Setting Goals and Making Plans
By Marilyn Nutter
Whether through print, online sites, or blogposts, writers seek opportunities to share their words. We may network with other writers or devour the Christian Writers Market Guide looking for places to submit. Today, let’s look at other steps in seeking publication.
Matthew 6:33 tells
us—doesn’t suggest—to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His
righteousness and all these things will be added to it.”
Before we think I’m
taking a verse out of context or using it to fit today’s topic, the added
things are not necessarily writing contracts or desires filled, but the
“things” we need as writers and people. Consider these:
· Seek: am I spending time in the Word
and in prayer so I have God’s perspective? When I seek Him diligently, He will
answer and show me what He wants me to know to live His best for me as a person
and a writer. That is a big need in our life.
“In their hearts humans plan their
course, but the Lord establishes their steps.”
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
· As I seek Him, I ask “Where does my
writing fit with His heart? Am I writing on topics that are aligned with Him
and what He wants me to convey to others? Will my writing represent Him favorably? Do I
want my name and His name attached to a published piece?”
“And whatever you do, whether in word
or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the
Father through him.” Colossians 3:17 NIV
· In seeking God, am I hurrying to read a
devotion, pray, and check off an item on a list, or am I taking time to ask for
His direction and stay quiet enough to listen? Or am I asking His blessing on
pursuing what I want or think might be a good idea?
The
Message says, “We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's
purpose prevails.” Proverbs 19:21
· Am I responding to an opportunity in
front of me just to be published and have credits to build my platform? I need
to seek and listen in order to follow His best path for me for my growth
and His glory.
Enthusiasm
without knowledge is no good; haste makes mistakes. Proverbs 19:2 NLT
· Does the publication align with my
values? Is it a fit for who I am as a writer? I’m a unique writer with a unique
voice.
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” Psalm
139:14 NIV
· Am I waiting well? Do I use my waiting
time to develop my writing craft and learn from others? Do I use waiting time
to see if God is redirecting me or wants me to revise or repurpose my work? Waiting is not wasteful, but it is an
important something.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but
in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your
requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will
guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 NIV
Just because opportunities
or a fast track to publication may be convenient, it doesn’t mean those are
right paths to take.
“The beginning of wisdom is this: Get
wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.”
Proverbs 4:7
As we seek, we’ll
discover our real needs, and God will respond in His right timing.
Let’s plan with God by
seeking Him first.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com and Markus Winkler.
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