Into the Fire

I’ve written seven novels. I have three more started. After finishing the first one, I was elated—as you might surmise—on so many levels. Many people strain to keep their eyes from rolling when writers recall how the Lord told them to write his/her novel. Well . . . as we all must admit, even if the Lord tells us to write a certain story, that in and of itself doesn’t make it ready for publishing. And I do find it short-sighted and boxed in to question what people say they hear from God unless it’s in direct opposition to His word.

After a conversation with my pastor at the time, he told me I had yet to use my gift. I questioned what he referred to and he explained his thoughts about my writing—of which he’d read very little. Although I’d written from childhood, it coming more in fits and spurts since my first (and only) year in college, writing never left me alone. So I came home from my pastor’s house, plopped down on the couch in the family room alone in the house and said out loud to the Lord, “I will write, Lord. I will. But you have to give me something to write about.” I remember this—it’s as real and fresh as new bread. As clearly as any voice would’ve have been heard in that room, the Lord spoke this to me: “I want you to write a Christian novel about horse racing.” Whoa. Just like that. So I did. It took me 8 and ½ years to do it, through many times of no words and no time, longhand in notebooks, and over 300,000 words later, the book was done.

When I was trudging to the end of this story about one race meet at a middle echelon racetrack in the northwest, my doubts about it ever being finished threatening me, I asked for prayer from the mother of a young missionary because this woman was a bona fide prayer warrior. Her prayer and following comment weren’t “magical”, but there was an assurance in her that what she asked for me would be accomplished. Afterward, oh, did I write. I was compelled to write in every spare minute of every day until I could confidently scratch “The End” on the page. Amazing experience.

So, all that to say this: Hope Of Glory is not my best work. In fact, it’s quite technically inferior to all of my other novels. But it’s unique and special and tells an important story. Yes, it’s way too long for today’s novels, and there are all kinds of writing flaws within its covers. But it marks my obedience to the Lord, and it serves as a “ministry” book for many who live the racetrack lifestyle—and many who don’t who’ve read the story anyway. It was an act of obedience. I kept working. I kept trying to fulfill what the Lord had asked me to do. Twice along the journey he assured me with these words, “If you pick up the pen, I’ll give you the words.” Those words appear on my business card to remind me of his faithfulness and my appointment to write but also that my job is to “pick up the pen” (or ready myself at the keyboard) and allow Him to supply the words. Apart from Him, I can do nothing. Now one might think I’m implying those words should come out perfectly then, right? No. It’s simply a reminder that without Him whatever I choose to write is irrelevant. Dross. Chaff. He must be the source. Not me.

I did not receive divine instruction for each of the following novels, but I did receive divine inspiration for the stories because without His Spirit to give them to me, I can’t think of a single storyline to compose. My creativity is limited in the flesh. And limitless in the Spirit.

Anyway, as you might surmise, all of my novels depend upon the provision of our Lord. I must “pick up the pen” and do the labor. I must pursue the avenues He chooses for me and allow Him to direct my steps and be content with exactly what He ordains for me. After all, it’s His life working in me. I owe it all to Him.

Thank you, Lord.