Wing Your Words -- Someone's Destiny Awaits

I attended a statewide women’s conference this past weekend with the church denomination I belong to. One of the speakers made a profound statement that I wrote down, “Someone’s destiny may be attached to your purpose.”

WOW!  Think about your purpose. I don’t believe our purpose is limited to one huge, main thing. It could, and should, include being the best parent, neighbor, husband, wife, co-worker, friend, WRITER, and just an overall good person. People are affected and influenced by us every day, whether we realize it or not.

As a writer, you have many people under your sphere of influence. Do you write books, devotionals, blogs? Are you on Facebook, Twitter? Something as simple as what you post on Facebook or Twitter can impact someone’s destiny. Read the following.

Well today was my venture back to church! I went where I felt God leading me to City Life church and it was AMAZING! I felt the presence of God the moment I walked in the door. Having not gone to church in over 7 years I was skeptical and afraid of hurt again but, I was wrong! I felt love instantly from a few people I knew and a few new family members. (Name deleted) enjoyed class and LOVED Mrs. B and her other teacher (name unknown)! Praise and worship was real and annointed! I have recommited my life back to God and am ready to Dream Big! A few people have helped me with encouraging words (and may have never known) everyday on Facebook to make this decision a little easier to go back aside from my close circle friends I want to thank (names deleted) your posts have been examples of true Christianity and meant lots to me.

The above was a recent post on FB. I deleted the six names she mentioned, but mine was one of them. I was shocked because I don’t know this person, although we have numerous mutual friends, and I’ve have never met her. When I commented that I was touched and this made me cry, she commented:  Leola McCurdy Ogle you are such an awesome example to me and I have never met  u.

I’m not awesome. I’m quite ordinary – filled with faults and shortcomings, and yes, kindness and goodness. Yet, words that I caused to appear in posts on FB, usually without much thought at all, has influenced someone’s destiny.  

What is your purpose as a writer? Could you possibly be the key to someone’s destiny by the things you write? How often have any of us been encouraged or inspired by a Facebook or blog post? How often has someone else’s words been instrumental in speaking to our heart or spirit? Most of those writers will never know.

Wing your words for the world to see. Someone’s destiny awaits. 

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Here's an awesome book if you need encouragement, hope, or just good reading. I am one of the authors, along with other FaithWriters members.

http://faithwriters.com/testimonies.php . 

God's Favor For Our Writing

At the beginning of 2014 so many people were declaring their one word for the year. I didn’t have a “word” in January, but sometime in February I decided my word for 2014 is FAVOR.

Favor with and in my writing – every area of my writing. And, this is the year I will submit to an agent. I am determined! I’ll definitely need favor with that.

In Psalm 84:11 ESV, it says, “For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.” I know I used that scripture, along with several others, in last week’s blog, but it bears repeating.

God delights to bless us because, after all, we are his children. I pray God’s favor over many things, so why not over my writing. As God’s child, he is interested in everything that concerns me and interests me.

I am serious about this – so serious that at random moments throughout my day, and even sometimes at night before I fall asleep or when I awaken in the middle of the night – it is a whispered cry of my heart, sometimes accompanied by tears, “God bless and anoint the things that I write. Open doors for me. Motivate me to be productive with my time. Make my writing a blessing to others. GIVE ME FAVOR WHERE FAVOR IS NEEDED.”          

Moving forward one step at a time. God, I thank you for your favor in my writing. 

Praying Scripture Over Your Writing

I love how God reminds us of his faithfulness to us. When I pray, I always quote scriptures of promise that goes along with whatever particular thing I’m praying about. Didn’t Jesus himself quote scripture at Satan when Satan was trying to tempt him after his 40 day fast?  If Jesus did it, then we definitely need to. If you aren’t currently utilizing scripture in your prayer time, I encourage you to do so.

As it pertains to my writing career – or lack of one, depending on how you look at it – these are some scriptures I use:

John 14:13-14 (NIV) ¹³ And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. ¹⁴ You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it

James 5:16 (NIV) ^16………The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Psalm 84:11 (ESV) ¹¹ For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.

Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) ²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us,

Psalm 37:4 (NIV) ⁴ Take delight in the Lord,  and he will give you the desires of your heart

Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) ⁶ And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

We all go through slumps, dry times, times of discouragement and doubt. That’s what makes us human. I have been praying a lot lately – more than I normally do – about this season of my life, asking God if writing is what I’m really supposed to be doing. He sent several reminders within the past few days that writing is what is ordained for my life at this time.

Be encouraged, dear friend. God knows exactly where you’re at and what He desires for your life right now. Be confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion. (Philippians 1:6) He is faithful.

Encouraging Writers With Scripture

“ For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

No matter how much I pray or give myself little pep talks, discouragement hits me over my writing career (or lack of one). I have my pity parties and wail to God. And because He is a loving Father, He’ll send bits of encouragement. And, yes, God is okay with our whining and pity parties as long as we don’t allow it to rule our lives. He created our emotions, so He understands them.

I’ve written one book, Like a Cedar In Lebanon, and subsidy published it. It is my baby, yet I know I broke all the rules for proper writing technique. I didn’t know any better. Therefore, I feel it’s the ugly child only a mother could love. Occasionally, in my discouragement over my "baby," I'll get a good report about my book.

God reminds me continually that He has called me to write at this juncture in my life. He does so by comforting me with His assurance, leading me to particular scriptures, and sending people along to bolster my fledgling ego. I encourage you to trust His word; He does have a plan for you and me.

Remain confident, my writer friend. God has it all under control.  ^“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 NIV

Persevere, my fellow writers. Do you write to share a message of hope with your readers? “And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we faint not.” Galatians 6:9 NIV

Is your desire and passion to be a writer? Involve God into your writing, if you haven’t already. No one will be a greater champion of your efforts than Him.  “Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4 NIV    “For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”  Psalm 84:11 KJV

God is on your side. He's got your back. You can do this!