Compass for the Writer’s Calling by Tina Yeager

Compass for the Writer’s Calling

by Tina Yeager

“Therefore, believers, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you [be sure that your behavior reflects and confirms your relationship with God]; for by doing these things [actively developing these virtues], you will never stumble [in your spiritual growth and will live a life that leads others away from sin]”

(2 Peter 1:10, AMP).

 

Cardinals have resumed performance of aerial ballet through our bushes and treetops. The wren returned to his puff-chested rail post, where he points his beak at suspicious passersby. I wait for my cherished feathered visitor, the glorious bluebird. Every morning of the incoming spring season, I search for signs of his arrival. Yet I know he will not remain long.

The vibrant, yet-to-be-seen bird reminds me of my calling. I seek signs of clarity in my purpose each year yet linger in uncertainty most months. Like hope, God’s messages of direction seem like fleeting, feathered things.

I worry I might stray from his best will for my writing. Paralysis restrains me from taking another step forward on any of the possible projects I consider. I fear my own failure to arrive at the goals he desires for my work. Have I misheard God’s calling?

As I consider the message of 2 Peter 1:3-10, I realize how much I’ve misunderstood God’s call. The Lord  “has bestowed on us [absolutely] everything necessary” (2 Peter 1:3, AMP). Jesus dwells within us, providing access to the virtues of faith, goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, mutual affection, and love.  ^“For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:8, NIV).

Fulfilling our purpose depends upon Christ-centered character, not knowledge of how to chart our course.

My songbirds never lose their way because God wired the map into their nature. Likewise, I can submit to the Holy Spirit’s virtues and trust his lead toward my destined work. If I work on a manuscript, article, or other projects while demonstrating his character, I can trust him to guide and redirect my writing as needed.

My vibrant, feathered calling soars toward me even while I cannot yet see it. Not because I know the way. Not if I choose the perfect endeavors or produce all the right manuscripts. But because “the one who calls you is faithful” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NIV).

 

Father, I’m so grateful for your faithfulness. Guide me to live according to Christ’s nature. May your Holy Spirit guide me and my writing to fulfill your will. Remind me to trust your perfect vision when I cannot see. Amen.

 

Award-winning author, speaker, licensed counselor, and life coach, Tina encourages audiences to fulfill their potential. Her 10-week, ten-minutes-a-day Subdue Stress and Anxiety course features 15 expert presenters. She hosts the Flourish-Meant podcast. Check out Beautiful Warrior: Finding Victory Over the Lies Formed Against You and Upcycled: Crafted for a Purpose (Bold Vision, 2022). Connect with Tina at tinayeager.com.