How Blogging has Made Me a Stronger Christian
I’m doing something a little different this week. I’ve enjoyed linking up some of my posts at Literacy Musing Mondays in the past. This week I’m helping host their linkup. http://maryanderingcreatively.com/lmmlinkup-blogging-brought-one-woman-closer-christ/ If you’d like to participate, instructions are at the end of this post.
Heart pounding, my finger hovered just above the enter key on my laptop. I drew in a deep breath and clicked “post”. That was almost two years ago and yet I still go through some of the same angst before publishing a blog post.
I write because I have fallen in love with God and His word and desire to share my journey in hopes of inspiring others. When I began writing Spotlight, I never imagined the blessings and trials that I would encounter—and yet it is both that have made me a stronger Christian. Here are a few reasons why.
Teaching Means Learning Double
“To teach is to learn twice over.” ~Joseph Joubert
Every post requires research and study of scripture. Blogging has made me a better student of the word as I teach to others what I have learned.
“Students are not greater than their teacher. But the student who is fully trained will become like the teacher.” Luke 6:40 NLT
I’m Accountable to My Readers
Research shows that putting a goal in writing along with sharing it with others increases our success by 85 percent. Since my major goal is learning and putting into practice scripture, blogging is a huge benefit to me in my spiritual growth.
“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” Hebrews 10:24 NLT
Support and Prayers from Others
I cannot express how grateful I am for the support of other writers and Christians. I’ve gained a large community of some wonderful encouragers and supporters whom I’ve also learned a great deal from.
“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.” 1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
Trials—it’s not all Rainbows and Butterflies
Blogging means making myself more public, and with that have come some difficulties. I have also noticed an increase in spiritual warfare. These issues have occasionally made me want to put a halt to sharing with the World Wide Web, but I know that God has used the trials to strengthen and grow me.
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” James 1:2-4 NLT
You don’t need to be a writer/blogger to benefit in the same ways I’ve listed above. All of us are called to teach, be accountable, support, and pray for others. In addition to these, the Bible states we will go through trials and tests in order to strengthen our faith.
God uses the many things we go through in our lives to draw us closer to Him—IF we will let Him.
“But Jesus replied, ‘My Father is always working, and so am I.’” John 5:17
Even though my heart still pounds just before hitting “post”, the pluses of blogging far outweigh the minuses because God uses the process to lead me closer to Him.
Now on to our weekly Literacy Musing Monday’s linkup where we link up posts about what inspires you in reading, writing, blogging, and even share our written Bible devotions. Be sure and go all the way to the bottom of this post to linkup.
Leslie@Forever Joyful Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/Google+Gayl@Words, Photos, and ArtBlog/Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/TwitterMary @Maryandering Creatively Blog/Facebook/Twitter/Pinterest/ Instagram/Google+Tami @ThisMomsDelight Blog/Facebook/Pinterest/Twitter/Instagram/Google Plus
Now let’s celebrate family-friendly reading and learning.
Last Week’s Top Clicked Post!
Everything Is Possible
by Joanne Viola
More than just a book review and a book review, Joanne’s post simply inspires. This book is one I want to add to my to be read shelf.
Be brave. Dream big. Have faith. And don’t be scared to look down. The view is pretty spectacular.
Joanne inspires too by sharing this sweet review. Be sure to check it out.
My Favorite Post of the Week:
Also congratulations to the winner of our Back to School PayPal Giveaway: Jessica Miller.
Linkup Rules:
- Please remember this is a family-friendly linkup. Although we believe in the right for adults to read whatever they want to read, we prefer to read wholesome posts that feature literature that edify and uplift families. We reserve the right to delete any posts that are not family friendly. We love all kinds of literature and genres including family-friendly inspirational romances, fantasy, or science fiction. We do not welcome posts featuring books or writing with excessive violence, sexual content, or cursing. These posts will be deleted.
I have found similar benefits (and challenges) in blogging. I have been seriously considering shutting down my blog, but my spouse practically begged me to keep writing, observing that writing had aided in my spiritual growth. I hope the Lord continues to bless your work, Beckie!
Elihu, Your blog is one that I am intentional about reading. You have inspired me since I first started. Rest assured, the Lord is using you, dear sister. I’m praying for you. Keep shining your light!
So very good Beckie! I second and third this! When I began writing music I realized that God was healing my heart through the inspiration He was giving. Sharing was just a bonus! Blogging and writing my book were different. All of a sudden I was facing, expecting even, criticism and persecution over what I was sharing. In the very beginning I made sure that my blog was anonymous, I didn’t want anything coming back to me. (Shakes head here.) Over time God gave me courage, reminding me that it is His inspiration not my own. He gives us courage to share what He places on our heart. And He places others in our life to encourage us and to help us keep going.
I would like to add something to your blog to encourage others if I could. I too feel the nervousness of hitting Post, but I am encouraged by this scripture in Acts 2:
“In the last days, God says,
I will pour out my Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
your old men will dream dreams.
18 Even on my servants, both men and women,
I will pour out my Spirit in those days,
and they will prophesy.”
I don’t consider myself a prophet in the description inclusive of foretelling of the future; however, the description of prophecy includes: something that is declared by a prophet, especially a divinely inspired prediction, instruction, or exhortation.
Just consider this, what if these were the last days? Maybe they are, maybe they aren’t, only our Father knows; but what if they were? What if WE, His Church are being called to a greater inspiration unlike ANYthing the world has every known?
WHAT IF? Wouldn’t it be amazing to be a part of such a movement? All the more reason to stay close to our inspiration. It’s all about Jesus!!!
Eve, I cannot thank you enough for your comment. I wholeheartedly agree with what you have shared in your comment above. And thank you for including the wonderful scripture from Acts.
I’m truly honored to be used by God through the ministry of writing or whatever He calls me to. As you said, “It’s ALL about JESUS!” Amen and amen.
Thank you for sharing about your blogging journey. It seems like what I write about almost every week, I need! Plus, if you put it in writing to encourage or inspire others, you have to live it! But the farmer reaps the reward first. Keep sowing, Beckie!
Katy, Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m with you, these posts almost read like a journal of what the Lord is teaching me. I only hope and pray to LIVE it!
Beckie, For me authentically blogging has allowed me to relate to myself and my readers on a more personal and real level. We live in an age of touched up photos and faux self images posted on social media. But writing about God’s chronic presence in my chronic mess (chronic illness or raising middle schoolers) brings encouragement to the weary and glory to God.
April, You bring up such a valid point:authenticity. I believe like you, that readers want to be able to relate to what we’re writing. We must be real to be relatable. Thanks for commenting. God bless you, sweet sister!
You are talking about me, Beckie! Every week, I’m nervous – I read my post through and it never seems good enough. But I trust that God will take my words and use them to bless someone. God teaches me so much as I study His Word and I hope I can share a small bit of my awe with those who read my blog. Thanks for being honest about the doubts we all feel.
Sherry, Thanks for your encouraging words and for stopping by Spotlight. I’ll check out your blog too. Keep shining your light!
Thank you for doing what you love, Beckie. I am encouraged!
Dorcas, That means a lot! Thanks, dear sister. Keep shining your light.
You are one in a million. May God give you the grace to do more of His work.
God bless you.
This comment made my day. Thank you. And may God bless you too as you shine the light of His glory through your writing.