God has a will, or a plan for each of us. Psalm 139:16 (NLT) tells us You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.
Each of us is on this earth for a specific reason. We may not know it completely right now. We may be in a season of preparation to enter that calling. But God has a plan for each of us.
Some are called to be pastors and teachers, some doctors, lawyers. Some to be auto mechanics, electricians, and plumbers.
Some, like myself, are called to be writers.
In Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT), God tells us “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. 
“They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
Whatever our calling, God will not just throw us into it, like throwing a toddler into the pool so it has to learn to swim. He prepares us.
What makes the preparation fun, and at times frustrating, is that it’s uniquely different for each of us. One person may go through an entirely different set of life experiences than me, yet end up as a writer. I think this is another example of how God cares for us as individuals. He has a unique and personal relationship with each of us. We are all His favorite child.
And he equips us.
Hebrews 13:21 (NLT) may he equip you with all you need for doing his will. May he produce in you, through the power of Jesus Christ, every good thing that is pleasing to him. All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
From childhood, I’ve had a love for words and books, for reading, for stories. In my career, each job has called for me to read more, to read better, and to write: case records, personnel reports, court documents, training curriculum, and policy and procedure.
Then the glimmer of writing fiction stirred in my heart. And the equipping continued. Books on writing, writing conferences and classes, critique groups, critique partners, mentors, coaches, developing a learning heart and a thick skin. All designed to teach me the craft and the business of writing, to humble myself before Him, to submit to His plan and will for my life.
And it’s been worth every step. It goes beyond being published. I’ve become a better person and a better Christian. My relationship with Him is closer than ever. He’s rewarded me with insights into myself and with precious friendships I would never have experienced if I had not made the choice to follow what He called me to do.
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Henry–so true!! The joys of writing are so very multi-faceted. The friendships made along the way are indeed one of the greatest rewards. And we do grow so much ourselves, and maybe we bring a few people along with us? Thank you for these good words!
Yes! I was given dog that had taught me so much about being a parent. She had a lot of medical issues requiring special diets, special treatments and specialty veterinarians. I used to joke she was an angel of God in response to my prayer of being a good parent one day. Then, I would add, “He must be preparing to give me a high-maintenance child.” A few years later my beautiful sweet son was diagnosed with autism. You guessed it, he requires special diets, special treatment. No special veterinarians, though—we opted for people doctors instead :o). But God knew what he was doing all along. It gives me peace to know it is in His hands.
You’re also right about the writing making you a better Christian. I find myself so much more emotionally involved with the people in the Bible when I read it now than I ever did before. I’m more interested in the intricacies of their lives. I process the theology in a more personal way, wondering what was happening to Paul when he wrote “that” letter. God is definitely using this time in my life.
Beautiful post, Henry. How true. Your thoughts inspire, encourage and uplift, certainly witness to God working through you as the unique person and writer He has created you to be!
Henry, thanks for the reminder that God loves us for who we are and that He created us for that reason. Jeremiah 29:11 always gives me a calm peace within my heart.