by Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed.D. @khutch0767

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31 NIV).

You’ll first notice the welcome signs, fragrant smells from the kitchen, the hum of piano jazz, and the soft glow of candles once you arrive at my home. From the moment visitors are ushered inside, I want them to feel comfort, peace, and love. I, too, crave those things. But this season of life offers something different, like the sudden loss of beloved family members, challenging relationships, illness, accidents, and navigating through unfamiliar territory. When going through these hardships, it’s difficult to believe God has something better in store because I have trouble navigating past this season’s bitterness. This is especially true when it applies to my writing life and the continual isolation and rejection I often experience.

But God continues to show up repeatedly during the valley experiences. And I strive to find victory and fulfillment daily—against all odds.

This can be shocking, but we’ll face unbelievable odds as we strive to achieve our writing goals. Trials will surround us, and we’ll feel alone because the people we believed would’ve been there for us can’t be found anywhere. We often identify with people who defeated overwhelming odds in the Bible yet found themselves questioning God. We, too, may find ourselves crying out, asking, “Lord, where are you? I’m writing to glorify You, yet I face opposition constantly. Why are you allowing me to have repeated rejections? Why are you letting this happen to me when I’m writing about You? What will I do now?”

Like many of us challenged with complex and difficult experiences as we pursue our writing goals, finding fulfillment is tough. Believing in victory sometimes seems like a cruel joke. Yet, God continually asks us to trust Him. The hardest part is shutting our mouths because we’re tempted to whine and complain. We also like to suggest to God how He could work things out better. Often, we compare ourselves to others who unfairly seem to be having an easier time building their platforms, getting agents, and book deals, even though they don’t seem to deserve it.

But God’s word tells us we’re unstoppable despite the odds. The end of our strength is the beginning of His. In Isaiah 40:31, the passage refers to those of us who have challenges, but the word tells us that we are being transformed, renewed, and strengthened despite what we feel or see. There will be a reward for us when we choose what God offers. To leave the backward pull of doubt and disappointment, we must believe God has a plan for our writing, and life works best when we trust in it.

Though nothing about my situation has changed dramatically, God has continued to sprinkle my life with sweetness. He has turned my attention to the birds singing outside my office window, opportunities that unexpectedly came my way, and friends who’ve blessed me with acts of kindness or words of encouragement. God has been working on my heart to live thankfully and to be outrageously generous to fellow authors. Instead of focusing on problems, brokenness, rejections, and loss, I’m encouraged to rejoice over the rich relationships and close bonds with those who walk alongside us. I covet each award, compliment, and affirmation I’ve received, and I “see” it as God’s way of speaking through others to express His love for me.

As authors, we can learn to “see” God’s plan of publication for ourselves by exercising our faith. Reading God’s word helps us when we’re overcome with challenging experiences, doubt, and fear. We discover that many people who served God were also frightened and faced overwhelming challenges where the odds were stacked against them.

Elisha’s servant was afraid when he saw the powerful Aramean army advancing. Joshua must have been terrified when Moses died and had to take over, leading a massive and rebellious community (Joshua 1: 6-9). David must’ve been confused when Saul, his father-in-law, turned against him when he’d been loyal and good. His confusion must have morphed into terror when Saul chased him with every intent to kill him, and all he could see was the large army carrying out this sinister plan (Psalm 35, 1 Samuel 23).

In each example in scripture, God encouraged his servants and told them not to be afraid. These illustrations demonstrate that when God gives us courage, we can become Elisha for fellow authors, friends, and family when they’re doubtful, scared, or worried. We can pray, “Oh, Lord, open their eyes, and let them see!” God’s on our side, and it’ll be all right.

God uses our unimaginable shortcomings and weaknesses to prove His immeasurable power. The patience, wisdom, and resilience we need to emerge fulfilled and victorious are entrenched in the challenges and odds of life as we pursue our writing goals and dreams. As authors, we can live fulfilled—against all odds!

Author, speaker, educational consultant, and editor–Katherine Hutchinson-Hayes, Ed. D. has had her hand in leadership for many years. She loves speaking to groups and delivering messages with a quick wit and real-life stories. Katherine is a freelance writer/content editor, a content editor/writing coach for Iron Stream Media, and a sensitivity reader for Sensitivity Between the Lines. She is a review board member and contributor to Inkspirations (an online magazine for Christian writers), and her writing has been published in Guideposts. Her work in art/writing is distinguished by awards, including the New York Mayor’s Contribution to the Arts, Outstanding Resident Artist of Arizona, and the Foundations Awards at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference (2016, 2019, 2021, 2022). She was a finalist in the Genesis Contest ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers/Romantic Suspense 2022). She is a finalist for the Claymore Award 2022 (Thriller Division) for the best-unpublished manuscript. She is a member of Word Weavers International and serves as an online chapter president and mentor. She belongs to FWA (Florida Writers Association), ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers), CWoC (Crime Writers of Color), AWSA (Advanced Writers and Speakers Association), and AASA (American Association of School Administrators). She serves on the board of the nonprofit organization Submersion 14 and is an art instructor and virtual exhibition specialist for the nonprofit organization Light for the Future. Katherine is the host of the podcast Murder, Mystery & Mayhem Laced with Morality. She has authored a Christian Bible study for women and is currently working on the sequel and prequel to her first general market thriller novel, “A Fifth of the Story.”