Why Not Go For It?

At the start of the new year, some people like to focus on a word they feel God has placed on their hearts for that season. Instead, I feel like I received a question, “Why not go for it?”

Last year, I had heavily prioritized the family schedule and made sure everyone else was looked after but not allowed much time for writing—something I know God has wanted me to do more of. I felt him nudge me to be more intentional and bold in my writing pursuits and submissions this year.

I’m all supportive of family life, but mothers and wives can have other callings too, especially when God gives us prompts to spread our time out for other worthwhile activities. We need to pay attention to these little nudges at our hearts because God wants to develop the many gifts he has given each of us—all to be used for his glory.

So this year, I have intentionally been writing as much as I can and not allowing myself to make excuses. Whenever a window of time comes up or an opportunity to submit a piece for publication, I ask myself, “Why not go for it?”

It’s easy to come up with excuses as to the many household and family needs to accommodate and on some days, there truly are no moments for creativity. However, those excuses can also be used to keep us so busy with tasks that could actually wait, when God might want us to pause and use our gifting in a different way.

For you it may be something completely different, but whether we take the opportunity to write, walk, pray, journal, sketch, scrapbook, or play music, God is allowing us to connect with him in creative ways and so often they can encourage others as well.

As a writer, it’s always a bit risky putting myself out there and waiting to see what happens. Will my manuscript be accepted? Will it be rejected? Will it be helpful to someone else on their faith journey?

I actually had two rejections last week on my latest Christian living manuscript. Before you feel sorry for me, I have to say that I am getting much better at not taking it personally and understanding that there are so many factors with publishers accepting or rejecting work. The point isn’t so much about getting my writing accepted straightaway, because any writer will tell you that rejection is part of playing the publishing game.

I know who I write for and my confidence rests fully in the fact that He has placed this gift within me to use for his glory. I am determined to keep using my creative talents to share of the wonderful God I love and serve regardless of how many future books I sell or whether I have so many likes and followers on my blog or social media.

Maybe you are creative too, but you’ve been discouraged or feel like others might just not support your gifting? Do it anyway! If God has placed it within you, use it for his glory, because I can tell you that at a minimum it will touch your own heart and you will reap the blessing of using the gift God has given you.

So the next time you are tempted to put yourself down or not even use your gifting at all, ask yourself this, “Why not go for it?”

If everything you are doing is lived to God’s glory, then you don’t need to be worried about the outcome of your writing, art, music, or any other creative talent. He has given you those gifts to be used, and he will be the one who decides where it goes.

Don’t be discouraged.

Keep giving your best anyway.

God sees your beautiful offering.

And He is pleased.