Christian Living

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This is not what I had envisioned for myself when I left my job months ago to pursue a career in Christian freelance writing. My vision included booming success the second I shot out for the course, editors beating down my door for articles, and agents wanting to get their hands on my best-seller ideas. But this? This I wasn’t expecting.

Happy and secure as a staff writer for a home and garden magazine, I experienced a strong feeling that ‘this’ just wasn’t it for me. My career was wonderful, yet I heard a much larger boss (…The Boss) asking me what I was doing for Him and other areas of my life.

What was I doing? I had practically traded my family for my career. I was piling a 60-mile commute one-way to work on top of work and my family life. I was downing Zantac for the ulcers getting in my way of my caffeine intake to help me get through each busy day. Between the meetings, photo-shoots, commutes and the kids’ evening baths, I heard a subtle voice asking me over and over ‘What are you doing for God?’ and ‘Have you ever used your talent in any way to serve Him?’

After several months of prayer, questioning, tears, and late-night discussions, my husband and I arrived at what we felt I was being called to do. It was time to use the talent I had been given for the one who had blessed me with it. Who? What? When? How? Neither of us knew the answers or details. We both knew it was time to obey the direction I was being pushed. So, I left my job (the steady paycheck, benefits and all) to pursue a freelance writing career.
A slow start would be an understatement for my launch into the freelance world. Adjusting to the differences from my life on staff, I frantically began to query, submit, and research. The rejection file was the only thing growing. I knew the transition would be difficult, but this was depressing. Okay God? I followed your voice…where are you? I left my job to follow your calling, where is my success? Where are my by-lines? Silence. God, are you there? More silence, interrupted only by the sound of yet another rejection letter being filed away.

In response to God’s quietness, I began searching the Bible and finding comfort in many passages. The Bible became a place where I found confirmation that what I was doing wasn’t crazy or poor judgment but was my obedience to God. I found throughout its pages that it was never uncommon for God to recruit unlikely individuals to work for Him in diverse ways. That’s when I found Moses.

Moses was also an unlikely candidate for God to call. Raised as an Egyptian, Moses grew up in a lifestyle of luxury. One day, God steps in and recruits Moses to a whole new line of work. Moses finds himself delivering thousands smack dab in the middle of the desolate desert per God’s instructions. Here’s what Moses’ journey has taught me about dry spells.

Keep the Faith- Moses followed God’s instruction straight into a desert. Here is a man who probably wanted for nothing in his life in the palace. One day, he wakes up to find thousands looking to him for food, water and governing. For a split second, Moses had to ask himself…“Ahh, what did I just do? I led these people and myself to this place? A great, dry and barren desert?” God’s instructions often conflict with our human rationale. We are limited in our abilities and thinking. God is not. It is extremely difficult (and often impossible) for us to see the grand design God has in mind for each of us. When writing victories are slow and limited, think of this time as God’s faith-stretching training for you. Just like Moses, when we face a desert, we need to trust The Boss. Rather than understanding God’s reasons, accept that our Father, ultimately, knows best.

Depend on Manna- Had Moses ever really pondered the necessities of life in the palace? The lack of food and water probably weighed heavy in his mind in the desert. Despite his worries or the Israelite’s worries, God provided. Who would have thought food would fall from the sky and water would flow from a rock? God has a unique way of delivering. In dry spells we often learn and acknowledge our dependence on Him. These dry periods strengthen our relationship with God through prayer and study time. Whether it is financial, emotional or spiritual concerns, wonderful things happen when we trust God to care for us.

Open the Good Book- Moses had an excellent communicative relationship with God. The Bible is one gateway for God to speak to us. Yet, He can only speak through the Bible when we take the time to open the cover and read through His word. Throughout its pages we meet individuals facing the similar spiritual conflicts we face today. Some individuals serve as role models for us, while other individuals show us the no-no’s we shouldn’t imitate. We all thirst for encouragement, validity, or confirmation. God handed us the Bible filled with passages to meet these very needs. Not to mention He also gave us one of the best books of literature to inspire a writing soul.

Keep an Encouragement Journal- The success of Moses rested on many individuals such as Aaron, Miriam and Jethro. Friends and family that support our endeavors are invaluable tools and blessings to us. The desert is a place where we learn the basics of survival. Just as food and water are necessities, our souls require encouragement and love to fuel our passions. Encouragement may come from a friend, a spouse or even a child’s kind word. Start a journal. Write down your concerns and anxieties. Include cards, notes, phrases and conversations you experience. Return to that journal often to see how God’s love has touched your life through supporting friends and family members.

Acknowledge Blessings- After forty years in the desert, God never allowed the Israelites clothes to wear out. These individuals had witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, ate manna from heaven and still asked ‘Is God with us?’ God never left them, and He never leaves us. Maybe acceptance letters are slow to come, however, God blesses in a variety of ways. Personally, through my dry spell, I have found treasures and rewards of a spiritual and emotional nature. As I handed my career over to The Boss, an unexpected occurrence took place. The pieces of my life that were falling apart while working full-time have come together. Since my new office is only ten steps away from the kitchen, I have quickly re-established myself with my own family. The flexibility of my schedule allows for the ‘little’ things I wasn’t able to give my family. If the class mother needs a hand, I’m there. Karate and swim meets for the children? I’m there. A spur of the moment invitation to lunch with my husband? I’m there. God needs an essay on encouragement for the called? No problem. And the ulcers? Gone. Success isn’t always in the acceptance letters. It is important we don’t overlook other blessings while waiting for our by-lines.

Dry spells are common for writers, and Christian writers aren’t immune. God allows us to travel through deserts for our own good. A little tough love from Heaven. We learn most about God during our trials and tribulations, turning to His word and asking for His guidance. Once we have grasped the basics of survival and rely on God daily, than we are able appreciate and discern when opportunities come our way. A firm foundation is a very difficult thing to shake. And one day when those editors are beating down our doors, and those agents want our best seller-ideas, we’ll be ready for them. Our dusty feet will remind us of the foundations we laid with God in the desert.

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