by Julie Zine Coleman @JulieZineColeman

Do you ever feel inadequate as a writer? Wonder if God can ever accomplish anything of eternal value through your work? Many of us are plagued by doubts in our skills as success alludes us. And we wonder: what sets the successful writers apart from the rest?

Back in the 90’s, if you mentioned professional basketball, the name that inevitably came to mind was Michael Jordan. He led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA national championships.

One of his teammates, Bill Wennington, played alongside Jordon against the New York Knickerbockers in 1995. Jordan stacked up 55 points that night against the Knicks. At the end of the game, the score was tied with 14 seconds left to play. Jordan drove the ball down the court, but with two men on him could not make the shot. He passed the ball to a wide-open Wennington, who easily dunked it.

As the players later celebrated their victory in the locker room, Wennington was heard to remark: “How about that? Michael and I combined for 57 points.”

The remark was made tongue in cheek, of course. He knew who the best contributor was. But sadly, we can tend to echo that sentiment and believe it is all up to us when it comes to writing well.

The Lord has always been clear about being the power source for victories accomplished in His name. Soon after leaving the Red Sea, the Israelites were confronted with a hostile enemy.  Moses sent Joshua to lead their finest fighting men into battle. As the fight raged in the valley, Moses positioned himself high on the hillside. When his hands were held high in supplication for God’s intervention, Israel prevailed. When, in exhaustion, he lowered his hands, they would begin to lose. So Aaron and Hur stood on either side of Moses, holding up his hands for him. Israel was given the victory, but all involved understood it was by the power and grace of God that they won.

Jonathan, son of King Saul, knew God’s ability to win as well. While the rest of the Israelite army hid on the hillside, Jonathan decided to approach a group of Philistine soldiers, accompanied only by his armor-bearer. “Come,” he told his companion, “Let’s cross over to the garrison of these uncircumcised men; perhaps the Lord will work for us, because the Lord is not limited to saving by many or by few!” (1 Samuel 14:6 NASB). The Lord honored Jonathan’s trust and empowered the two of them to slay twenty Philistines. When the previously intimidating army heard the news, they turned tail and ran.

Over and over in Scripture, God brings victory to the weak or vulnerable from overwhelming circumstances. Why use the weak? He wants to fight our battles for us. He works in our hopeless situations to display His power, not through our strength, but through our helplessness.

There can be no doubt of the power source when He wins our battles for us.

So get rid of any illusion you might have that God needs you or your talent. The fact is, our most effective writing comes not from self-confidence, but when we understand it is not up to us. When we fall at His feet, acknowledging our need for Him with every writing opportunity, He will use it for His glory.

And [God]has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in distresses, in persecutions, in difficulties, in behalf of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 NASB

Bio: Julie Zine Coleman is an award-winning author, speaker, and member of the Pastoral Team at New Hope Chapel. She is the managing editor for the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association’s devotional website, Arise Daily. Julie holds a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies and has authored four books including Unexpected Love: God’s Heart Revealed through Jesus’ Conversations with Women and On Purpose: Understanding God’s Freedom for Women through Scripture, which was named The Golden Scrolls Book of the Year as well as The Selah Awards’ Director’s Choice. Julie and her husband have four grown children, six grandchildren, and one crazy Golden Retriever puppy.