Seasons and Change by Mary Folkerts

 

There is a change in the air, the morning feels a bit crisper, the smells of the ripening harvest warm in the lingering golden sun. The calendar tells me that summer is wrapping up and fall is taking its place. It doesn't ask if I am ready; it just comes when it comes.

Seasons are like that. They don't wait for our permission to shift from one to the next. They slide past whether we have had our fill or not. Where I live, seasons are usually quite recognizable when we're smack dab in the middle of them, with their snowy winters and hot summers, shy springs and colourful autumns. It's the transitions from one season to the next that can sometimes be tricky to gauge.

Life, too, has its many seasons, some soft and easy like spring, new with possibilities. Others, like winter, we resist for their harsh, unforgiving ways. But always, they come as sure as the rising sun. Some we see coming from a distance, gently, and expected. Others come in swiftly like a too-early snowstorm.

My parents received a phone call the other week, which threw them into a new season without much forewarning. They are now trying to wrap their minds around assisted living after a lifetime of independence. And oh, how we struggle with change, even in the twilight of our years! Though we have experienced change at every stage of life, it never seems to get easier!

We love what we know, even if it's difficult, because the difficult we know feels safer than the unknown. As I write, I gaze out on the corn field standing tall in the evening sun. The season of planting is long gone, and the season of growing is coming to an end. Soon, the harvest will be upon us, and lastly, the season where the soil rests. Each season for a purpose, as God has ordained it to be good.

Can we recognize each season of life as for our good? Can we see the season of waiting as beneficial to growing our reliance on God's timing? Can we view the desert season as a time when we trust God's presence, even when we can't feel it? Can we trust the God of the seasons to give us all we need in our seasons of change?

Seasons and change
like the falling leaves
and the spent flower
leave a sadness
with their
fading
beauty.

Change is hard
unfamiliar and
uncertain--
with a dirge of
lament we resist
the becoming.
“Let’s just always stay
The same!”
But without change
comes
deadness.

And what if it’s not
the end
but the beginning
of a new story,
unwritten and
unscripted?
A new season
with beauty
unexpected?

I can be sad
that it’s over
or I can smile that it happened.
I can dig in my heels
or march bravely on
into change.
Either way
it will
come.

And as the God of
the seasons
designs spring to
follow winter,
so he allows the
seasons of change
in our lives
for our growing
and becoming.

For change is the medium
in which a seed of faith
has the opportunity
to grow and
flourish
into something
beautiful.

Mary Folkerts is mom to four kids and wife to a farmer, living on the southern prairies of Alberta, where the skies are large and the sunsets stunning. She is a member of Proverbs 31 Ministries' COMPEL Writers Training, involved in church ministries and music. Mary’s blog aims to encourage and inspire women and advocate for those with Down Syndrome, as their youngest child introduced them to this extraordinary new world. For more inspiration, check out Joy in the Small Things https://maryfolkerts.com/ or connect on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maryfolkerts/

 

Holy Spirit, Come by Susan Barclay

I confess that I didn’t post last month. I was sick of the pandemic; sick of thinking, hearing and reading about Covid; tired of wearing a mask whenever I had to go out; just exhausted from the whole thing. It’s been a long two years, amen?

Saying that, it’s ironic that when I thought about what to write for today, Covid came to mind, at least as a springboard. Over the last 24 months, this too-long season of coronavirus, God has been bringing change. Largely cooped up, with pretty much nowhere to go but work and the grocery store, my husband and I were exposed to a wider variety of voices through reading and watching livestream sermons. Instead of just attending our own church, we watched services of the Brooklyn Tabernacle, Emmaus Road, FirstBaptist in Atlanta, and others, learning from different teachers. We read Talking Back to Purity Culture by Rachel Joy Welcher, Half the Church by Carolyn Custis James, Another Gospel? by Alisa Childers, all of which God used to transform our hearts and our thinking. We started asking questions we had never asked before, wondering why we were suddenly discovering things previously hidden (to us at least), and somewhat shocked out of our complacency.

The Holy Spirit gives us new life.

Jesus wants to renew us. In Matthew 5:6, he said “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they shall be filled.” In John 7:37, He said, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to Me and drink.” We aren’t meant to get stagnant in our faith; we are meant to be touched by living water. 

Streams of water.

