It was a fascinating and significant chapter, bursting with tension. I’d worked on it and sent it to my critique group for review. And I got challenged big-time. Not harsh enough for the context, heroine too strong to fall for his line, etc. etc. Could I find hope through this challenge?

Find hope through challenge

Our critique group exists to challenge, encourage and support each other as we review and make suggestions to make one other’s writing stronger, richer.  While my heart sank a bit at hearing the comments, I was encouraged by the caring critiques given by writing friends. I know these women love me, and I trust them. So yes, I find hope in the challenge.

• Hope in accepting the critiques rather than holding to “my story, my way”
• Hope that as I listen to and absorb constructive criticism my writing will improve
• Hope that rewriting this chapter with my colleagues’ inputs will make it much fuller, more authentic

Have challenges given you hope?

Can you recall an experience where you were challenged, resulting in a better attitude, product, delivery? Did you rebel against the challenge, even a little, before going for it?

When challenged, I consider the words spoken as well as the heart of the speaker before deciding whether or not their input has validity.

This article speaks to the issues of high v low support (hope) and high v low challenge. Quite interesting. https://www.theleadershipcoaches.co.uk/post/leading-with-support-and-challenge

Hope from God through challenge

God challenges us repeatedly. Consider this scripture.

He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God. I John 12:12-13, NKJV

Find hope through the challenge of the Cross

The challenge—no Son (Jesus Christ) = no life.

The hope—belief in the Son (Jesus Christ) = eternal life.

Working through the challenge to hope

So, as I rewrite a chapter of my novel, I expect to feel hope in its deepening and enrichment.

Even so, as we individuals work through what it means to know Jesus Christ, may we experience—or gain—that assurance of eternal life. https://www.carolloewen.com/but-god-ii/

I think of some who stood firm although martyred for their faith. Why? Because they knew God loved them and was trustworthy. They were forgiven and righteous because of Jesus’ sacrifice—and eternal life waited for them.

I’d love to hear your response to this. If you don’t have that assurance, let’s talk. No pressure, just talking about God’s faithful promises to those who put their trust in Him through faith in Jesus Christ.

Have a challenging, full-of-hope week!