Take a Risk in 2018
By Andrea Merrell
Are you a risk-taker? I’m not talking
about being a daredevil or doing dangerous stunts, simply someone who has the
courage and ambition to try new endeavors.
I’ll have to admit, I’m not very
adventurous. I like to play it safe, staying well inside my comfort zone. But
one morning during my quiet time with the Lord, I was reading my daily
devotional from Jesus Calling by
Sarah Young and it addressed this very subject:
Be willing to go out on a limb with Me. If that is
where I am leading you, it is the safest place to be. Your desire to live a
risk-free life is a form of unbelief. Your longing to live close to me is at
odds with your attempt to minimize risk. You are approaching a crossroads in
your journey. In order to follow me wholeheartedly, you must relinquish your
tendency to play it safe.
Going out on that proverbial limb
can be scary but as Sarah Young so aptly puts it, if that’s where God is
leading, it’s the “safest place to be.”
Everyone has that dreaded fear of
the unknown to some degree. Some push past it easily and take the plunge, while
those of us who want to know exactly what’s ahead tend to hold back and wait
for a clear signal.
I can tell you that the times I
have moved out of my comfort zone and taken that leap of faith, God has been
right there, holding my hand and guiding my steps. There is no greater
satisfaction or fulfillment than being obedient and walking in our calling.
So, my question for you on this
first day of the New Year is are you ready to take a risk? Are you willing to
make a commitment to move forward in 2018 and do those things you’ve been
shying away from?
Attend a Writers’ Conference
Maybe you’ve never attended a writers’
conference. My first one was a bit overwhelming because I didn’t know exactly
what to expect. But it was the catalyst that God used to propel me into the
writing career He had planned for me. This is where you begin to learn the
basics, grow in the craft, build your network and platform, and meet the most
amazing people you will ever meet.
Join a Critique Group
Perhaps you’re hesitant to get
involved in a critique group. Putting your words—your baby—out there for feedback
from others can be very intimidating. This is where we have to develop what
some call a writer’s rhino skin. Accept your critique with grace and don’t take
it personally. It will only make you a better writer.
Blogging
How about that blog you’ve been
meaning to launch? Maybe you’re blogging but need to be more consistent. Could
it be that your website needs a face lift?
Contests
Is there a contest you’d like to
enter? Don’t put it off. Go for it.
Follow-through
Has an editor or publisher
requested material from you? You’d be surprised how many times we ask for a
proposal or chapters from a writer and never get them. If you’re given that
open door, walk through it.
Social Media
Afraid of social media? I was at
one time, but it’s a necessary tool for writers. Just remember it’s not all
about promoting yourself or your books—it’s about building relationships. Use
what you have, and build as you go. Promote others whenever you can. Use the
law of sowing and reaping.
Just Do It
Write that devotion or article.
Contact other bloggers and ask if you can be a guest on their blog, or invite
them to be a guest on your blog. Inquire about speaking engagements. Finish your
manuscript. Whatever you’ve been putting off, now is the time to do it.
It’s a New Year. Instead of
dwelling on the past, look to the future. As you make your to-do list for 2018,
pray for guidance and creative ideas. Add a few items that will require you to
climb out on that limb, knowing God will be right there with you.
But what if it doesn’t work? you might be thinking. But what if it does? We never know until we try. I’ve
always heard it said that we will end up regretting the things we didn’t do
more than the things we did. Pastor and author Bob Gass puts it this way: "The only way to know you've discovered your niche is to try things, take risks, learn from your failures and successes, and discover what God has gifted you to do."
Are you willing to take a risk?
What can you add to the list? Is
there something in particular you’ve been struggling with but want to step out
in faith? We would love to hear from you.
Alycia and I would like to wish
you
a blessed and prosperous New Year!
(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net
and Stuart Miles.)
TWEETABLE
The Lord never ceases to amaze me. This blog hits right to my core with where I am as a writer. I am taking a leap of faith as I plan on attending my first writing conference next month! (Florida Christian Writers Conference) Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSo excited to hear that, Brandy. May you be blessed abundantly above all you could ask or think. Thanks so much for sharing. :)
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