There is a familiar saying – “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” It’s possible that changes in our family circumstances over the last few years, combined with the realities of life during a global upheaval, readied us to receive new information and to allow the Holy Spirit to speak, giving us fresh insight and understanding.

Jesus said that it was better for Him to leave the disciples so that the Holy Spirit could come:

“But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper (Comforter, Advocate, Intercessor—Counselor, Strengthener, Standby) will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him (the Holy Spirit) to you [to be in close fellowship with you].” ~John 16:7, AMP

He also said that the “Holy Spirit…leads into all truth.” ~John 14:17 

The Holy Spirit speaks through the pages of God's Word.

What does the coming of the Holy Spirit mean to me personally, though? Well, it definitely means having the best Teacher I could possibly have. As I ask the Spirit to guide my understanding of the Word, He reveals things I wouldn’t otherwise see or comprehend. It means I can uncover new riches in the treasure of God’s Word even after reading the same verse or passage for the umpteenth time. His Word never becomes stale but is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12). The coming of the Holy Spirit also means being filled with Christ’s Spirit so that I have all that I need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) - love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Am I perfect? No, but the One who dwells within me is. He helps me in my weakness and intercedes for me, convicting me when I’ve missed the mark in order to keep our fellowship sweet.

I recently started reading Kim Walker-Smith’s Brave Surrender and love this description of the Holy Spirit at work at a Jesus Culture concert some time ago:

"‘How He Loves’ was the last song in our set, and when we finally reached it, I could feel the atmosphere change in the room. The presence of the Holy Spirit became as tangible as the nose on my face. I could feel His love filling the room like a heavy, warm blanket."

Kim goes on to share how desperately she “wanted to put words to what was happening in the room” and how what flew out of her mouth was completely unexpected (the complete video, found here, is worth watching). That’s often how it is when the Holy Spirit moves, isn’t it? When He gives us the words, whether as worshippers, intercessors, prophesiers, or writers, we know it’s from Him.

For various reasons my life hasn’t really been my own for the last couple of years. The question is, should it be? If I belong to Him, and I do, then my life is His and should have been His from that initial moment of surrender. But just like my writing (when I get a chance to do it), I am a work in progress. And so are you. And so are the authors and pastors we both admire.

As I’ve been growing as a worshipper this year, God keeps bringing songs to my mind unbidden. This morning it was this one: Holy Spirit, another Jesus Culture song. Coincidence? I think not.

_______________________
For more about Susan Barclay and her writing, please visit www.susan-barclay.blogspot.com

New Scenarios by Carol Harrison

 My youngest daughter, with her learning disabilities, needed routines more than any of my other children had. It took adapting my mothering styles and at times that provided a great deal of inner friction. No matter what I tried to tell myself, change was difficult. 

As a little girl, if I told her we needed to do some errands, she needed to know how many stops that involved. If I mentioned four places, I better stick to just four unless I wanted a less than peaceful ride home and a little girl who struggled to make sense of what happened with what mom had promised. As she grew up, she didn't like unexpected changes, quick decision making times, or changes to her routines. In comparison, I have learned to be flexible and adapt to changes - or have I really?

Embracing alternative creativity and the changes that involves hasn't been easy and at times I dig my heels into the ground and don't want to change. I like what I am familiar with, whether it is a genre to write or technology I use. Branching out makes me cringe at the worst of times and hesitate too long at the best of times. I long to hide out where I feel safe - in the familiar.

Several of my grandchildren issued challenges that would force  me to try and write in new genres. I resisted. I insisted that the only thing I wrote or even knew how to write was non-fiction. At times I doubted my ability to do that well. 

Yet they persisted and told me to just try. I felt like my daughter must have when I changed her routines - afraid, frustrated, and filled with uncertainty of what to expect. Write poetry? Write fiction? Totally out of my comfort zone.  

But grandchildren pull on the heartstrings. I didn't want to disappoint them or stifle their creativity by refusing to adapt. What did I have to lose? Nothing but a bit of time and effort to attend a few workshops and do some research. What might I gain if I adapted what I wrote? A whole new world of possibilities, time with a grandchild, and the opportunity to try something new. 

The next challenge for me to move beyond the status quo and adapt hit when the COVID restrictions tumbled into our lives and I had two new books to promote. Those restrictions prohibited me from holding a book launch at any venue. Craft fairs and trade shows, which I had planned to attend and sell books at, were cancelled. In person speaking engagements disappeared so no book sales coming from that avenue either. I needed to adapt or let the books sit on the shelf unknown about and unsold. 

