“This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws on their hearts, and write them on their minds,” Hebrews 10:16 ESV

Revisions are a way of life for writers. From first draft to polished work, ready for publication, are thousands of revisions. In my case, new knowledge and skill sent whole versions of my plot to the trash, but most of my edits are made to improve the parts I want to keep.

It’s like this in our life with Christ. We are transformed (or revised!) little by little as the Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see something we couldn’t see before. Suddenly, or slowly, we are challenged to think differently–and different thinking changes our actions. God’s goal in this is freedom.

When I was young I developed what psychologists call a mentality of performance for acceptance. I’m sure this was related to multiple moves and feeling a lack of love and belonging. The enemy built a stronghold around the lie that in order to be okay, I had to please people.

Fortunately, the Holy Spirit brought me to the Lord and I received a new identity–at least in theory. The stronghold was chipped away here and there by prayer and excellent teaching, but a full-scale change in my heart took many years. Interestingly, when I started writing my book, a task that demands originality, the issue came to the surface again. Risking the judgment of critique partners and the rejection of future readers constantly tested my confidence. That stronghold had to fall.

No one makes it through this life without the need for revision. God allows us to have weaknesses so that we will search for Him, the One who loves us. He’s made us unique to bring our particular gifts and perspective to this world. That means you are needed.

Prayer: Father, thank you for crafting me perfectly for your purpose. Set me free to see that You are pleased with me and always will be. Show me how to do what you’re calling me to do.

“You replace fear with blind trust that you are supported and that all is well. You make the act of writing, and everything you do, as an of love.” -Martha Alderson, The Plot Whisperer