Listening for His Voice in the Words by Gina Romero

Listening for His Voice in the Words

by Gina Romero

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me”

(John 10:27, NIV).

I just love the idea of writing. Fresh notebooks, good writing pens, the exciting promise of a new project—all promote the start of something amazing and meaningful. For a long time, I thought that rush of excitement meant I was on the right path. If I wanted to write something, surely that proved it was meant to be.

A few years ago, I decided to write children’s books. It seemed perfect. I could feature my two beloved children in my writing. Since my husband is an artist, I could tap him for illustrations. I’ve also made my home into a precious sanctuary for my family. Truth be told, I’ve always been a devoted fan of children’s books. I like stories with rich simplicity, great illustrations, and the idea of creating something sweet and encouraging for little ones. So, one day I sat down with my notebook, ready to begin, expecting the words to come easily.

But they didn’t.

I couldn’t even settle on a title. Every idea felt like trying to open a door that wouldn’t budge no matter how hard I pushed. There was no spark, no peace, no sense of invitation. Just effort without production.

Over time, I’ve learned that writing with God doesn’t always feel like inspiration pouring from the sky. Sometimes it feels like waiting. Sometimes it feels like letting go of the project I wanted so I can hear the one he’s asking me to write instead.

Lately, I’ve been feeling drawn back to a story I didn’t plan to write at all. It is the personal account of surviving the NICU with my daughter, who was born three months early, weighing only one pound. I’ve told God no, not now, not yet, not today. It’s not as tidy as a children’s book. The prospect weighs on me, gut-wrenching and hard to hold. But every time I pray about what to write, that story comes quietly back to the surface. God places it in my hands again, saying, Tell this one.

As Christian writers, we don’t just choose our words. Sometimes we choose whether we will listen to his words. Often, the work God blesses is the writing we didn’t expect, didn’t plan, and maybe didn’t even want—until we realize he was the one asking for it. Be encouraged. Write the hard stuff. And remember, when he sends us the call, he also blesses the work when we answer.

Lord, help me to hear your voice above my own plans. Give me the courage to write what you place on my heart, even when it feels uncertain or uncomfortable. Let my words follow where you lead, and not just where I want to go. Amen.

Gina Romero is an award-winning author, speaker, and podcaster. Her ministry is to equip the hardworking wives and mamas of this present generation to live with more peace, more joy, and more beauty in their homes- everyday. Her book Welcome Home: A Guide to Homemaking, from the Heart is available on amazon and everywhere books are sold. She can be reached at her website: www.welcomehomebygina.com or on Instagram @WelcomeHomebyGina.