Virtual book launches meant using technology which I am not always on friendly terms with. But I took the opportunity to learn and get some help. I realize I have many things still to learn with using technology, but I made a beginning. I adapted and need to continue the process to connect with others about my writing or to possibly do workshops. It is a work in progress just as I am. 

What have I learned as I contemplated these adaptations and my less than willingness to change? Adaptive creativity means: 

1. Being willing to step out of the comfort zone I've snuggled into or out of the box I often erect around myself with the idea that it'll keep us safe and our routines unchallenged. 

2. Being part of a group, such as Inscribe, provides other like-minded writers to learn from, be challenged by, be encouraged by, and who offer support in various forms. 

3. Learning a new technique, skill, or improve ones I already have. It might mean asking for help with something I don't understand or attending a workshop or conference to learn from others further along in this creative journey. 

4. Being willing to enjoy the journey of discovery instead of stress about needing to change. I might just be surprised as the adaptations turn into new outlets for creativity. 

5. Above all else, being willing to give all those fears, plans, and creativity to God. This should be the first step but why do I so often relegate it to the place of, 'when all else fails'. I need to let God transform my thoughts, my heart, and my life, including the creativity and perceptions. 

Adaptive creativity means allowing myself to apply techniques I already know into new scenarios. Sometimes it means simply experimenting with new scenarios, asking questions, using my imagination, and challenging the status quo I've wrapped myself up in. What new scenarios lie ahead? Only God knows and I pray I will be willing to listen to his directions and adapt accordingly. 

Carol Harrison lives in Saskatoon and now writes more than non-fiction thanks to those adaptations she implemented by accepting challenges.

Embracing the Changing Seasons of Life by Nina Faye Morey

For everything there is a season,

and a time for every purpose under heaven.

~ Ecclesiastes 3:1 (ASV)

Just as nature’s seasons change, so do the seasons of our lives. We may not be willing to accept these changes, but they will happen nevertheless. They are inevitable and come and go quickly. Time passes even faster as I grow older, and the seasons of my life zoom past with head-spinning speed. But would I really want to stop the clock? If my life grew stale and stagnant despite these ever-changing seasons, would I still remain content? As far as I can see, I only have two choices. I can be the passive casualty of change or the passionate embracer of change. I know which one I will choose. How about you?

Change doesn’t have to be viewed as negative. Many changes in my life have definitely been for the better. They’ve opened me up to new adventures, new experiences, new discoveries, new ideas, new passions, new hopes, new dreams, new purposes, new people, and so many other new and positive things. I’ve discovered that I am more satisfied with the seasons of my life if I choose to actively embrace these changes rather than complaining about them, fearing them, resisting them, or outright rejecting them. I must not be afraid to step out of my comfort zone, shake-up my normal routine, and move ahead with my life.

Autumn is a glorious season when the summer leaves change colour from their fine greenery to brilliant shades of yellow, red, and orange. It’s also traditionally a time when one season of life transforms into another. As I harvest and preserve the fruits of past labours, I am also planning what seeds I will plant and nurture through my next season of growth. Embracing these changing seasons of life offers renewed opportunities to envision how to make the best use of my God-given gifts. More specifically, what does God want me to do and what do I want Him to do for me in the next phase of my writing life? I am excited to see what new challenges He has in store for me and how He will help me to meet these challenges. What does He require of me and how will I respond? I have dreamed up so many writing projects for this upcoming season that I hardly know where to begin.

The LORD says, “I will teach you the way you should go;

I will instruct you and advise you.

~ Psalm 32:8 (GNT)

As I prepare for my next season of growth, I feel God challenging me to cultivate fresh fields. One new field in which I plan to plant and nurture seeds is on a site in the realm of the internet. I haven’t settled on a name for my new domain yet, but I’ve been reading several of those how-to books and websites that promise to help me plan, design, and launch my new website into this online world. I don’t know if this new site will prove to be a fertile ground for growth, but I intend to fully embrace this challenge. I believe that if I listen to God’s voice and respond positively to this change He’s asking me to make in my writing life, my efforts will prove to be fruitful.

Remain in me, and I will remain in you.

