Allies

Jonathan and his armor-bearer did some rock climbing at the cliff at Mismash to spy on the Philistines. When they attacked, panic struck the whole army and Israel prevailed over their enemy (1 Samuel 14:1-23).

David gathered five smooth stones at a brook. His slingshot found its mark on the forehead of a nine-foot combatant. David severed his head with the giant’s own sword, and the Israelites routed their enemies (1 Samuel 17).

When the two warriors met, Jonathan and David became best friends. They shared a kinship better than a brotherhood and stronger than a friendship (1 Samuel 18:1).

The fellowship of Jonathan and David has inspired countless people throughout the pages of time. What can we learn from them about collaborations in the world of writing?

Exercise:

• Jonathan made resources available to David (1 Samuel 18:3-4). His royal clothing communicated authority and the tools denoted strength. What resources could you share to enhance and give strength to another writer’s career?
• Jonathan spoke well of David to his father and was his advocate (1 Samuel 19:4-7). How can you be an influencer for other writers?
• Jonathan was a trustworthy confidante and protected David’s life (1 Samuel 20). How can you show integrity in your friendship and guard another’s reputation?
• Jonathan had no ulterior motives in helping David (1 Samuel 20:17). What does it look like to be a sincere benefactor to a new writer? How does that picture shift in supporting a seasoned author?
• Jonathan traveled to see David when he was hiding in the desert from Saul (1 Samuel 23:15-18). How can you be a sounding board for a friend? Do you know a writer who needs encouragement in their wilderness?
• Jonathan’s crippled son was honored by David following Jonathan’s death (2 Samuel 9). To whom could you show kindness by adopting their works in your social media posts?

Writers need each other in the solitary battlefields we face. Whether the conflict is with the arrangement of words or the placement of articles, we all need someone who will champion our calling to communicate. Let’s choose to follow in Johathan’s footsteps and be a friend to those who are in the trenches of the publishing arena with us. We’re not in competition with each other, we’re allies!

One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24 NIV

How will you be an ally?

Over 140 of Sally Ferguson’s devotionals have been published in Pathways to God (Warner Press). She’s also written for Light From The Word, Chautauqua Mirror, Just Between Us, Adult Span Curriculum, Thriving Family, Upgrade with Dawn and ezinearticles.com. Prose Contest Winner at 2017 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference.

Sally loves organizing retreats and seeing relationships blossom in time away from the daily routine. Her ebook, How to Plan a Women’s Retreat is available on Amazon.

Sally Ferguson lives in the beautiful countryside of Jamestown, NY with her husband and her dad.

Visit Sally’s blog at sallyferguson.net