Are You Hidden in Hebrews Eleven?
Finding Faith to be a Writer
by Lisa Christine

Part of being a writer is having the opportunity to impact and encourage readers and the desire to see one's name in print. Faith is the key to making these dreams a reality. Hebrews chapter 11 mentions people who relied on faith despite roadblocks. The Hebrews' heroes and heroines depended on God and in turn He orchestrated events in their lives as no one else could. By learning more about these individuals, we too can find encouragement, develop patience, and create a new outlook when the writing life begins to take its toll. Those mentioned in the chapter were from different backgrounds, time periods, and professions. Many were Old Testament authors. Examining some of these writers' circumstances and their reactions can serve as a guide for our own lives as writers.

Facing Life's Giants

David knew God would step in and protect him when faced with the giant Goliath. No matter what giant circumstances we face, looming deadlines or mastering grammar rules, we have to believe that God will stand by and not abandon us when we call on Him. Before the battle started, it looked as though David would be defeated, but in reality, David had God's strength, armor, and fighting keenness on the inside—no match for the bronze and height of Goliath. (1 Samuel 17:32-50, Hebrews 11:32, 34)

Our ambition in the written world may seem strange to some, but there is no need to doubt that God will help us if He's the one leading. There are many reasons a person could stop writing. Our minds tell us it is too difficult or there's not enough time, but writing is worth the sacrifice. We can achieve our career goals by keeping abreast of the latest publishing trends, attending conferences, studying, practicing, and pursuing the art of writing. Most importantly we need to keep our faith that God will help us achieve the right words in the right time.

Promises, Promises

While Habakkuk had a connection to God, he didn't receive a rush order in getting his prayers answered. Eventually the Lord replied and gave the prophet hope and perseverance. In the meantime, there were things in the future, beyond Habakkuk's scope that he would have to wait to see and be amazed at. If we're stuck on a story or wrestling with writer's block, we too can pray and be encouraged and energized enough to continue the important work God has called us to accomplish. (Habakkuk 1-3, Hebrews 11:32-33)

Brimming with Confidence

Daniel's envious co-workers set up a trap to harm him. They persuaded King Darius to pass a decree that only the king could be worshiped. Anyone caught praying to God would be fed to the lions. Because Daniel chose to honor his heavenly king rather than an earthly one he was sentenced to a lions' den. Daniel never compromised his beliefs. The possibility of death did not deter him from praying to his God. Daniel put his faith in the Lord despite the prospect of losing his life. God allowed Daniel to experience the near fatal event, which forced him to follow through with his faith and trust that God would deliver him. We also may be faced with comprising our integrity. As writers, we have to make a conscious decision on which publication we'll feel comfortable submitting our work to. If we compromise our beliefs, we need to determine if the concession is worth the price. (Daniel 6, Hebrews 11:32-33)

Victory at Last

The prophet Isaiah was determined to let Israel's people know their fate if they were to continued speaking against God and not worshipping Him. The people were looking to their kings to save them instead of God. Isaiah was willing to be used by the Lord even though he didn't fully know what the job description would be. While some aspects of a writer's life are a given, (time is spent thinking, writing, and rewriting) there are facets unknown. We don't know where our pieces will be published and whom they will minister to. Isaiah had his moments of defeat, just as we do, but Isaiah also felt and saw the hand of God. He didn't turn back on God's message or turn down the role as God's representative. We have also been given the chance to be His spokespeople. As creative artists, we owe it to Him and our potential readers to believe Him and follow through to the end. (The Book of Isaiah, Hebrews 11:37)

By keeping our faith and trust in God, we can have courage, confidence, and victory in our careers just as the heroes of Hebrews chapter 11 had as they carried out the Lord's will. Although the Hebrews' heroes had flaws, they were faithful. They all had a need, all were used by God, and all had faith that God would come through for them in the end. We too can keep believing, despite the obstacles that may try to get in the way of our life as a writer. In the writing life we may not see immediate results as those in other professions do, but we have the ultimate gift and ability to share our personal struggles with others in the hopes of helping them to remain steadfast on the Christian walk.