Purpose in the Pages

Motivational Monday with Merissa

The Struggle is real.

There’s a particular historical fiction novella I have been wanting to write since May. Over and over again, I have written and rewritten the beginning chapter, recreated the main characters, switched around names, played with the setting, re-did research, and did everything I knew how to do.

But, my goodness, nothing was settling right with me. I kept going, “Lord, I want to write this. I know you want me to write this book. What is happening? Why can’t I find the words?”

It felt like I kept getting a silent answer.

I ended up concluding that my problem was my schedule. I mean, summer school has been absolutely ridiculous. (For those of you who don’t know, I am a full-time university student).

Finally, three months later, I spent some time in the Bible to just relax and listen to the Holy Spirit. There was a particular scripture that stuck out to me that morning:

“Jesus answered, ‘You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause, I was born, and for this cause, I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’”

John 18:37 NKJV

I sat there, drinking my coffee, with my Bible in hand. Lord, what are you trying to tell me? I really wanted to know. Re-reading the scripture a few times, I smiled in admiration at the boldness Jesus had at that moment. He knew who he was and he knew his purpose—and there was nothing going to “block” him from it.

“I want to write this book with you, Lord,” I said. “But what is stopping me? What do you need to do within me, so I can write this?” I asked and waited. But the Holy Spirit didn’t let me wait too long…

The Answer.

There is purpose in the pages we write.

That was it. The answer. The reason. This three-month delay in writing this book was a fight for purpose. The purpose that God has for it.

John chapter 10 talks a lot about hearing God’s voice and following after it. However, Jesus warns us about the “thief” also known as the devil, who comes only to…

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life and that they may have it more abundantly."

John 10:10 NKJV

There is power in the words that we write or speak. The power that comes from God and through us. And it is the same power that the devil does not want us to exercise or use. He is the one who tries everything he can to stop, block, and prevent us from carrying out the purpose that God has for us.

It may be “just” a novella I’m trying to write. But how do I know if God has something bigger in mind for it? What if that one story I write encourages someone else to share their story?

The same applies to each and every one of us.

Empty or Full?

Listen, we cannot do this alone. Just like how we can’t walk in the path God called us without Him, we cannot write the things we need to without Him. The Holy Spirit is within us. He is here to participate in everything that we set our minds to. He wants to shine through our lives, writing, everything … to reflect the Love of God.

But we need to be filled.

There is purpose in the pages. God has a plan for everything we write. It can be through a poem, an article, a book, a story, a simple word of encouragement … it does not matter. God speaks to us and through us.

It may be a Monday, but I am here to say that you and Jesus got this. The enemy does not want you to write anything. Jesus wants you to write for a purpose.

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you…”

James 4:7-8 NKJV

Draw near to God. The deeper you go with him, the stronger you become. Let the Lord’s purpose shine through you in everything that you do. And watch the devil’s “block” on your writing, be broken down by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is rooting for you and I am too!

You can pick up that pen and write. Pull out the laptop and type away. Get some coffee, and make a couple extra if you have to. Grab your Bible and dive into God’s Love. Let Him fill you with an overflow. Lean into Jesus the true Author and Finisher (Hebrews 12:2).

WRITING UPDATE:

I wrote the prologue and first chapter of the novella! Doing so excited me so much, that I decided to share some encouragement to my fellow writers. I pray this put a smile on your face and hope in your heart. If this encouraged you in any way, please let me know! I love hearing from my wonderful readers.