God is Writing Your Story—Right Now!

All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.  –Psalm 139:16 

If you’re anything like me, you grew up reading stories, and reading and reading and reading stories. I love a good book, and even as an adult I am always looking out for one! 

At one point, I grew frustrated that there weren’t more inspiring stories out there. You know the kind: They make us dream big dreams, think new thoughts, see God in fuller ways. They make us understand and love each other better. I remember thinking, “If only there were more people writing books like that! If I could write, I’d go for the epic masterpieces.” (I’m a little bit lofty like that.)

A few years later, one of my graduate professors complimented me. “Your style of writing is very engaging. It was easy and enjoyable to read your paper.” 

Weird. That paper was about, like, pottery shards and dead languages. 

Then it happened again. And then again. I can’t stress this enough—the topics were only interesting to nerds who get masters degrees in Biblical studies. I think this is when we have to listen to the little voice of the Holy Spirit and recognize him. My profs weren’t encouraging me on to a PhD, but apparently they were delighted with my papers. “Ok, God. So you gave me the ability to write in an engaging way and the desire to create more inspiring literature for YA readers. You’re closing one door, so maybe you’re opening this one. But I don’t have a story to tell. And I don’t know what I’m doing.” 

That’s the jumping-off point for my current work in progress and my first ever YA book, Elleson. I started with characters that I liked, and then I took them on adventures. I worked hard to give them personalities distinct from my own. I had to keep asking, “What would Brogan do if X happened?” I had a basic storyline, but the characters keep writing their own plots! And sometimes, they do things I don’t want them to do. How weird is that?! Talk about experiencing God from an unexpected angle! Like my characters, his created people have a mind of their own, and we often don’t listen when he’s all, “I’ve got a great ending in mind, just don’t go in there!” 

Let’s be honest. I’m overwhelmed by this brand new writing world. There are a lot of picky rules here. I’ve been discouraged several times, because the folks who know what they are doing can so easily point out my flaws. But I hear my author (a.k.a. God) saying, “Don’t give up. That dream of yours—it was my dream first. And I have a great ending for you. Just keep going!” 

Have you ever thought that maybe, just maybe, your dream is God’s story for you?