What Part Does Divine Inspiration Play in Our Writing

by Crystal Bowman
Several decades ago, when my hubby and I began listening to contemporary Christian music (instead of oldies from the 60s), we enjoyed the music of Dallas Holm. Born in 1948, his musical ministry spanned nearly four decades. His 1977 live album (with the group Praise) featured his best-know song, “Rise Again,” a powerful song about the resurrection of Jesus. Before he sang the song, he spoke to the audience and his words have stuck with me. He said (paraphrasing according to my memory), “On most days, I write lyrics and music because that’s what I do—it’s my job and it’s the gift God has given me. But every once in a while, an idea for a song comes to me that I believe God has given me. This next song (Rise Again) is one of those songs.”
As a writer, I can relate to his experience. I have many days when I turn on my computer and just start tapping keys as words in my head appear on the screen. I might be in the middle of a manuscript, writing a blog article, or doing some self-editing, trying to meet a tight deadline. I write because it’s my job and it’s the gift God has given me. But every now and then, I have an idea for a story or article that I believe comes from divine inspiration. 
God’s hand is in all my writing, and I pray for Him to guide my mind and words as I write. Whether it’s a picture book, devotion, or the comic page for Clubhouse Jr. magazine. I cannot write apart from Him. But I love those special “God moments” that trigger a divinely inspired idea that needs to be written. When the sun melted frost on my windshield in three spots spelling the word God (yes, that really happened), I wrote a devotion about Immanuel—God with us. When my neighbor asked why I leave all the lights on at night (inside and out), I told her I did no such thing. It later occurred to me that I pray for angels to surround my house at night, and that’s the light she sees. Another devotion came from that!A nearly impossible idea came to me that I never would have thought of with my blonde brain. I co-authored an alphabet Christmas picture book with my adult daughter. Why was it challenging? Because we told the entire Christmas story in chronological order using key words from A-Z. What I enjoyed the most was including Old Testament messianic prophecies that were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus. I had chills as the words came together to tell the miraculous Christmas story in a unique and original way. 
In Conclusion
If God has given you the gift of writing, then use it! Do everything you can to become the best writer you can be. And when you have an idea that comes from above, turn on your computer and start tapping those keys. You may be surprised at what appears on your screen. 
To God be the glory!
TWEETABLEWhat Part Does Divine Inspiration Play in Our Writing from author Crystal Bowman on @EdieMelson (Click to Tweet)
Crystal Bowman is an award-winning, bestselling author of more than 100 books for children and families. She also writes lyrics for children’s piano music and is a monthly contributor to Clubhouse Jr. Magazine, Arise Daily, and Christian Children's Authors. She enjoys coaching children's writers as well as teaching at writers conferences. When she is not writing or speaking, she likes going for walks and spending time with her huggable grandkids. She and her husband live in Michigan and Florida and try to avoid snowstorms.
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