A perpetual calendar of quotes sits on my desk. One quote
that’s become a personal favorite expresses these wise words—“Our lives, to be
fruitful, must be full of Christ; to be able to bring his peace, joy, and love
we must have it ourselves, for we cannot give what we have not got” (Mother
Teresa). These words encourage me to a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ on
a daily basis, but they also challenge me in my role as a writer.

As a writer, my desire is to pen words that make an eternal
difference in my readers’ lives. I long for them to crave the Scriptures, to
discover how God’s Word relates to them, and to develop a delightful and mature
relationship with the Lord. I yearn to bring hope to those experiencing bitter
disappointment. To bring comfort to those who grieve. And to bring direction to
those who have lost their way.

High and lofty goals, I’d say. They’re also completely
futile if I attempt them while operating on an empty spiritual tank.

The only hope of achieving my goals is for me to possess
a growing and vibrant relationship with Christ. Jesus said as much—“Yes, I am
the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will
produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NLT).

Meeting publishers’ deadlines is critical for writers. So is
marketing our books and maintaining an online presence. But nothing matters more than pursuing
relationship with Jesus Christ. Devotion must supersede duty.

Our time spent with Christ in private produces creativity. It
gives us wisdom. It teaches us what He values and how to be salt and light. From that private time flows relationship, and from that relationship flows words that breathe life into readers gasping
for breath in a broken and hurting world.

“Our lives, to be fruitful, must be full of Christ… We
cannot give what we have not got.” Words well spoken and true. Especially for
those who write with the hope of making an eternal difference.

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Learn more about Grace and her books at www.gracefox.com.