Into the Fire

The purpose of writing is particular to each individual. As Christians who are writers, the purposes can range from evangelical to entertainment to spiritual themes without overt spiritual references. One thing that separates Christian writers from unbelievers who are writers is most Christians will acknowledge their talent comes from outside of themselves: it’s a gifting from God.

Inspiration, timing, perseverance, passion, direction, opportunity—all of these are attributed to God’s design. Depending on our belief system regarding “the call” to write, the intensity to pursue the notion and practice of writing will vary. The motivation, the objective of our writing, will likewise fluctuate according to the plan we follow in obedience to the Lord.

Publication of one’s writing is the usual pursuit but not necessarily the absolute approach for all writers. The rabid devotion to publication is often consumed—or swallowed whole—by the process of the actual attempts to attain it. At least the devotion is usually tempered by that process. Some writers just know they positively have to tell a story or recall an event—it’s not a choice and possibly stops just short of an obsession if at all. The Shack is the classic example of an effort to relate a personal and vital journey of the soul without any fancy claims to “great” writing. God took it and “ran” with its humble beginnings. Not only did the story itself confound all of the publishing bigwigs, Christian and secular alike, the “inferior” writing and “sermonizing” within the story blew the publishing professionals away. They all passed on a bestseller. It wasn’t written well enough, and the theology was “controversial”.

And so it goes . . . the Lord’s ways often surprise us. They surprise publishers, too. There’s a bigger picture than just having a book in print.

Professionals in the industry keep insisting it’s a business. Rejection isn’t personal. They are committed to producing the “best” books possible to feed the reading public what they want to ingest. Sometimes they do. And sometimes they don’t. If these commitments had fangs, we’d all be at the bookstores or blazing our way through the internet offerings to make all of these novels bestsellers. But you see, that darn subjectivity factor interferes with the process, confounding agents, editors, and publishers alike. There are a lot of good novels which are barely publicized, and it takes someone to mine for them amidst the walls of books in stores or to take a chance sifting through innumerable titles at the internet stores.

Our part in all of this is to pursue and acknowledge the path we’re on is ordered by God, managed by our commitment and surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ. What He chooses for us is the best, even when it’s difficult to walk the path that seems rugged and racked with rejection. The divine purpose of the pen is certainly more majestic than the simple aims of mankind. Follow His lead wherever it takes you.

Father, you are divine. You are worthy of devotion. Help me to listen and to follow. Faithfully. Please. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.