Will This Be The Year?

A young girl cradled her doll—scraps of cloth stitched together by her mother. She followed her mommy throughout the day with an adoring heart. Happy to help knead the dough and fold the clothes, Liz wanted to be just like her mom when she grew up.

As a young teen, Liz caught the eye of a handsome kinsman. Her father was happy with the match and made the arrangements according to their custom. The nuptials consumed Liz and the days passed like a dream.

Years went by. Baby showers were a frequent meeting place for the women in her town. Liz quickly changed the conversation when asked, “When will you and Zech start your family?”

Will this be the year she feels the stab of tiny feet against her womb?

Maybe your heart’s desire is to birth a book baby. Maybe you’ve completed portions and envision illustrations. Maybe you’ve pitched your query and felt the sting of rejection.

Will this be the year your vision becomes a reality?

What does it look like to keep plugging away at a project that doesn’t seem like it will ever happen? Research the following verses to bolster your resolve.

Exercise:

Steps to remain faithful in waiting:

1. Keep writing articles. “Let us not become _____ in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if ­­­___________.” Galatians 6:9 NIV
2. Keep submitting queries. “There was a widow in that town who kept _____ to him.” Luke 18:1-5 NIV
3. Build up a resume of words. “Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were ________ the Lord rather than for people. Remember… that the Master you are ______ is Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24 NLT
4. Participate in a writers group. “Plans go wrong for lack of ______; many advisers bring ______.” Proverbs 15:22 NLT
5. Build relationships with industry pros. “What you ____ from me, keep as the _____ of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 1:13 NIV
6. Celebrate other authors. “Therefore _____ and ______ each other up.” 1Timothy 5:11 NIV
7. Keep learning the craft. “The wise accumulate _______—a true _____.” Proverbs 10:14 MSG

Read the rest of Elizabeth and Zechariah’s story in Luke 1. Consider the outcome of their faith. Are you waiting for your writing to make a mark? Will you praise God before God reveals an answer?

What helps you remain faithful to your call to write?

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