The Venture
All of us have been given gifts. Some of them are part of who we are. Some need time to grow. Life has a way of nurturing those gifts.
Not only was my mother saved after reading a book a friend gave her, I too have experienced first-hand the impact an inspirational romance novel can and does have on an individual. When life experiences are intertwined in the pages of a novel, those characters become real people we can relate to and learn from—tools in the Master’s Hands.
A few years back, I finished reading one of many Christian novels I’ve read down through the years. Giving the novel a second look, my eyes slid shut as I confessed, “We could do this, couldn’t we, Lord?” For me, that was all it took—a willingness to try. Let me assure you, my journey in writing has been and still is like nothing else I have ever done. Yes, it has been hard work learning the craft, but the desire to press on is always there. I’m at loose ends without something to read or a blank page to write on—ever learning—ever growing. God did use a novel to open my eyes to His redeeming love. Now I am compelled to write novels, books, articles, sketches, or whatever else God leads me to write that will minister to the lost and encourage Christians in their walk.
His purpose for each of our lives is different, but the result should be the same—kingdom gain. In losing our life for Christ, we actually find it and so much more.
Not every aspect of serving the Lord with our talents is easy. Writing is a wonderful part of my spiritual journey—but writing has not been my greatest challenge. Exposing my creative mind has been one of the hardest things God has ever asked me to do. I’ve learned that while the risk of rejection is scary, the rewards of serving the Lord far outweigh the negatives. I’m not sure who said it—but they were right; if nothing is ventured, nothing is gained. Though I’m wobbly at times, my spirit dances on. Every experience is teaching me to trust my Lord to guide me, drawing me closer to the dearest Friend I have ever known.