“For a calling to be God-sized, it simply has to be a vision that depends on God’s power and resources to succeed. Resist comparing your calling to that of anyone else.” ~ Kevin Brennfleck

Writers, artists, and others are often tempted to compare talents, callings, and success (or lack thereof). Don’t. What’s important is that we surrender our writing agendas to Christ. His agenda is unsurpassed: to know Him intimately, first of all. Then, to spread His love and grace as He enables us.

As we surrender the calling, He enables us for the very works He prepared in advance for us to do.

“When something beautiful strikes your eye, stop and gaze at it. Let it overwhelm your spirit and comfort your restless heart.” ~ Thomas Kinkade

“If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness, and fears.” ` Glenn Clark

“If we have not quiet in our minds, outward comfort will do no more for us than a golden slipper on a gouty foot.” ~ John Bunyan

“Great tranquility of heart is his who cares for neither praise nor blame.” ~ Thomas a Kempis

“Instead of laying down a list of expectations of what your life should be, you can participate in the ongoing discovery of what God has designed your life to be.” ~ Thomas Kinkade

“We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” ~ Ephesians 2:10

Nothing we do, as writers and artists, is more important than abiding in the One who called us in the first place. In case you’re wondering, God won’t let our human limitations get in the way of His plans for us. I’m so thankful Christ chooses to work through us as we walk with Him, trusting, believing. ♥

“The work you are doing is more important than you may have realized because it’s not just about being an artist. It is not just about using talents God has given you. It is about discipline and perseverance, about setting aside a specific time and place for attending to the work.” ~ Janice Elsheimer, The Creative Call

Are you waiting to feel inspired before writing? Don’t.

Elsheimer says we “begin with action, trusting God for the inspiration.” Others say we just apply the seat of our pants to a worn out chair. Whether or not the blank screen seems daunting, we trust God is with us as we set aside the time to write. I call it pecking and praying.

Abiding in Him is key for me. I want His life expressed through me, even my creative pursuits. So, out of the overflow of grace, we work, write, edit, tweak, and write some more. Who can explain this process? Easy? Not usually. Only on occasion am I hit with a brainstorm. But we rely on our Source, open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in all we do.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” ~ Colossians 3:23

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

“You write well. You just need to have more confidence,” the conference instructor said.

It was the first time a professional had critiqued my writing. After that first 3-day writers conference years ago, my brain was exploding with new information. I almost didn’t take advantage of their free writing critique. Forcing myself to turn in a manuscript, my knees were jello; my nerves were shot.

This well-published author saw right through me. And he was right. A crisis of confidence will halt our writing like nothing else. At some point, we have to believe in our calling, forge ahead, and write what’s on our hearts.

But I’ve since learned that we needn’t work on self-confidence. We needn’t fear rejection, failure, or even writer’s block - it’s part of a writer’s journey to learn and grow. What we absolutely need is confidence in God. Because when He calls us, He also enables us.

Are you feeling paralyzed to write that article, book, or devotional? Not quite sure what He wants you to say? Keep resting in Him for what you need.

And let Colossians 1:29 encourage your heart today: “To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me” (Colossians 1:29, NIV).

For writing, as with all of life, our confidence is in Him.

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that.” ~ Galatians 6:4, The Message

“Pray that he’ll fill your good ideas and acts of faith with his own energy so that it all amounts to something.” ~ 2 Thessalonians 1:11, The Message

“People may make plans in their minds, but the Lord decides what they will do.” ~ Proverbs 16:9 (NCV)

“I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power.” ~ Ephesians 3:7, NIV