For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine,

and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

~ John 15:4 (NLT)

Just as the seasonal changes in nature are inevitable, so are the changes that naturally occur as we go through the seasons of life. What new challenges in your life or writing do you feel God has in store for you this season, and how will you respond?

A Christmas Classic Conveys Moral Lessons by Nina Faye Morey

Charles Dickens’ novella, A Christmas Carol, is a beloved and enduring holiday classic. My Christmas just wouldn’t feel complete without it. Every year, I watch as many movie versions as I can. I always wanted to take in a theatre production, as well, but somehow never got around to it.

Last year, my birthday being just before Christmas, I decided to visit my daughter and her family for a triple celebration: my landmark birthday, my grandchildren’s baptisms, and the Christmas holidays. My daughter and son-in-law planned a very special treat for my birthday. They took me to Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre for dinner and to see their production of A Christmas Carol. It’s the best birthday present they could have given me!

Why do I love this imaginative and delightful Christmas tale so much? Well, besides being entertaining and enchanting, it also teaches several moral lessons that exemplify the true meaning of Christmas.

Our Conduct Determines Our Destiny. The Ghost of Jacob Marley urges Scrooge to learn from his mistakes to avoid facing a similar destiny. He arranges for three Spirits to visit Scrooge to give him a chance to redeem himself. These Spirits of the Past, Present, and Future force Scrooge to confront his many moral failings. The Spirit of the Future shows him his fate if he doesn’t change. Despairing of this desperate end, Scrooge pleads with the Spirit, “Oh, tell me I may sponge away the writing on this stone!”

It’s Never Too Late to Change. The three Spirits offer Scrooge insights into the consequences of his ways and a chance to turn his life around. When the Spirit of the Future shows him what his miserable, miserly life has brought him—a lonely death with no one to mourn his passing and a forlorn grave in a desolate churchyard—he vows to make a fresh start. “I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach!”

It’s Better to Give than to Receive. Scrooge is a miserable old miser who counts every penny and despises charity. When two gentlemen ask him to give a Christmas donation for the poor, Scrooge responds, “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” When they explain that many of the poor would rather die than go to such places, he responds coldly, “Then they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.” By the end of the story, Scrooge repents of his miserliness and opens up his heart and his wallet to give them a generous donation.

Treat Others as You’d Have Them Treat You (The Golden Rule). Scrooge’s behaviour displays disrespect and lack of concern for others. Scrooge mistreats and takes advantage of everyone, especially his faithful clerk, Bob Cratchit. He won’t allow him to burn enough coal to keep the office warm. He even begrudges him time off with his family at Christmas. After witnessing his certain doom, Scrooge is forced to re-examine his selfish ways. He undergoes a change of heart, providing a huge turkey for the Cratchits’ Christmas dinner, giving Bob a raise and promotion, and becoming like a second father to their invalid son, Tiny Tim.

Scrooge learns the moral lessons the Spirits teach and transforms his life. “He became as good a friend, as good a master, and as good a man as the good old city knew. . . .” He was even better than his word, doing everything he promised and more. And it was said that thereafter Scrooge knew how to keep Christmas well.

Photo: Pixabay

Change by Loretta Bouillon

Today I feel grateful. Sitting on my porch, looking out over the expanse of my yard, my flower pots are still in bloom, but the fall colours are in the background. The view signifies change.

I love the change of seasons here, in Northern British Columbia. Sometimes, I fantasize about living in a warm climate where there are only two seasons: sunny/hot and warm/rainy. But really, as I look out at my flowers against the background of the golden trees, there is something inside of me that feels excited about the fall. On the horizon awaits a youth conference with my teens, a little trip to see my son at university and of course Christmas will be right around the corner.

At the same time, I fight some sadness and a bit of fear as a season of my life comes to an end.  My sixteen year homeschool career is coming to a close. I struggle to let go. I struggle to re-establish my identity which used to be “homeschooling mom”. My youngest is in grade 11 at our local school, and my daughter who has just graduated has gone back for one semester to do two extra courses. So now what?

I have been hired as a “teacher on call” at the school. Never in my wildest dreams did I see myself teaching at a school especially after “retirement”!  However, I was asked if I would be interested and after praying about it I felt to give it a try. If I think about it, I am a bit terrified. But if I don’t think about it (and relax in the peace that God brought the position to me) then I’m okay. It’s really the perfect job for me as being “on call” will allow me time to write.

