This past week I was feeling pretty discouraged. It happens periodically. Writing is tough. You spend hours writing, editing, and polishing. You finally put it out there and the response is good, but it pales in comparison to your effort. And, if you’re in my current position, it costs time and money.

Not only that, I put out a free short story which only resulted in ten downloads. Ten.

Naturally, I began to wonder why I’m doing this. So, I went to God.

STEP #1: Pray

When discouragement rears its ugly head, I try to remember to go to God first. I tend to need validation. So, I asked Him to help me persevere and to show me if I was on the right track.

“You can pray for anything, and if you have faith, you will receive it.” – Matthew 21:22

In the past when I hit these times of discouragement, I’d give in. I’d throw myself a little pity party, and use it as an excuse to stop writing for a while.

This time, I didn’t do that. I had a plan and, regardless of how I felt, I was going to keep taking steps toward fulfilling those plans.

STEP #2: Decide in advance what steps you plan to take to achieve your goals

I started using a daily planner to ensure I accomplished my three big goals for each day and track other tasks. I have a morning ritual that includes exercise and spending time with God. No matter how I’m feeling, I do those things each morning and I work on accomplishing the major goals if nothing else.

“Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” – Proverbs 16:3

On Thursday, a member of a Christian writing group cried out. She was feeling incredibly discouraged. I responded to her plea, saying: “Perhaps there’s something in the air because I’ve been fighting some serious doubts lately. Starting my day in prayer and devotions is helping. Just be faithful, persevere when you want to give up. That’s what I’m doing. Not giving in to my feelings and just do the next thing. Eventually you’ll have a trail of published books behind you.” (clearly, I don’t edit my Facebook posts)

STEP #3: Encourage someone else

By giving her this advice, I inadvertently helped myself as well.

“Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up.” – Proverbs 12:25

That afternoon, my pastor asked for a copy of the short story I’d written. He read it while he was hunting. He responded shortly after with, “Such a great read! So, I don’t have a clue if any deer walked by, but it was worth it! You’ve got a gift. Thanks for sharing it with me.”

STEP #4: Trust God

Once you bring your concerns to God as I had in step #1, trust Him to respond in His time, but keep taking steps forward while you wait. God answered my prayer by prompting my pastor to read my story and encourage me. But that wasn’t all. The next day He spoke to me through His word.

My devotional has scripture references at the end. I stopped skipping those. Now I look them up and write them out in my daily planner. On Friday morning, I read the following scripture:

“Even though the fig trees have no blossoms; and there are no grapes on the vines; even though the olive crop fails, and the fields lie empty and barren; even though the flocks die in the fields, and the cattle barns are empty, yet I will rejoice in the Lord! I will be joyful in the God of my salvation! The sovereign Lord is my strength! He makes me as sure-footed as a deer, able to tread upon the heights. – Habakkuk 3:17-19

God had spoken to me through my pastor and then through His word. I thought of the member of my group who was feeling discouraged and I shared this with her and anyone else who might need it. The response I received was amazing. There are so many people out there who need encouragement!

STEP #5: Share what God has done

It seems the more I share what God does for me, the more He does for me. It may simply be my perception. But, more than that, it encourages others. And, I believe it’s an act of obedience. In Luke 8:26-39, Jesus heals a man possessed by demons. He tells the man,

“No, go back to your family, and tell them everything God has done for you.” So he went all through the town proclaiming the great things Jesus had done for him.” – Luke 8:39

Here’s another great reason to share:

“Everyone who acknowledges me publicly here on earth, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 10:32

When you’re on the right path and you ask God to make it clear, prepare to be shown repeatedly. The following Sunday a woman on my ARC team (Advanced Reader Copy) approached me. She’s reading the second book in the Ariboslia series before it goes to my editor. The only criticism she had was that it would be tough for someone who hadn’t read the first book (which I knew, I’d hate for someone to read the second book without having read the first). But that was all she could say, she’d loving it and doesn’t have any suggestions for improvement…yet. I’ve received great feedback from my critique partners as well.

The trick is to remember these things to avoid discouragement in the future.

STEP #6: Remember what God has done

If God has revealed to you that you’re doing what He has called you to do, don’t keep second guessing it. Remember what He has revealed in the past.

“Never doubt in the dark what God told you in the light.” – Victor Raymond Edman

This isn’t the first time I’ve been through this and needed reminders that people liked my writing. Thankfully, God is patient and understanding. He’s always willing to remind me.

STEP #7: Repeat

Most of us tend to go in cycles and repeatedly need encouragement. So, the next time you face discouragement (and you will), repeat the steps above.

“So be strong and courageous, all you who put your hope in the Lord!” – Psalm 31:24

Are you discouraged? Follow these steps. If you’re in a great place, ask God if there’s someone who needs encouragement…there always is.

You are loved,

J F Rogers