Conquering Fears and Objections by Emily Akin

But Samuel said, “How can I go? Saul will hear about it and kill me.” The LORD said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’ Invite Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what to do. You are to anoint for me the one I indicate” (1 Samuel 16:2-3; NIV).

Many Christian writers struggle with whether we are called to write. Like Samuel in this story, we offer excuses like: “I’m afraid of rejection,” or “Why me?” Perhaps we feel just plain inadequate. Let’s take a look from God’s perspective. Maybe a given writer isn’t the best writer in the world or doesn’t have the best stage presence. But—what matters to God is what’s in the writer’s heart.

Samuel first objected to the assignment God gave him because he was afraid of being killed. Next, he tried to second-guess God’s choice for the new king. Samuel evaluated Jesse’s sons by their physical appearance, but God had different criteria. God told Samuel, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16: 7b; NIV).

Samuel overcame his fear and listened to God. As Christian writers, we can do the same. If we have a heart for writing, we will find a way to use our gift.

A conference speaker once said, “If God has called you write, God will help you get past your objections and be with you all the way.”

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for your guidance and care. Be especially close to artists and writers whose who want to use their special gifts to serve you. Assure and confirm them as they develop their gifts and learn to use them for your glory.
We invite you to conquer your fears and objections by joining us at the MidSouth Christian Writers Conference on March 7th.

Meet Emily!

Emily Akin’s articles and devotionals have appeared in numerous periodicals such as the Secret Place, HomeLife, The Lookout, Vista, and Evangel. She is a staff writer and Seniors Today editor at Hometown magazine of the Ken-Tenn Area (northwest TN-West KY). She has served on the faculty and on the steering committee for Kentucky Christian Writers Conference.

Emily’s Workshop

A Business Approach to Marketing Your Work

 

“Writing is an art. Publishing is a business.”

 

To sell your work, you must think like a business professional. This workshop is built on the Four P’s marketing model taught in beginning marketing classes everywhere. Learn how to define your Product, Promote it, Place it, and Price it based on the needs of the publishing market.

For more information, please visit the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference website.

Note: This post is an adaptation of a devotional. Read the original on Emily's website.