I also plan to get serious about my writing. To write every day, to take my personal blog in a new direction and to write according to a schedule (for those of you who know me, you would know that is my biggest challenge!). I recently attended the Inscribe Writer’s conference.  I am grateful for Melanie Fischer and Tracy Krauss who did workshops on blogging. Both of them inspired me to look at my blog with a fresh perspective. I also bought Melanie’s Fischer’s book called Ya…But How? It is for building your online platform for the “very very beginner” and I plan to make good use of it!

, b

I had a wonderful “blue pencil” review with Pam Mytroen. She reviewed my children’s picture book that I wrote twelve years ago about educating the young child on alcoholism and sobriety. I have tried to submit it a couple of times with the same comment received: “although we find merit in the content of this manuscript, the target audience would be too small to risk taking you on.”  I have been advised to self-publish but that means paying an illustrator and the cost is too great. Pam was so encouraging, saying that this book needs to be published. After taking her suggestions, I polished  the piece and sent it to the Canscaip (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) annual writing for children competition.  The ten top submissions will be sent to three major children’s publishers for consideration.  I will leave it in God’s hands now.

Change... It can be a good thing. Without God it can be scary and overwhelming but right now it’s time to smile at the memories, to let the flock fly and step into the next chapter of my life. Therefore I will look to Him for guidance each day with a thankful heart, and trust that He also wants the very best for me. 

A Second Edition, by Bryan Norford

Editing an earlier work is a harrowing and humbling project. Daily, it serves up amazement at the odd flash of brilliance, but embarrassment at verbose and turgid prose. Ann and I have been editing our first book authored together six years ago, Happy Together: Daily Insight for Families from Scripture. The book. written in a daily devotional format, reviews examples of marriage, family, and relationships from Genesis to Revelation.

Why edit? It’s a mammoth task with over 350 pages of text. But feedback over the years has led us to condense the material to a page-a-day format; reduce the daily readings from 300 or 350 words to about 250, but still retain the basic message of each one. As you can imagine, a useful exercise to sharpen and produce concise writing.

In addition, we have added a text from each day’s reading, and a responsive prayer. Each page is reformatted to camera ready and paragraphs reduced to newspaper style for easier reading. Now to add the front and back ends, build indexes listing Scriptures used and subjects reviewed, check references for accuracy and consider cover redesign.

It has also given us the opportunity to incorporate ideas from reading and conferences we’ve taken in the interim. As always, our purpose is to produce a worthwhile legacy for our family and others; if it sells, that’s an added bonus!

Looking back is a reminder of the frailty of our work. I’m sure you get the feeling a work is never finished; there’s always some improvement we could make. Editing is an opportunity to catch up on some of those improvements, but accept the fact is still comes up short and we depend on Him to complete it in the hearts and minds of our readers.

Here is a sample page.

 

Serenity Prayer - full version by Terrie Lynne

Ever since I read the suggested theme topic, Taboo or Controversial Topics, for the month of March my mind has gone several different directions, but this morning I felt at peace that this is the article I want to post.

The Serenity Prayer is probably one of the most widely known prayers ever written. I have seen the short modified version on fridge magnets, mugs, and posters and it is commonly used in Alcoholic's Anonymous and 12 step programs. But, I wander how many people know the full version. I know I didn't until just a few weeks ago as I stumbled upon it quite by accident or perhaps a God incident maybe more accurate!

My hope is that, with all of the controversial topics that have been posted and the feelings and emotions that may come to the surface, this little prayer will bring some peace and serenity!

  SERENITY PRAYER

 By Reinhold Niebuhr - full version

God give me grace to accept with serenity the things that cannot be changed,

courage to change the things which should be changed,

and the Wisdom to distinguish the one from the other.

 Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment at a time,

Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,

Taking, as Jesus did,

This sinful world as it is,

Not as I would have it,

Trusting that you will make all things right,

If I surrender to Your will,

So that I may be reasonably happy in this life,

And supremely happy with You forever in the next.

Amen

I have to admit I enjoy the second part of this prayer as much as the first and hope to delve a little deeper into it, perhaps as a devotional topic at a later date. I think we can find peace and serenity if we do try to live each day at a time and enjoy one moment at a time, whether it is during good times or in bad, happy times or sad. I do believe the scriptures encourage us to cast our cares on God for He cares for us. For me that is something I need to constantly remind myself to do!

