Inside or Outside the Box?

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We have all heard the phrase: think outside of the box. To jump start creativity, or to achieve our goals, we should think big. Dream big. Imagine big. And that is true, but then again, it is not quite the whole truth.

I'm reading Greater, by Steven Furtick, and it is fabulous! In one of his chapters, Furtick talks about the whole thinking outside the box idea. It's what got me thinking about writing and dreaming big outside the box.

The thing about thinking outside the box is that when you have dreamed big and brainstormed great solutions, you are still in the box with the same problems you had before. You remain frustrated that you can't really attain those outside-the-box-solutions.

• If only you had a critique partner, you could really shape up your writing.
• If only you could go to a writing conference, you could learn all you need to know about writing.
• If only you could get an agent, you could get your book sold to your favorite publishing house.

If only...

Friends, you can still dream. You can still think outside the box, but you must realize that God can't bless you with his greater blessing outside the box until you trust him while you are inside the box with the tools that you already have. How are you being faithful with what you have in front of you?

• For $45 a year (that's less than 2 pennies a day), you could join ACFW and have access to dozens of critiquers.
• Go to the library and check out books on writing. Peruse writing blogs for articles on writing. There is a wealth of material out there to teach you what you need to know!
• Start submitting to agents after you have done what you can to make your story the best it can be.

When you are faithful with little, you will be granted more. (Matthew 25:23) God will provide you a critique partner when you are ready for one. He will supply the money for a conference when you are ready to go. And He will give you an agent when the time is right. 

How are you needing to trust God in your writing life? In your personal life? 

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This post is brought to you by

 Sherrinda Ketchersid

Sherrinda is wife to "Pastor John" and mother to three giant sons and one gorgeous daughter. A born and bred Texan, she writes historical romance filled with fun, faith, and forever love.