Hand Full of Seeds
by Marcus Dawson
Galatians 6:9 (NIV)
During a season of my life I became convinced I’d lost my voice as a writer. Parched riverbeds of self-loathing replaced the words which once flowed effortlessly.
I often visited coffee shops after work to write. After receiving my coffee, I sat anticipating the Lord’s gift of inspiration. I practiced the routine of sip, wait and write. This worked until one day it didn’t. I found myself sipping and waiting. But I wrote only fragmented sentences and stream of consciousness entries. My journal was filled but I felt empty.
After months of not producing anything, I began to ask, Lord did you really call me to write? Frustrated, I decided to temporarily take a break from writing. Like the servant with one talent (Matthew 25:18), I buried my notebook beneath the soil of my low expectations.
One day, I revisited a favorite café with no intention to write. I just planned to drink my coffee. I avoided any attempt to force another word on a page. As I sat there, I felt the Lord nudge me to pull out the notebook I’d hidden in the trunk of my car. I obeyed and retrieved the tattered spiral pad.
As I thumbed through the pages, the Lord opened my eyes. What once seemed like incoherent sentences became clearer. God hadn’t given me the full-grown manuscripts I prayed for; he gave me a hand full of seeds.
As writers, we often want to see the manifestation of what God has given us, far before the time the photosynthesis process has begun. Discouragement and discontentment often act as thieves to our harvest.
Let’s not be overwhelmed by the toil of editing and unfruitful wordcounts. We need to trust what God has given us is enough. By planting and nourishing the seeds of ideas the Lord has placed within, we’ll reap a harvest beyond our dreams… if we just keep writing.
Dear Lord, open our eyes to every seed of inspiration that you have bestowed upon us. Let us be good stewards of the words you’ve entrusted us with, to give your name all the glory. Amen.
Great article, and I love this line: Discouragement and discontentment often act as thieves to our harvest. Thank you!
Thank you so much Michele. I truly appreciate it. So happy it blessed you.
Excellent devo, Marcus. Thanks for your transparency.
Thank you so much Sharron. I truly appreciate it. God is so faithful
Marcus Dawson, thank you for allowing God to use you. People need to hear your inspiring words. Continue to be obedient in allowing God to manifest Himself through your writing.
Thank you so much for the encouraging words. Blessings to you.
Marcus, this sentence caught my attention: “Like the servant with one talent (Matthew 25:18), I buried my notebook beneath the soil of my low expectations.” I’ve been in a similar position and thank the Lord He’s brought me out. You’re right about: “Discouragement and discontentment often act as thieves to our harvest.” Thank you for this encouraging post.
Thank you so much Jeannie. I am so humbled those lines caught your attention. Blessings to you.
Marcus your devotional really blessed me thank you so much for allowing the Lord to use you. You are an awesome writer and I’m looking forward to your next one…
I am so glad that the Devo blessed you! Many blessings to you.
So very good. A reminder to show up, even when it doesn’t feel fruitful. God’s economy isn’t ours!
Amen to that! Thank you so much Renee.
Absolutely great read! Thank you for allowing God to cultivate the gift He placed in you! Bravo Brother!
To God be the Glory. Thank you so much!