Keep On Keeping On by Sharron K. Cosby

Keep On Keeping On

by Sharron K. Cosby

“Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produced. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and daughters . . . When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future”

(Jeremiah 29:5-6a, 10-11, NIV).

How many times have you seen the phrase, “I know the plans I have for you” displayed on cups, tee shirts, and other items? For years, marketers have profited from this passage without providing biblical context.

I read the familiar passage one day, basking in the prophet Jeremiah’s message and God’s promise. Then I scanned the often-overlooked preceding verses. I realized God meant for the children of Israel to live each day with specific tasks in mind. They were to build houses, plant gardens, marry and have children, all while waiting for God’s deliverance. He expected them to be active in their pursuits of his blessings, not stand around waiting for a miracle to land in their laps.

As writers, we too fall into the trap of waiting for the big break. We might win some awards for our writing. Meet with the industry professionals at a conference. Maybe sign with an agent. Submit manuscripts and wait.

But nothing happens. What’s a writer to do?

We could easily give up on the call God placed on our hearts. Stop trying to improve as writers. Listen as the evil one whispers, “No one wants your stories.” The enemy of our souls would like nothing better than for God’s army of writers to close the lid on their laptops and quit.

Despite the difficulty, we must pursue God’s calling and persevere like the children of Israel. Day after day. Peck away at the keyboard. Attend conferences. Join a critique group. Encourage other writers. Pray for our writing community.

Jeremiah’s instructions prove onerous. Plant words. Rewrite those words. And rewrite them again. Yes, God knows what our futures hold. But until his plan comes to fruition, we keep on keeping on. Preparing our baskets to receive the bounty of God’s promises.

Father, I trust the plan you have for my life. When the way looks bleak and unproductive, I find hope in your promise to reveal it in your time. Amen.

Sharron Cosby is a proud Alabama native transplanted to the sands of Florida. She is an award-winning author and loves speaking about her family’s journey through addiction and other hope-filled topics. Her book, Praying for Your Addicted Loved One: 90 in 90, is a devotional for families who love an addict. Connect with Sharron at www.SharronCosby.com

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