Writing: Ministry or Hobby?

Is writing a ministry or a hobby?

This is a good question. One I wrestle with periodically. For years I had the desire to write, but kept getting a wait signal from God. The dream would go to the back burner and simmer for another couple years before it would reach a boiling point again.

At the same time I had another desire. I believed that one of the reasons I was placed on this planet was to impact the world for Jesus. I've done that through teaching Bible studies, Sunday school, and other venues. But it reached a point where the desire for more became my heart's cry. "Father, expand my borders. Make me ready to do more for You. Make me a person you can use to impact the world for You."

Then I got the clear signal from God to chase writing. Then I got that first contract. And then God called me to account, that I took that contract to lightly. When I asked Him why, He showed me that I undervalued it because I didn't see it as the answer to my prayer. I'd asked Him to expand my boundaries and my reach. And He did that by giving me book contracts -- as I worked in obedience to His call -- contracts that allow those simple truths He puts in my heart to be read by so many more thousands of people than I can ever reach in one Bible study.

Will I continue to teach Bible studies and Sunday school? Yes, from time to time, as much because of how they push me to go deeper with God. But I will also write the stories He places in my heart, because my deepest heart's cry and longing is to be used by Him.