A Spot of Encouragement

Occasionally, we need to be encouraged to go forward with our passions in spite of our own personal fears and challenges. I went through one of those difficult times recently. I desperately needed a tangible sign from God that He would inspire my writing in the days ahead as I stepped out in faith to write for the public.

Our writers group had been given the prompt “To Go” by one of the members and it was due in a week.  As the week progressed, I had not been able to come up with any ideas. And now that it was the night before it was due, I was getting frustrated. Sometimes I think writer’s block permanently sits on my shoulder so he can make fun of me regularly. Finally, I plopped down on the couch to relax, calm my negative thinking and pray for inspiration. With my laptop in hand, I typed the title at the top of the page and waited. Before long with a burst of energy and a dab of anger, this poem emerged.

Going

I’m going to be a writer

Whether you like it or not.

Place the words in motion

In the order of my thoughts.

God will guide the process

As I search to find His will

He knows the lives He wants to touch

With the strokes of my holy quill.

There…I had gotten an idea written down.

Then what happened next was only something God could have orchestrated. When I centered the poem on the page as I often do, a shape appeared. Can you see the shape the poem makes?

I’m going to be a writer

Whether you like it or not.

Place the words in  motion

In the order of my thoughts.

God will guide the process

As I search to find His will

He knows the lives He wants to touch

With the strokes of my holy quill.

If you look closely and imagine a curvy handle on one side, then it becomes a perfect teacup and saucer. When I saw the image emerge, I was shocked and joyously surprised. Faith filled my soul. Then suddenly, it dawned on me. The lady who gave the prompt collects teacups and saucers! WOW! God had answered my prayer with a flare and helped me gain confidence again. Now, when the doubts and fears want to invade my mind, this poem has become the lasting testimony I need to overcome the enemy of my soul.

Are you going through something challenging! Have you allowed the threat of failure to invade your soul in the final hours? God knows our situations better then we do and He is committed to giving us all the encouragement, wisdom and resources we will need to overcome. Talk to Him…then be still and know that He is God.