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).

This season marks the beginning of a busy conference time for most publishing professionals. Many of us are in the throes of attending or teaching at writer’s conferences. Although we’re often energized, educated, and encouraged through conferences, sometimes we combat difficulty. We may suffer exhaustion, burnout, discouragement, and rejection. It can be challenging to trust that God has a better plan for our writing journey during these tough times. We may struggle to overcome our negative emotions and see a brighter future. When we encounter seemingly insurmountable obstacles and feel alone, we may feel lost and question why God allows us to suffer. At times like these, we may ask, “God, I thought I was called to write! Lord, why is this happening to me? Father, what should I do now that all hope seems lost?”

It can be challenging to trust God when faced with closed doors, delays, redirection, and demanding situations. However, it’s crucial to avoid complaining and trying to dictate how God should handle things. It’s also common to compare ourselves to others who appear to prosper in their writing pursuits without the struggles we face. Still, we must remember that God’s word assures us that we can overcome adversity, doubt, and fear even when the odds seem stacked against us.

The Bible shows how even those who dedicated their lives to God encountered moments of fear and daunting challenges. Elisha’s servant was afraid of the Aramean army, Joshua must have been terrified when Moses passed away, and he had to take over. David experienced extreme anxiety when Saul sought to kill him. However, God reassured His servants in each instance, telling them to be courageous and not to fear. With God’s assistance, we, too, can obtain courage and comfort from fellow authors when they feel anxious or uneasy. We can pray for God to open our eyes and have faith that He’s on our side, giving us peace and solace during trying times.

We often face challenges and odds that can test our patience, wisdom, and resilience. However, it’s vital to remember that God can use these situations to demonstrate His power and help us emerge victorious.

Here are three specific ways to seek God for encouragement for our writing careers:

1. Be Thankful.

Expressing gratitude is an excellent way to begin a conversation. As a parent would, God is pleased when we show appreciation. Moreover, when we reflect on what God has achieved for us in the past – such as answering our prayers, overcoming impossible situations, providing opportunities, and guiding us through mentors – our faith in God strengthens, and we become more confident in our ability to pray for bigger things. Praising God is a powerful way to open the gates of heaven, and we should make it a regular part of our time with Him.

2. Ask for God’s will.

Jesus set an excellent example of obedience and surrender to God’s will. Even in the face of adversity, he prayed, “Your will be done, not mine.” When we encounter difficult situations, we may not know how to pray or what to ask for. However, we can trust God’s plan because it’s always suitable for those who love him. By relying on his divine will, we can discover safety and peace in his love.

3. State our needs.

We often hesitate to ask God for our small needs, thinking they are insignificant. We may need direction in what genre to write or which critique group to join. We tend to exhaust all other options before praying for more significant issues. However, the Bible reminds us that we may be lacking because we fail to ask God. Therefore, let’s not hesitate to ask God for what we need. He delights in providing good gifts to us, just as a loving Father does for his children in heaven.

Releasing our expectations and beliefs about our writing dreams and goals can be challenging. Sometimes, we struggle to accept that success doesn’t always come immediately, even if we’re doing well. To stay open-minded in the face of rejection, obstacles, and delays, it’s crucial to use the right tools. God teaches us to grow at every stage of our lives, so let’s support each other in pursuing victory. Even if it takes longer than expected or looks different than we imagined, we can trust that––God has destined us to triumph with our words.

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.”