HAPPY 2016 FROM WRITER SANDY KIRBY QUANDT

HAPPY 2016 FROM WRITER SANDY KIRBY QUANDT
Thursday, January 7, 2016 by Patti Shene

Happy 2016!

Sandy Kirby Quandtt

Barely a week into the new year and I'd like to ask, how is your writing going? Are you mulling an idea around in your head for a new article or book? Are you in the middle of writing that first paragraph? Are you waiting for a reply from an agent, editor or publishing house?

Or are you discouraged and disappointed with the doors that closed in 2015 and ready to quit?

At 62 I'm waiting for an agent, an editor and a publishing house for my middle grade children's books. Although I have published multiple articles and devotionals through the years in various publications, that first book contract remains on the horizon and I have a tendency to wonder if those earlier publishing victories were important. Of course, those early publishing credits are important affirmation I am doing what God called me to, but still ... they weren't a book.

Have you ever done that, or is it just me? God gives us a victory and somehow, we believe it isn't enough. This kind of thinking reminds me of the prophet Elijah.

Elijah experienced a huge spiritual victory in his battle with the prophets of Baal during King Ahab's reign. The LORD sent fire from heaven that consumed offerings on the altar in a demonstration of his power over false gods. God and Elijah won. Baal and the false prophets lost.

After the defeat of her false prophets Queen Jezebel sent word to Elijah he was as good as dead. Even with the great victory in his rearview mirror, a fearful Elijah fled to the hills and begged God to take his life. He was tired. He was discouraged. He was scared and wanted to quit, lie down and die.

When the writing journey seems filled with obstructions on our path to publication, when requests for representation from agents, editors and publishing houses are met with silence or rejection, when we enter contests and someone else walks away with the prize, when we've had enough and want to give up on the whole writing business, let's remember what God did for Elijah. When Elijah told the LORD he'd had enough, God provided encouragement and strength for the journey.

Writing is hard. It is difficult. It can be frustrating and filled with discouragement at times, BUT GOD will give us the strength to complete the good work he has begun in each of us.

That encouragement might be a supportive word from a friend or compliment from someone who reads what we write. It might be something a speaker at a workshop says that seems to be God's words straight to our heart. Maybe reading this blog post encouraged you. I sincerely hope so.

Maybe we should celebrate the small victories while we wait for the bigger ones. We should thank God for the gift he put inside us to write, and give our writing back to him as an offering. Whether anyone else sees what we write or not, God does.

When we feel as if this journey is too hard, perhaps we need to do what Elijah did. Tell God how we feel and wait to see what he does. He'll tell us whether it's time to quit, or time to get moving.

What do you think?

When Ahab got home, he told Jezebel everything Elijah had done, including the way he had killed all the prophets of Baal. So Jezebel sent this message to Elijah: "May the gods strike me and even kill me if by this time tomorrow I have not killed you just as you killed them.

Elijah was afraid and fled for his life. He went to Beersheba, a town in Judah, and he left his servant there. Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, LORD," he said. "Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died."

Then he lay down and slept under the broom tree. But as he was sleeping, an angel touched him and told him, "Get up and eat!" He looked around and there beside his head was some bread baked on hot stones and a jar of water! So he ate and drank and lay down again.

Then the angel of the LORD came again and touched him and said, "Get up and eat some more, or the journey ahead will be too much for you."

So he got up and ate and drank, and the food gave him enough strength to travel forty days and forty nights to Mount Sinai, the mountain of God. There he came to a cave, where he spent the night. 1 Kings 19:1-9 (NLT)

I wish you well.

Sandy

Sandy Kirby Quandt is a writer and follower of Jesus with a passion for history and travel. Passions that often weave their way into her stories and articles. Sandy has written numerous articles and stories for adult and children publications. Looking for words of encouragement or gluten-free recipes? Then check out her blog, Woven and Spun. You can also find her at Inspire a Fire and Christian Devotions.

Comments

Patti Shene From SE Colorado At 1/8/2016 10:03:38 AM

Elaine, thank you for stopping by to let Sandy know her message touched you. She answered my prayer, since I was looking for someone with an encouraging post for us over 50 writers to kick off the new year, and she provided it. Blessings to you in 2016, my friend.

Elaine Stock From NY At 1/8/2016 4:16:25 AM

Sandy, you''ve definitely encouraged me today! 2015 had me traveling many ups and downs, from rejection of my mss. to a yes by a publisher. While so grateful I still ride that awful roller coaster of doubt while waiting release of my novel. This Bible story renewed my hope. Thank you.