True Confession

I don’t know about anyone else, but I generally feel insecure about writing fiction. For one thing, a little over three years ago, I had never heard of plotting a novel, writing compelling dialogue, keeping a scene in one character’s POV, or critique partners. I didn’t pen my first fictional word until three years ago, and I am going to be a great grandmother. That gives you an idea of my age.

So many questions challenge me. Am I progressing in learning the craft? Is my WIP as lousy as it sounds to me? My critique partners are giving me fits, but I know they’re right about the many errors they find in my writing. How can I write a book that would appeal to a publisher? And more importantly, would a reader ever benefit from the words I’ve penned. You get the idea.

Now, it’s true confession time. In the midst of my insecurities, I think of the awesome authors out there with those solid careers in the inspirational market. I could never write like them or even compete. I might as well give up. Honestly, these are some of the thoughts that overwhelmed me the other day. Now you see why this post is entitled true confession.

But thankfully, whenever I’m weighed down, I can take my concerns to the Lord. As I called out to Jesus, a verse came to mind—one I hadn’t expected to hear. I was so sure the Lord would remind me of Matthew 6: 25-34 not to worry. But instead I received a clear picture of Jesus after the resurrection telling Peter to feed His sheep. Let me give you the context from John 21.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (John) When Peter saw him he asked, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that is you? You must follow me.”

That simple question ministered to me. “What is that to you?” Other people’s careers and writing abilities have nothing to do with me. I’m only to be concerned with what the Lord instructs me to do. God will use me as He sees fit. I don’t need to compare myself to others, but I should keep my heart centered on the Lord who called me to write in the first place. What a freeing thought.