Numbers Versus Wordsmith
by Tina Yeager
“Every animal of the forest is mine,
and the cattle on a thousand hills.
I know every bird in the mountains,
and the insects in the fields are mine …
“Sacrifice thank offerings to God,
fulfill your vows to the Most High,
and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
(Psalm 50:10-11,14-15, NIV).
How many follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest? According to the experts, not enough. And the length of my email list? Uh, let’s not go there. I spent thousands of dollars and weeks of effort preparing a book launch which attracted a handful of participants. Industry insiders tell me the business of writing involves a numbers game.
I seem like the world’s greatest loser.
I knelt on my bedside rug to cry out in angst. My bones crushed against the hard floor as I struggled with my inability to understand. I felt a call to deliver words so why had the pressure to grow numbers intensified? I poured out my frustration and confessed my helplessness, pleading with God to untangle my confusion.
After my venting rose and dissipated, awareness settled in its place. A few encouraging names and faces came to mind. Each one significant enough for Jesus and therefore worthy of my efforts, time, and any expense.
The Holy Spirit then reminded me of his job versus mine. He remains sovereign over the reach of my message. I have the opportunity and privilege of serving him with obedience each day. Weeks of time, unthinkable cost, and ridiculous effort—nothing worth holding back. With all he has invested in my life, I may choose to join his work by offering it as a daily sacrifice.
Lord, you alone number all things in the universe. You hold my dream-fulfilling moments, beads of sweat, and tears. You provide every dollar and count each dime. And you know each person who needs the message you’ve invested in my heart. By name and number of hairs on her head. Thank you for inviting me to participate in your blessings. Please continue to pour your words through me. Keep me obedient and reaching out to touch as many souls as you pre-ordained. Amen.
Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. She offers writing workshops through Serious Writer Academy, hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast, and is a mentor with Word Weavers International. Beautiful Warrior, her book on women’s esteem is available on Amazon. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.
Thank you for writing this. I feel that many who write for His glory have felt this.
Thank you so much for your affirmation, Clella. Blessings on your writing journey!
Tina, I’ve followed your blog for over six months and have enjoyed the devotionals and focus for Christian writers. I know this current writing is from your heart and I can identify with the internal struggle of giving so much with very little visible return. I think our solice comes from honoring what God has called us to do. The efforts and energy always outweigh any earthly value. I think the work we are called to is to serve Him and the calling on our life. His applause, His singular pleasure is our reward. I think the truth is, spiritual efforts made in this world will never seem worth the effort because they are on a different accounting system. Thanks for providing this space for writers.
Connie Cobb
FYI… the info section for submittals will not accept my website address.
http://www.facingforward.us
I deeply appreciate your heartfelt words, and am so blessed to know my writing has touched you. May the Lord bless you and your messages to bring sweet fruit for His Kingdom.
Thank you for reminding me where my focus should be and that I am just the vessel the work is God’s.
May the Holy Spirit center your heart and breathe encouragement into your soul.
I am enjoying your book and look forward to each conference and retreat knowing that you will be there along some other of my favorite people (writers or other). I can’t wait for someone to pick up one of your fiction novels! I love reading them in bits and snippets on your blog.
You are blessed and a blessing. I pray all that God has for you. You are a Beautiful Warrior and a magnificent encourager!
Thank you so much, precious Christ-sister! Your encouraging words have blessed me immensely, and I pray your life will overflow with great joy and abundant blessings!
This piece really struck a chord in my heart. I sooo get it! Thank you for your transparency and ability to provide so much for fellow writers. #Prayingforallyournumbers
Thank you for your prayers and support, precious friend!!