Is this worth it?
I’m asking myself this question because exactly 10 years ago, I published my first post on this blog. Frankly, I feel like the answer to this question is “no” sometimes. Yes, I press on, even when I notice an inexplicable drop in blog views…and when I lose blog followers…and when I remember my plan to become a famous author remains unachieved. But what if I shouldn’t press on? What if this isn’t worth it?
An Eye-Opening Consultation
“So what’s your vision?”
The brand strategy consultant in the virtual meeting looked at me, waiting for me to share what I hoped to accomplish as a writer. I’d signed up for his free consultation simply to get some writing advice. Unfortunately, I ended up hearing a sales pitch.
I described my vision to the brand strategy consultant, mentioning a well-known Christian author whose platform impressed me. I told him about feeling disappointed after the publication of my first book and feeling unknown as a writer despite my deep desire—and my many efforts—to be known. He led me to believe that I could achieve success with my second book—if I paid thousands of dollars for the services his company offered.
“And if you choose not to sign up for our services,” his words and tone implied, “your second book will fail just like your first book did.”
Needless to say, the meeting deflated me. It made me feel disheartened rather than inspired. But in a way, it was a worthwhile experience because it reminded me what my purpose is—and isn’t—when I write.
A Tempting Offer
As a writer, I wrestle with the desire to become famous. I realize that glorifying God matters far more than obtaining fame, but honestly, I was tempted to fall for the brand strategy consultant’s “we-can-make-you-famous” sales pitch. The price he mentioned didn’t seem so bad when I thought about the potential results—seeing my book sales explode, gaining thousands of blog followers, getting speaking gigs across the country, and appearing on popular podcasts.
Ultimately, however, I expressed I wasn’t interested in his company’s services. When the meeting ended, discouragement overwhelmed me. But by God’s grace, I pressed on.
Deep down, I believe the Lord gave me the ability to write and—at least for now—wants me to use this ability to share His Word. I don’t need to build a brand. I simply need to write.
A Bigger Plan
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so will My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it will not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:8-11 NASB1995)
As humans, we tend to focus on numbers, probably because we can measure, evaluate, and compare them. And we tend to focus on chasing bigger numbers—more views, clicks, likes, followers, and sales. Personally, I don’t have as many views, clicks, likes, followers, or sales as I want to have. My platform is tiny compared to other writers’ platforms.
If I was doing this (writing, blogging, speaking, and podcasting) to become famous, it (the time and effort I expend on writing, blogging, speaking, and podcasting) wouldn’t be worth it. But when God’s Word goes forth—even from my largely unknown blog—it accomplishes what He desires. It always reaches exactly whom God wants it to reach.
So to answer the question at the beginning of this post, this is indeed worth it because He is completely worthy of it.
Whether you’re brand-new to Tizzie’s Tidbits of Truth or you’ve been here since the day I published my first post, I want to thank you for joining me on my blogging journey. I hope you’ve been encouraged in your faith along the way.
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