Writing His Answer

I was immersed in online research for a work-in-progress when my computer froze and a warning banner flashed across the screen. I tapped on the keys, hoping for a quick fix. No such luck.

The escape key was my next option. Nothing. I was ready to ctrl-alt-del when the warning banner changed colors and a shrill alarm filled the room. Um…not good.

Right before my eyes, I was under attack. Irritated, I shut down my computer and waited for rescue by my super-tech husband. I was confident he would hit a few keys and life would return to normal. How bad could it be?

For hours my husband and I worked on that virus. Oh, there were promises of answers. Hundreds of “voices” offered solutions and quick fixes—for a price. But we had no way of knowing what or whom to trust.

I felt frustrated. Anxious. Vulnerable. I needed an answer—it seemed that my life was on that computer. And I was mad—at the virus, and at the attackers.

Around midnight, after five straight hours of intense effort, my husband placed the computer on my lap and gave me a tired smile. “It’s going to be okay.”

Relief poured over me—and gratitude. An answer! There was an answer!

In our Christ-walk, God wants us to pause, look around, and see a world searching for answers. Really see the men, women and children who are overwhelmed, frustrated, and anxious. People who search for a solution to their emptiness in a culture of chaos. Those under attack by myriad “voices”—confused about whom to trust.

They are souls waiting for rescue.

In Galatians, Paul encourages the believers to “do good to all people” and to “not become weary.” He knew that as Christians in a secular culture we would get tired and be tempted to quit—especially when we didn’t see quick results from our efforts.

But there are those who long for the sweet relief of discovering The Answer. Those who crave truth and purity and liberation from their bondage to this world.

They need someone to say, “It’s going to be okay.”

God’s word promises us a harvest—if we don’t give up. So stand strong.

Keep writing His answer.

Don’t quit!

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (Galatians 6:9 NIV).

How do you keep discouragement at bay in your writing life?