Even More Important than Your Writing ...

 by Anusha Atukorala

I will never forget that season – a season of deep grief it was, when much that I cared about was prised out of my hands. It started with God's leading to leave my much loved church family of 15 years and a ministry I’d enjoyed for more than 10. Life had thrown a few curveballs and I was bewildered. Sad. Lost! Why did God give me a task but whisk it away from me, an all too brief 8 months later? Why did God give me such a purpose and passion to serve others – if He didn’t want me to continue? But … we know the truth, don’t we? Scripture tells us that God’s ways are not our ways. His ways are always better of course, but it takes hindsight to realise it!

 

It was a season of deep pain and sadness. Questions filled my mind ... large grey clouds pregnant with rain, filling up every inch of sky before a downpour. I’d loved serving those in our community who came to us for financial and other kinds of help through this arm of the church I’d been involved in. I loved praying with non-believers – I don’t think anyone refused my offer of prayer – even though most had no personal knowledge of God. It was wonderful – being able to be part of their journey, to bring light and hope into lives that were hurting. It had been a God-breathed, God blessed ministry.

During the months that followed, I questioned my worth. If what I did was taken away from me, what did that say about me? I was a nobody! Useless! Yes, I was a Christian writer and I loved writing for Jesus. But … I was more than a writer – I was also called to bless and help others. I knew it was what God had created me to do. One day, as I read the words of a well-known author and speaker, light came flooding in, dispelling the darkness I'd been wrapped in.

 

“Your significance doesn’t come from what you do. 

It comes from being a child of God.” Joyce Meyer

Her words created an arrow of joy that pierced deep into my spirit, renewing my heart and mind. It was true. I was a child of God. The peace that washed over me then, was not just a step towards healing, but like running up a whole staircase towards it. God's truth took root in my heart where it now abides deep within, giving me the sure knowledge of being loved and of having worth, apart from anything I do. 

And so … during the past 8 ½ years, when my writing moved from centre-stage to the periphery due to ill health, this same knowledge held me – I had worth, not because I was a Christian writer, but because of Whose I am! It’s been my toughest season … but I got through it, because God said I was enough. Thank You Jesus! How grateful I am!

 

Today, I’d love to cheer on anyone who needs a word of hope and encouragement. Perhaps you have not achieved your writing goals in the recent past? Perhaps you have been fighting writer’s block? Perhaps your book sales have been dwindling of late, as mine have been? Perhaps you have had little time or energy to spend on your writing pursuits, despite yearning to do so – that’s me! 

Perhaps your editor’s comments on your latest manuscript made you wonder if you would ever make it as a writer? Whatever the source of discouragement, here’s a thought. While our writing craft is important, perhaps this season is a gift - a path to finding untold riches of the spirit?

What’s more important than your writing? Well, YOU, for instance. You matter. Did you know that? You are a child of God. Beloved. No matter what successes or failures you’ve encountered in your calling, you matter even more than that to Him. You really do. El Roi, the God who sees, is looking at you this moment, His Daddy eyes resting on His beloved child. He is proud of you just because you belong to Him. He loves you with an everlasting love. You are safe in Him!

What’s more important than your writing? Your walk in perseverance qualifies for that space too. No one but you know the challenges you’ve faced, the tough times you have overcome. No one but God knows how you have kept clinging to Him, no matter what. I know He is proud of you for keeping on, despite the setbacks. Well done, my friend! Well done!

 

What’s more important than your writing? Obedience to God! God has a way of asking us to give up what we prize most, just like He tested Abraham. He tests our hearts by requesting that we step away from our ambitions. He removes what we believed was our goal and we stumble headlong into a perplexing season. At times, obedience to Him makes no sense at all. But we know that even more important than writing a best seller, to be obedient to what He calls you and me to do today – and that’s what matters most of all!

 

What’s more important than your writing? The Father’s heart of love! That’s what! He doesn’t want you to lose out on the riches of His Spirit that He pours out on those who yield to Him. So sometimes, when it seems we have been failures – God knows that we have succeeded, because we have done what He has asked– no matter how small and insignificant it seems in the world’s eyes. 

Today I say Well done, dear one. God sees you. He knows you. He is pleased with you. I see the twinkle in our Father’s eyes as He cheers you on, His precious child. So be encouraged. Be blessed. Keep doing all He calls you to – we are in this together. You are not alone. You matter. 

And YOU shine!

Anusha’s been on many interesting detours in life, as a lab technician, a computer programmer, a full time Mum, a full time volunteer, a charity director, a full time job chaser, until one golden day (or was it a dark moonless night?) God tapped her on her shoulder and called her to write for Him. She has never recovered from the joy it brought her. She loves to see others enjoying life with Jesus and does her mite to hurry the process in her world through her writing and through her life. The goodness of God is her theme song through each season, as she dances in the rain with Jesus.

 

Her first book Enjoying the Journey contains 75 little God stories that will bring you closer to your Creator. Her second book Dancing in the Rain brings you hope and comfort for life’s soggy seasons. Her third book, Sharing the Journey is a sequel to Enjoying the Journey.

 

Do drop in on her two websites to say G’day! She’d love to connect with you.

Dancing in the Rain

Light in the Darkness