Writers for the King

His Glory Passes By by Gail M. Hayes, PhD

"So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. Exodus 33:22

Brother Moses and the children of Israel saw some marvelous things. Just think about it for a moment. They saw the pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day. Before that, they saw the plagues that never touched them, torment the Egyptians. They saw death come and they, while wiping the sleep from their eyes, lived to see their first born still alive. They saw and experienced the Lord do some mighty things.

Let's don't even talk about Brother Moses. This man had some clout with God. He heard God's audible voice and saw the burning bush. Right about that time, I would have been searching for my notebook and digital recorder because I know no one would believe what I was seeing. Unlike me at times, this brother knew that God was real. The challenge was that the other Israelites didn't see and experience what He saw and experienced. But wasn't the Red Sea experience enough?

As I read the stories of their wilderness experiences, I couldn't help but think of how even after seeing and experiencing God's miraculous power, they still fell into unbelief and sin. In Exodus, chapter 32, when Moses was still in God's presence getting the Ten Commandments, they forced Aaron to make a golden calf so they could worship the ugly beast. Moses had to pray some hard prayers and plead with God so He wouldn't kill them. I just couldn't believe that people could be so ungrateful after seeing and experiencing what they saw and experienced. Oh, but pride has a way of working overtime and I soon discovered that pride was my middle name…with a capital P! 

Before I receive a writing assignment, I complain because I don't have any work. Once I do receive the assignment, I complain because I cannot seem to get started. I don't feel inspired to write or something else seems to have priority. It's as if some unknown force holds me captive. Never mind, that I am getting paid…hopefully. Never mind, that I have a deadline. Never mind, that I am being selfish. Never mind that I have an opportunity to write something that gives God center stage in my life. No, I need to be the Prima Donna of the Writing Court. I need an audience. I need to have my ego stroked. I just need what I need when I need it!

You see, at the moment I accept the assignment, the fiery passion I had for writing turns to cement. When I lift my hands to the keyboard, I feel the weight of the heavy, wet mixture becoming one with my fingers, and stalling the flow of my blood. I freeze at the moment of inspiration because my hands cannot keep up with my mind. In desperation, I shake myself, hoping that the moment will pass. My internal screams go unheard.

Okay, I admit that I've seen God operate in my life. I admit that I know He comes through for me but I still have trouble standing in the face of writer's block or in the constant flow of life's interruptions. I become irritated and angry with the entire writing process when God's promises do not happen as quickly as I believe they should. Hey, remember… I need what I need when I need it!!!

Do you know what happens next? I find myself making up things. Instead of allowing the Holy Spirit to move, I move with my natural ability and make up something. For us creative types, making up something comes natural. But what comes natural is not always what's best. Have you ever just "made something up" just so you could see some action? In my making up mode, I try to justify my actions and even become impatient with God because He does not get in line with my program. When this happens, I usually fall flat on my face and then become angry because He let me fall.

In my anger, I cannot honestly face my doubts and admit I no longer believe God's promises. I do not believe that He will give me the assignments, speaking engagements, and the platform for my work. Doubt shoves faith into a pit and sits itself on the throne of my heart. That's when the real trouble starts because the only thing that rescues me…ugh! Shall I say it? Okay, here goes…humility. I have to humble myself under the mighty hand of God so that He can exalt me and my writing ability. I have to cry out and ask for Daddy's help.

So I am learning that when my loving Father drops manna at my tent, prepared in heaven's kitchen that I cannot complain and cry for meat. When He sees my need for protein and delivers quail on the wings of the wind, I have to be grateful. When I feast on the manna and quail and then realize that I thirst, He is so precious that He gives me sweet water from the Rock and stays with me, like He did with the children of Israel. He even guides my way with the cloud of His wisdom by day and blocks the enemy's attacks with the fire of His might by night.  I then see the enemies of pride, self pity, and doubt drown in the Red Sea of confusion as I stand on shores of assignment completed and rejoice.

I am so grateful for His mercy. Because of His lovingkindness, I am learning that when I stop complaining and allow Him to do what He does best, I can go into His presence and experience joy unspeakable much like my fellow scribe and brother Moses. The Lord placed Moses in the cleft of the Rock, in the secret place and he saw God. When He passed by, the Lord left glory all over the Rock where He hid Moses. When Moses came out, God's glory shined from his face so brightly that he had to wear a veil when he went before the people.

My prayer for us all today is that we all remember why we write. It can't be for the people. It can't be for the fame. It can't be for the money. It can't be for the "whatever" it is that we think it is. It's got to be that this writing thing is so heavy upon us that we can barely speak or move unless we get our words from Him. It's got to be that when we sit down at computer or with pen in hand that His fire pulses through our veins, so powerfully that we set fire to everything and everyone around us. It's got to be that we long to taste the honey of His approval, the refreshing of His affirmation, and the passion of His acceptance. It's got to because we love Him.

Then, as we go into the secret place, I pray that we emerge, like Moses, with faces that reflect God's glory and tablets written with the finger of God. As the Father shines through us, I pray that we write the words that make others hunger for our Daddy.  I pray that we all emerge, filled with His power and ready to write again.

Always remember...we are writers of the King!

©2005 -- Gail M. Hayes, Ph.D. -- all rights reserved.

Dr. Gail M. Hayes is a much sought-after conference speaker and author. She has appeared on QVC, Christian Television Network, Total Christian Television and the Sky Angel Network. She is a former police officer and consultant to U.S. military. Her latest book is Daughters of the King (Walk Worthy Press, 2005). She lives in Durham, NC with her husband and two children.