Today is a difficult day for Christians as we remember the final full day of Christ’s life before his crucifixion. Deep down, I wish Jesus didn’t have to go through all he did.
Reading through the Gospels, it is clear the events of this week were part of a plan and purpose for Jesus living a human existence. He had a unique and stated purpose, even coming right out and saying it numerous times (Matthew 18; Luke 19; etc.).
At the end, which we remember this week, some of his final words on the cross were “It is finished” or “It is accomplished.” Some translate the Greek word as “consummated,” which in business terms means a debt has been fully paid. These are not only words. They are a proclamation by God of a fulfilled prophecy and purpose.
Jesus was born for Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter.
I don’t have any book-author tips today or suggestions for getting published, but something came to mind the other day that I have been pondering. Maybe it will be an encouragement for you.
The reason Christian authors have been writing books over the centuries is to build up the Christian “flock” for times like these around the world. It doesn’t matter what part of the Christian experience you are writing about; your purpose is to build up the spiritual muscle and armor of believers, so when we are called on to live under duress, we show ourselves strong and courageous.
For centuries those involved in the writing and publishing of Christian-themed materials have been working for such a time as this.
- Bibles published to infuse the Word of God into Christians worldwide making the Church a courageous spiritual army of disciples.
- Curriculum and Bible studies published to connect the truth of Scripture with one’s heart and mind, building disciple-muscles for young and old.
- Devotionals making God real every day, reminding us of things we forget.
- Nonfiction books on topics from spiritual growth to stewardship and from following to leading have applied God’s principles, so we know how to keep things on track biblically.
- Biographies of genuine believers, so we can tell the difference between real and counterfeit.
- Historical perspectives, so we don’t make the same mistakes again and can see other things coming from a long way off.
- Fiction with characters showing how they respond to life’s twists and turns and finding where true help comes from.
- Gritty fiction to illustrate what happens when life goes awry and we can then journey along with a character who finds their way back.
- Fantasy and futuristic fiction that challenges the mind to think beyond time and space that limits our view of God to this time and only to what we can see.
- Children’s books that set young feet on solid ground and plant seeds of God’s love and truth in young minds to yield fruit later on.
Every single Christian book past, present, and future is building the body of Christ to stand strong against the forces of the one who prowls about devouring.
Past, present, and future Christian authors and publishers are “body builders,” and hell’s gates will not hold up against them.
So, bring it on. God made us for such a time as this.
Your Compelling Cover Letter
God does have a plan, and a purpose for each of us, and his timing is always perfect. Christian authors serve on a mission field from their keyboards. May God always be glorified in each word written.
Amen! Thank you for such encouraging words and the timely reminder, Dan. We have our marching orders.
I needed this much more than a tip on writing or publishing. Thank you, Dan Balow, you have spurred me up and out of a fog of futility. I have work to do, and it matters. And it is right even if only to live worthy of His sacrifice for us.
Can my words help a heathen
think again, then twice
about perhaps believing
in Jesus’ sacrifice?
Could my writing help an atheist
turn away from sin,
accept the Lord, get on Peter’s list
of people to let in?
Could what I say help Mom or Dad
keep the porch light burning
so the child that’s breaking bad
finds welcome in returning?
If God can use what’s in my heart,
I’ll keep the faith, and play my part.
Your words about children’s stories to set young feet on solid ground and show God’s love to young hearts really struck me. In fact, I realized that I had touched those very words … or a wink at them, in writing for children recently.
As I penned a story from the POV of a bold young chicken, I actually found myself writing this the other day: “What if she had clucked through the forest for such a time as this?”
Ha! I love writing for kids. I’m so glad that you included that unique ministry in your list of writings that grow our spiritual muscle and turn our hearts again and again to look once more to God. Write on my friends! Each of us is uniquely gifted to shine for our Lord with the written word. Find your spot and shine, shine, shine!
Thank you Dan for that encouraging and true reminder of why we write.
Good words that inspire me to keep writing. Thank you Dan.
Dan, Thank you for reminding me that my writing is not in vain, regardless of its sales success. I have been called by my Creator to write His truth, whether in fiction or nonfiction, books or devotions. I am blessed to be called for such a time as this.
With all due respect, I think you forgot one.
Blogs that bring despondent authors back to their stories when it seems Satan has fired one too many of life’s arrows.
…and podcasts, social media, YouTube and more. Everything doesn’t need to end up as a book.
Dan, thanks for this timely post. 🙂
This was beautifully said and such an encouragement–fiction has a purpose ! We can learn through others’ experiences and so try to avoid their mistakes. We can see how others slosh through trials with “grit” (love that word) and with God. And we can visit places and times we wouldn’t get a chance to otherwise. Thank you for your post.
Thank you for such an encouraging post and call to keep writing for “such a time as this”