Why Write Devotionals?
A look into why I'm writing devotionals and not some other kind of book.
Before I started writing devotionals, I remember sitting down with a friend and sharing that God called me to write books about my faith.
As we discussed it, I told him that one of the draws to this calling was that God wanted me to write devotionals for everyday Christians.
He seemed puzzled by this and asked me to continue.
We pulled up devotionals on Amazon and scrolled through the countless books by NT Wright, DA Carson, Sarah Young, Max Lucado, and so many more. I pointed out that they all came from big names of the faith.
And I remember when I was a young Christian that this felt overwhelming, especially when some had highly complex theological ideas I didn’t understand.
He tried to dissuade me from writing devotionals. He looked me in the eye from across the table over his cup of coffee and said, “Why don’t you write something groundbreaking?”
I had thought of this. But it isn’t what I felt God wanted me to do. However, this conversation wore me down. I went back and forth for months, deciding what to do.
Finally, when having coffee with Jesus one morning, he clarified that I was supposed to start with writing devotionals on the Gospels.
And so, that is what I have done.
Lessons Learned from Following This Calling
This has been a long road to write devotionals. It takes work. Sure, the theological and intellectual aspect makes it a slow process. However, I have learned a few things that I didn’t see coming.
The Spiritual Component
There is a physical world and a spiritual world. Because of this, when we do something that breaks into the spiritual, there is opposition to keep us from doing things for God’s Kingdom. I have faced this spiritual battle while writing my books.
Writing Devotionals isn’t Glorious
I don’t write devotionals for the glory of man. Though, it is tough sometimes. When I share that I am an author and write Christian devotionals, people tend to write me off quickly after that. But, it has been worth it when someone shares how the devotionals help them.
Insight into My Life
Another exciting thing is that the devotionals have made me very reflective about the things I believe and the experiences that I have had. This has been incredible as I partner with the Holy Spirit in working on these books.
Obedience brings Blessings
I have also written three other books since starting this project of writing devotionals on the Gospels. One was a devotional on Proverbs I had created, and I felt God gave me the okay to publish it. The other two were unrelated and have yet to do near as well because they were outside of the calling.
Niching Down into My Faith has been Scary.
It’s not easy being a ‘Christian Author.’ People who have had bad experiences with the church or who fervently don’t believe in what I do sometimes like to share their thoughts in mean ways. Likewise, some Christians are pretty harsh in their opinions about my work. It is not a lot of fun sometimes.
Final Thoughts on Writing Devotionals
Ultimately, God has called me to do this, and I refuse to do anything outside. Since writing the devotionals I have so far, each one has become a bestseller and has had over 2,000 orders each, and they sell weekly.
What’s more, I see God unlocking opportunities and showing me possibilities with future works that I cannot wait to see how they go. It has given me a lot of great insight and encouragement.
Lastly, God gave me insights into writing the following books. Once the devotionals are done, I see him giving me some open-door possibilities that will be fun to write. They will help other people too.
J.R. Heimbigner is a #1 Bestselling Christian Author on Amazon who writes about faith, family, and writing books. Check out my resources: J.R. Heimbigner Bookstore.
Very interesting article. I went to your online bookstore link but the link to the free breakthrough prayer and course doesn't work.
Keep going. He is faithful.