stage.

“And the LORD shall guide thee continually,

and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones:

and thou shalt be like a watered garden,

and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”

Isaiah 58:11, KJV

The Lord directed my path in writing many years ago. In recent years, he renewed my direction, through teen short stories, devotions, blogging, and now, a novel. Fiction and non-fiction WIP receive attention as the opportunity arises. It is hard at times to be certain which work needs immediate attention, scrapped, or put on a wait list. The temptation to lean on our own understanding clouds the Lord’s path. Ours is to,

“Commit thy way unto the LORD;

trust also in him;

and he shall bring it to pass.”

Psalm 37:5, KJV

When we don’t know which way to turn, it’s time to turn to the Lord. Ask him for help.

“The meek will he guide in judgment:

and the meek will he teach his way.”

Psalm 25:9, KJV

God will answer through—

• his Holy Spirit’s moving in our spirit,
• a book like Andrew T. Le Peau’s, “Write Better.”
• Or through attending a writer’s conference, such as, the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference, taking place this week. There is still time to register for the virtual conference at an affordable price. It’s one I recommend.
• A reader,
• or a personal need may spark the direction our writing is to go.
• Our Christian writer’s group proves to be a great source of help.
• What is exciting is the unexpected leading that comes from somewhere we didn’t dream of.

A final thought—If the Lord has led you to write, he will give you the story, the words, and the direction your book is to go. The direction leads us always to the glory of God. Ours is simply to keep writing, learning, and pushing forward knowing,

“they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength;

they shall mount up with wings as eagles;

they shall run, and not be weary;

and they shall walk, and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:31, KJV

We are not alone on this writing journey. As we give our heart, work, and time to the Lord, he tells us—

“Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel;

I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit,

which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

Isaiah 48:17, KJV

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Where are you on this journey to publication? What’s your next step?