Achieving Author Success at God’s Side
by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes
(2 Thessalonians 1:11, NIV).
My author’s journey has included rejection letters, writer’s block, and self-doubt. However, I continued writing while I prayed for guidance and inspiration.
I recently offered to teach at a conference where I felt strong connections, but the event rejected my query. In the wake of disappointment, I received an unexpected opportunity to write for two publications for which I hadn’t even submitted a proposal. These God-given requests demonstrated his grace and favor.
Those mixed responses delivered a simultaneous valley and mountaintop experience. When failure and success arrive back-to-back, fear and courage collide. Sorrow and joy jockey to dominate our thoughts. So how do we pursue success?
The power of faith reminds me that during the battle of potential failure, achieving success with God exceeds mere possibility. We find fulfillment there.
Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV). Different people define success in various ways, but achievement is never a one-person show. These verses remind me that our God is a powerful ally whose guidance and support equip me to overcome obstacles and reach his goals.
My writing success centers on a solid relationship with him. I experience fulfillment as a creator when I make time for prayer, meditation, reflection, openness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and obedience to his direction. In addition, I depend upon his help to maintain focus on my purpose and calling. God’s unique gifts fit me for a specific path. When I stay true to that, I experience greater satisfaction than if I try to mimic someone else’s dreams.
Success is more than achieving our goals and ambitions, but ultimately about establishing a solid relationship with him, staying faithful to our calling, and using our talents and resources to positively impact the world around us. In the face of disappointments, we can achieve fulfilling and long-lasting success with God’s guidance and support.
Dear God, help me through the battle I face when dealing with sorrow and joy simultaneously. Show me how to achieve success with you and those you’ve chosen to walk beside me. Let me see beyond the current circumstances to know you’re always with me. Amen.
Katherine is a speaker, consultant, author, and coordinates fitness boot camps for women. Her art and writing are distinguished by awards including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference. Katherine loves speaking to groups, delivering messages with quick wit and real-life stories. Connect at https://www.drkatherinehayes.com/ or https://www.amazon.com/Gods-Little-Black-Dress-Women/dp/1365056163
Thank you, Katherine, for these encouraging words. Like you, I’ve had highs and lows with my writing journey at the same time, and sometimes it’s hard to sort it out. But I know at the end of the day it’s really my faith and reliance upon God that will point me in the direction I need to go.
That was an encouraging word Katherine. So nice to meet you at Florida Christian Writers Conference. Blessings, Dave
I needed this today! Thank you