Wordsmithing for Love Alone
by Tina Yeager
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love”
(1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
The sun beams through the windows of my Florida home, yet a wild storm rages against the walls of my soul. The winds and lashing torrent of doubt pummel my resolve. My knees quake at rising debt, bleak industry forecasts, and a horizon devoid of income-rays.
The call to write comes at a tremendous cost.
The powers of the air howl against me. Why pursue this foolishness? Other careers would earn more, offer security, and actually make sense. Wordsmithing guarantees rejection, expense, and heart-bleeding sacrifice. The publishing industry never assures us of success.
I’m more likely to fail and lose money, attaining no respectable status or financial security. If my motivations aim for such hopes, I should give up now. The deceptive lure of ulterior motivations will fade.
Even when I struggle to see the means by which it can sustain me, my Savior’s eternal truth remains as a stalwart dwelling place for my heart and soul.
The Lord never commissioned me to achieve success goals. Jesus invited me to join him in a ministry of love. Word craft as worship may pour from my heart onto the feet of Christ and his beloved readers. Writing for love’s sake requires standing firm against the enemy’s accusing storms and temptations to take cover in a sensible career. I must draw upon my Father’s strength for courage to bare my soul.
I must plead for Christ to reshape my heart into the likeness of his, for I cannot maintain his perspective on my own. Only with his empowerment can I work for love. Then the motivation which drove Jesus to sacrifice all on the cross will serve as enough to persevere in my calling.
Potter of my soul, rework the clay of my heart into Christlike shape. Make me into a loving vessel of your messages. Grant me the strength, courage, and protection to weather the enemy’s attacks and persist in the call to serve you with all my soul as a Word bearer. 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 from New Hope Publishers. To connect with her, visit tinayeager.com.
Oh, Tina, how I love and relate to this post. While I can feel your pain (because you are so good at description), your resolve is what grabbed my heart. When we know we are called to write, we have no choice but to put words on paper, whether anyone else ever notices. Don’t give up, Tina. You are a craftswoman now and we, your fans, always enjoy what you share.
Cheryl, your encouragement touches my heart more deeply than you can imagine! May the Lord embrace your heart and soul on my behalf and accept my prayers on yours. Many blessings, dear friend!
Tina, I am so moved by this devotional. Thank you for sharing you heart on the page. I can relate so deeply to this. Thank you.
I’m so encouraged to know the devotional has touched your spirit. Thank you for your affirming comments and for your continued service to the Lord in the ministry of words. May the Spirit pour His anointing upon your work and life. Blessings!
Very honest! Thank you. He has to be our purpose and our reward!