Three Reminders You Are Where God Wants You.

You may be a writer, or you may not. I encourage you to read this post either way.

The 2021 Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference (BRMCWC) begins Sunday. BRMCWC is one of my favorite conferences for writers. I’ve attended in person and virtually. I’ve participated in Mountainside Novelist Retreats led by the same group and held at the same location. Without a doubt, if you ever get a chance to go—do it.

Now for the reason I write this blog. I find myself in a spot and you may be there, too.

As a bona-fide introvert, confirmed through self-reflection, testing, and observation by others; the conference, whether in-person or virtual brings with it a sense of dread for me. I have to bolster myself whether I’m leaving my room to head to the first session in the morning or signing onto a Zoom session. Even so, I’ve met the most wonderful writers, editors, agents, coaches, and even some of their family members while attending—both ways.

I weighed my attendance decision for this year’s conference and decided I would attend virtually, as last year, for a slew of reasons. As the conference opening rushed toward me, I questioned my decision. Am I settling by not attending in person? I mean, there are so many great reasons to attend in person. Maybe I should just “make it happen,” despite what I believe is the right choice for me.

While still doubting my venue, my flesh (you know those insecurities and unreliable emotions) began to pester me for thinking I was worth investing in as a writer at all. “Why worry about how to attend when you’re not even an author?” they said in unison.

Good question.

God reminded me of three things my flesh often forgets.

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First, I need to rely on Him no matter what I feel at any given moment.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6, NASB)

My feelings and emotions are temporal. God’s Spirit within me is eternal. I believe this means I should defer to God’s leading over my emotions or feelings.

I know I want to make certain decisions based on fears and emotions. We all do. Recognize you have that tendency and ask God to reveal His desires for you. In the case of the BRMCWC, a virtual option is provided that allows me to attend despite any circumstances trying to convince me I’m not worthy of the investment.

Second, He wants what is best for me.

“Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

If you believe God has called you to something, rely on Him to bring it to pass. I am convinced God called me to write. If he called me to write, He also wants me to be excellent at it. The BRMCWC provides training, contacts, and support (virtually and in-person) to accomplish improvement toward excellence. It’s no coincidence that my delighting myself in Him results in His providing delights for me.

Third, He is with me at all times.

“If anyone loves Me, he will follow My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make our dwelling with him.” (John 14:23)

For me, at this time, God has provided a means to attend given my circumstances. It is not settling because I will be virtual rather than in-person. I know this because I rely on Him, delight myself in Him, and know He is with me wherever I am. As John tells us, God dwells with us.

You may not be able to attend a conference at all this year. If you relied on Him, delighted in Him, and know He is with you wherever you are, you can rest in your situation.

Whether you are a fellow writer or not, today I pray you are where God wants you. I pray He provides rest for you in that place, and you grow closer to Him while there.

Today’s feature photo comes from a “photo-a-day” challenge I pursued several years ago. The photo inspires the topic. For me, the posts challenge my creativity, writing discipline, and dependence on God for His message. My prayer is that you find hope in God’s Word, and that you’ll share your hope with others.