by Lynn Blackburn @LYNNHBLACKBURN

Several years ago, I participated in a Whole30. During a Whole30 you avoid a host of foods including alcohol, gluten, sugar, dairy, etc. One of the big rules is that there is to be zero cheating. There are no excuses, no exceptions. But as I studied the FAQ, one question stopped me in my tracks. “What about communion?” 

I’m not an expert in the sacramental practices of all denominations, but I know that in general we’re talking about some form of wafer or bread, and some type of juice or wine. None of that is allowed on a Whole30. 

The response was simple, to the point, and a lesson I’ve never forgotten. 

God > Whole30. 

My math loving brain (yes, there are writers who love math) loves the visual representation of this.

Because in mathematical terms, this isn’t an equation. It’s an inequality. No matter what goes on the right side, God is always going to be greater. 

My writer brain loves the concise representation of powerful truth.

Because the bottom line is that God isn’t just greater than a Whole30. God is greater than everything. Many of us would acknowledge that as fact. But it is so, so easy to forget. 

We dream big, God-given dreams.

We study the craft. We sign up for conferences. We query agents and editors. We write, and write, and write. 

And then, we worry. 

What if we’ve missed something?

What if we mess up? What if the agent we think we want turns out to be a mistake? What if we can only go to one conference this year and we choose the wrong one? What if, despite all our research, the editor we pitch to isn’t the best choice? What if the publisher we’ve had our heart set on isn’t acquiring? What if the genre God has called us to isn’t popular and no one wants it?

Please hear my heart, friends. I am 100% in favor of doing your due diligence. You absolutely should prayerfully research the market, the publishers, agents, and conferences. Ask God for wisdom, direction, and favor. 

And then when you make your choices? Rest. 

Okay – I know it’s hard, but try. 

Because…

God > Publishers

God > Editors

God > Agents

God > Conferences

God > Contests

God > Genres

God > Platforms

God > Amazon Rankings

God > Revisions

God > Reviews

Sometimes, I need to fill in the equation with whatever I’m dealing with.

I have to remind myself that God is greater than what I’m worried about and remember to trust His plan.

Sometimes, the things that are weighing me down are so big, so confusing, and so overwhelming, that I don’t even know how describe them.

When that happens, I remind myself that when I don’t know what to do, God is greater than my confusion and fear. 

There’s a great deal of rest to be had when we acknowledge that, hope in that, and trust in that. 

I don’t know what you’re dealing with as you head into the last half of 2022. But I do know that whatever it is . . . God is greater. 

Grace and peace,