Copyright 2015 Theresa Harvard Johnson
2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV, “But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.”
Hebrews 10:35-36 CJB, “So don’t throw away that courage of yours, which carries with it such a great reward. For you need to hold out; so that, by having done what God wills, you may receive what he has promised.”
It takes courage to be a writer, a scribe – especially if your journey began without any professional training, support or amid great criticism. It’s even worse when you have the heart to write, but lack strong talent or skill. Such is the life of many souls who pass through the halls of Voices of Christ Literary Ministries International. They find themselves “down for the count” before they ever really get started.
My husband and I are huge boxing fans. So it’s easy for me to create an analogy between boxing and writing. After all, new comers are often seen as underdogs who really don’t stand a chance at taking down a seasoned, belted champion. The one thing, however, that every boxer knows – especially the underdog – is this: “True boxing is about heart, endurance and seeing the fight through. It’s rarely about just winning.”
A boxer with heart is constantly training — out of passion for the game and the inner belief that despite great loss, a CHAMPION lives within them.
Guess what? We can say the same thing about the inexperienced writer, scribe who has been ignited to write and whose heart is set on pleasing God.
While men are focused solely on skill, God is constantly focusing on that called scribe’s desire to give him his very best – even if it is a poem in need of a lot of work. You see God knows something that we, in our humanity often forget. He recognizes that in addition to pursuing him with everything in us, the next necessary trait is a longing to obey him (1 Samuel 15:22; John 5:30). He knows that once the will, desire and courage is stirred up, the committed son will begin a quest to strengthen the very gift that fuels his or her passion. The submitted heart will not only pursue their interpretation of their gifting, but they will long to grow in it and strive to become skilled.
This is why a wise boxer with heart could never become a loser. The title fight is always in the mind. Once scribes grasp this truth in their hearts – they come to appreciate who they are far above the “guidelines and critiques of men” who seek to define who they are solely on skill AND place them in a perceived category of success or failure. Scribes guard against this, because such strategies come to STEAL your courage, limit your potential.
Why is courage so important? Listen, I have learned that courage is important because it is the dwelling place of HOPE and the holding place for the mustard seed. WITHOUT COURAGE we nurture fear. Fear leads to torment and ultimately death. It’s that simple.
Today, I want you to hear Father saying this to you: “BE COURAGEOUS! LIVE! LIVE! Live beyond all expectations of men… and allow God to do the rest. He who called you is well able to perfect what HE ALONE has placed on the inside of you.”
People of God, stop allowing others to take away what God put in you. We must learn to enjoy our scribal process — even the imperfections. No, you may not be at a place of releasing “bestselling” material right now, but what you have can still be a place of joy and impacting hearts as you grow in skill. Not every writer or scribe will start off learning the “skill first.” Some may simply write for those people in their midst, but every soul touched is important to God – be it one or one million. Most of those who come my way fall in that category and Father knows that they need cheerleaders to increase their COURAGE – their bravery, fight, endurance…. just to believe that they CAN produce that book, play, skit, poem, etc. and that they can move into a place of skilled and filled.
I’ve learned that as COURAGE increases people are often motivated to learn, gain necessary skills and exercise their faith. God is way more concerned with this than he will ever be with a best sellers list, a prestigious award or the agendas of men. Luke 16:15 CJB says it this way: ” He said to them, You people make yourselves look righteous to others, but God knows your hearts; what people regard highly is an abomination before God!” (Also study through Kings and Judges. All the skill, prestige, knowledge and wisdom in the world couldn’t save a single king or judge from the condition of their hearts.) We need to remember this, not to point fingers, judge or criticize; but to keep perspective on how to VALUE …. you, and not allow the spirit comparison and untimely expectations to cause you to be condemned as you move through your process. Your courage is a required necessity.
What is the reward of courage?
For Abraham, the reward of courage caused him to be the father of nations. Moses reward of courage caused him to lead people out of slavery and toward hope. David’s courage caused him to rise as a righteous king of Israel. Esther’s courage caused her to save a nation from slaughter. Christ’s courage resulted in an extension of the free gift of salvation for all mankind. Peter’s courage caused him to transform a nation of Jewish people into believers of Christ. And their ultimate reward is being remembered by Christ, obtaining eternal life and being catalysts by which today we continue to hold God’s love in our hearts.
What is the reward of courage?
It is full surrender to the master’s use (not a master – but the master) for a destiny and a purpose far beyond our capacity to understand in this lifetime. Yes, there are some things — even in the midst of our craft that eludes our human understanding. For you it is the fulfillment of your high calling as a reconciler. Christ’s high calling was the cross that we might live. Rewards are not ONLY materialistic, and satisfying for the individual. God’s rewards are ALWAYS eternal, legacy-rooted. Remember, God would never take such extensive time to give you “only” an earthly reward.
Scribes of the king, BE RELEASED TODAY in your courage! Be released in the calling to scribe for the king by doing what YOU know to do RIGHT now by his leading. TRUST that God knows way better than any man – and especially you concerning your calling as a writer, a scribe. Amplify his voice above ALL OTHER VOICES. Heaven and earth knows that you can do this.
Joshua 1:9 NIV, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
1 Corinthians 16:13 NIV, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.”