Reinhold Niebuhr himself quoted yet another slightly different version of the first part of the prayer and it goes like this: 

O God and Heavenly Father,
Grant to us the serenity of mind to accept that which cannot be changed;

courage to change that which can be changed,

and wisdom to know the one from the other,

through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Here is the version we are most familiar with:

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference. Amen.

I hope you have been encouraged and blessed!

References: If you would like to learn more about the author, Reinhold Niebuhr, or the Serenity Prayer, you will find some good information on Wikipedia.

How Did God Lead Me to Write? -- Jan Cox

It has been 11 years since I first acknowledged that Jesus was REAL. For years I had struggled with "Who is this Jesus?" I questioned everything; I listened; I read an enormous stack of books - particularly the Bible.

Finally I asked in prayer, "Who are you, Jesus? If you are real, please reveal Yourself to me."

And He did.

My life changed at that moment and has been changing every day since.

On that day, for the first time, my life had REAL meaning.

• I didn't live for myself - stuff, wealth
• I didn't live for a job -  self-satisfaction
• I didn't live for my children - control, praise, pride

I lived for God - my Creator - the One who not only created me but challenged me, comforted me and loved me unconditionally.

I had a friend called Jesus - who understood all about me.

I had the Holy Spirit - who changed my insides, who spoke to me, convicted me, nudged me.

And a whole world opened up - my creativity - in writing and painting. God led, I followed.

As I follow Him, I grow. Of course, I stumble... but He picks me up and I grow some more.

Passionate - I am passionate about my God. I want to tell others.

Connected - I am connected to others, through my church and through writers' groups who are passionate about Him, too.

I love to remember all that God has done in my life. I love to watch what He is doing in my life. I love to dream what He will do in my life.

"I will remember the deeds of the LORD;
     yes, I will remember your miracle of long ago.
I will meditate on all your works
     and consider all your mighty deeds" (Psalm 77:11-12 NIV).

Janis, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published a couple of devotionals and a number of articles.

As owner of Under the Cover of Prayer she writes often.

Her children's book, Tadeo Turtle, is now available. An accompanying curriculum can be obtained as well.

Email her at Janis or visit her at www. janiscox.com.


¹² 

Press Through - Janis Cox

Press Through

by Jan Cox

artwork courtesy of Bill Osborne

Read: Matthew 14:24-26 Jesus Walks on Water

I attended my seventh Write! Canada Conference this past June. Each year I have come away inspired and ready to write for Him.

This year the Conference theme read, “Change the World with Words”.

Every year I hear, and this time was no exception, thoughts of insecurity. Myself included.

Why? Why, as Christian writers, are we insecure in our calling?

Grace Fox covered this topic in her continuing class, “What authors need to know” and in her plenary session. Grace is author of the book Moving from Fear to Freedom. She has recently released a Bible study and DVD based on her book.

Words of insecurity filtered into our prayer times with members requesting direction from God. “Is this the path You have chosen for me?”

“What am I doing here?”

“Should I be a writer?”

Oswald Chambers tackles this, calling it the deception of the Enemy – this self-doubt. He reminds us about Peter and how he walked on water for a bit – then saw where he was, lost his focus and started to sink.

Every time we lose focus of the One who calls us we have self-doubt.

“We step right out on God over some things, then self-consideration enters in and down we go.”

Chambers says if we start asking questions of whether we should or shouldn’t, we are in essence debating with God." (Oswald Chambers June 18)

"Never begin to say – "Well, I wonder if He did speak?" Be reckless immediately, fling it all out on Him." (Oswald Chambers June 18)

How reckless are you? Do you step out of the boat when He calls you to write something?”

Can we as writers “Change the World with words?”

I think we can.

Let’s step out of the boat together! Press though our uncertainties and walk on that water.

I'm not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don't get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I've got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I'm off and running, and I'm not turning back.

So let's keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you'll see it yet! Now that we're on the right track, let's stay on it (Philippians 3:12-16 The Message).

Jan Cox

Jan, a former school teacher and small business owner, found a new passion in writing in her retirement. She has published two devotionals and a number articles for magazines and a Bible study. She is owner of Under the Cover of Prayer and moderates the site. She also writes at A Better Way. Jan has written a children’s book in which she is also the watercolour illustrator. She hopes to publish it this year.