I planted the seed. Apollos
watered it. But God made it grow. I Corinthians 3:6
I’ve
talked with a lot of writers through the years. One recurring question I get is
about where they should focus their efforts. They struggle with whether to
submit this article, write this devotion, try authoring a book. I encourage
them to try it all.
My
answer generally catches them by surprise.
I take a
different approach when it comes to the decision of what to write about. I
approach it like a farmer sowing seeds. I’ve never seen a farmer pull out a
handful of seeds, search through them and choose only one or two to plant.
What
I’ve seen is farmers sowing handfuls of seeds at a time, casting them into the
prepared soil. They do this knowing that not all seeds take root and grow. As
writers, we would do well to follow this model.
I’m not
advocating that writers start a dozen different things without finishing any.
I’m not even suggesting that a writer certain of where she’s called, move too
far away from that. But I am telling you that although we make plans—in obedience—God
decides what grows. And it only makes sense to walk through the doors that seem
to have been opened.
So take
a chance, toss those seeds out. You may be surprised by what takes root and
grows into a harvest.