Who’s the Boss?

By DiAnn Mills @DiAnn Mills

Every time I begin a new writing project, I panic. Can I do this again? Do I have the skills to carry another book through to completion? Will my readers like the characters? Is my plot credible enough with twists and turns to keep readers guessing? Will my story linger in the hearts of my readers long after the last sentence?

Then I remembered my Boss.

I bet many of you thought writing was free of the worries and hassles of a boss. No clocking in. No staying late or arriving early. No hassle from anyone. I thought so too, until I discovered all the demands made on my time and effort: publishers, agents, editors, social media, writing, and family responsibilities.

Then I remembered my Boss.

The One who called me into the writing ministry. No deadlines. No expectations. No pressure.

In the beginning, the idea of making a difference in the world through writing stories seemed like a dream. The urge and passion to communicate through the written word became so powerful that I didn’t know what to do with it.

•            It was power.
•            It was passion.
•            It was alive.
•            It was undeniable.

A realization grew deep inside me that this newfound urgency came from outside of me. God had called me to writing, but I had the responsibility of learning the craft. I didn’t automatically get the techniques and tools to succeed. After over two decades of writing and publishing, I’m constantly learning.

For the record, God didn’t provide a timetable for my publishing either.  Growth came in seasons—and often in waiting.

This wild, sweet gift of writing is a lot like the road David walked in the Bible. He discovered his Boss at a young age, and he clung to Him all the days of his life.

1. David didn’t take the throne immediately. He had much to learn.
2. David battled lions and bears to build strength, courage, and endurance.
3. David’s family probably didn’t understand who he was or what he was attempting to accomplish.
4. David fought Goliath, much like we face the giants of publishing. He used his skills and trusted God.
5. David faced rejection from Saul, his wife, and those he thought were his friends and family.
6. David made mistakes and had to ask for forgiveness.
7. David never gave up. He had hope, which means he waited for the Lord to fulfill His promises. What about you? Where is your hope and commitment in your deeply hidden dreams?

And that waiting shaped him into the man God intended.

Writers use words to entertain, inspire, and teach. Like David, we can dream, learn, obey, and reach our purpose. When fear rises, deadlines press, and doubt whispers, I return to God’s promise: I’m not writing alone. I answer to the One who called me — and that changes everything.

 So I ask you, who is your Boss?