This painful cycle—threatening thought, anxious reaction, and full retreat—is a fundamental cycle in the lives of creative people. Most creators are not aware of the existence of this cycle or that anxiety is a mighty brake preventing them from creating. . . Most creators do not give anxiety its due. ~ Eric Maisel, The Van Gogh Blues
If I weren’t a believer in Christ, the above quote would leave me bewildered. There is, after all, a certain amount of angst involved in the creative process. But I’m come to view my writing as service for God. Therefore, the sheer panic that wells up when facing a difficult project is assuaged by 1 Thessalonians 5:24: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will bring it to pass.” If He calls me to write, He will also enable me.
In light of that, hold onto this:
God assumes full responsibility for enabling us to carry out the work He assigns. He will never leave us to accomplish a task by mere human ability. ~ Charles Stanley
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on July 24, 2006 - 10:39 pm
Vicki,
This was a really good and timely word for me as I find myself thrown into a cross-road with my writing and I needed the assurance that indeed, God is in control! Thanks much.
Audrey
on July 24, 2006 - 11:45 pm
this is a comfort for anyone who is in service to God or others. I feel that is why I am not out of nursing as I would like to be. When I think I can not make it another day God enables me to do so. I love the quote by Charles Standly. My angst at writing is very strong. Maybe I will listern closer to God for His will for me to write. Love you! ~hugs~
on July 25, 2006 - 4:29 pm
Yes! God does give us the strength—I can give a personal testimony to that. He also expects us to work hard! Whoops! I’d better quit reading all this wonderful blog and get back to work!
on July 30, 2006 - 2:10 pm
Audrey, thanks for letting me know you were here! I’ve gotten behind in my responses but always grateful to hear from you. May God bless your writing and lead you down His path.
Nancze, you’re such an encouragement in my life. Thanks for sharing that. Grateful for His grace and friends like you!
Heather, glad you visited today. Always good to hear from you. Your life is a glorious testimony to His strength!