I am delighted to have Sandra Ardoin as my guest today. Although we've never met, Sandy and I are part of a critique group and we've gotten to know each other quite well over the last year or so. Enjoy this excellent message by Sandy and be sure to sign up to follow her blog!

JUST WHOSE PLANS ARE THEY, ANYWAY?

(Sandra Ardoin)

Somewhere recently, I read a blog post in which the writer asked if there was a particular scripture that we had adopted for our writing.

Years ago, a former associate pastor sent me a small card with Jeremiah 29:11 printed on it. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” For a long time, I had that card taped near my computer where I could see it while I worked. Now I keep the verse bookmarked in my Bible. What encouraging words for anyone in any situation, but especially for writers who are anxious to see their hard work in print.

I believe God has a plan for us in the various aspects of our lives: family, career, health, etc. His plan for my writing may not match my goals. It may not match the potential sales figures my future editor has arrived at (whoever that will be). And it may not be the numerous published novels and fame my family hopes for the future. In fact, there may be no books at all. What if He only wants me to encourage others in their journey?

I’ll admit, it’s difficult to beat back frustration when I think I should be at a certain point in my writing career—I am not getting any younger, Lord. Then I remember that if I claim (to myself, God, or others) that my writing is as much a ministry as it is a profession, what do I have to complain about? He can use my words to minister to others in whatever form they take. Okay, publication is a nice bonus.

But if I believe in God’s promise that He will never harm me, that He only wants the best for me, I need to understand that no matter what my professional future holds, as long as I’m following His will—His plan—to the best of my ability, I’m where I need to be at this moment and at this time.

So how about you? Do you believe God has a plan to give you a future filled with hope?


Sandra Ardoin loves history and fiction, so how could she help but put the two together? Her work has been published in various forms, but fiction allows her to share the stories that run through her imagination. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. Contact Sandra through her website at www.sandraardoin.com. Follow her on Twitter, Google+, and Goodreads