Don’t Let Satan Win

Until Kindle came along, with its free or almost-free downloads, I got most of my reading material from the library. I hated it when I found an author I loved only to discover he/she had written only a couple of books. What happened? I wanted to know.

Since I began writing myself, I’ve met a surprising number of authors who appear to quit after one or two successes. (For the time being, you can include Jayne E. Self in that list.) And I still wonder, what’s happened? Why do so many of us seem to be one or two-hit wonders? Did we max-out our imagination? Or did something more sinister happen? Did something steal our passion?

Recently, a friend returned from Hillsong’s Colour Conference for women and she shared with me one of the ‘messages’ she gleaned during the experience.

Don’t let Satan steal the gifts God gives.

The conference speaker, it seemed, was referring to things like joy, peace, forgiveness, grace… But I realized the same warning could apply to the passions God gives.

My friend is a gifted nurse, but work situations and complicated relationships has wearied her so that the passion she had for caring for others has been crushed almost into non-existence. Did her job do that? Yes and no. I believe the ultimate responsibility lies with Satan who has worked over-time to undermine her stand against unsafe practices in her workplace and destroy her ministry among the sick.

He has stolen God’s gift from her.

I have a passion for writing. Like many others, however, time and circumstance have dulled that passion. I wonder, what’s the point? Why keep trying? Haven’t I sacrificed enough to this failing cause?

Then I hear Hillsong’s speaker’s message: Don’t let Satan steal God’s gift.

Wow.

How shall I respond?

My passion and energy are still dull—I can’t roll back the consequences time and circumstance have had on me. But I can will to move forward. I can choose to reclaim my gift. I can risk re-opening that computer file that’s sat idle for so long. I can take the initiative and reclaim what was almost lost.

How about you? Are there precious gifts you have lost to the enemy of your soul? Will you decide today to reclaim them with me?

P.S. You may be wondering what my photo of eggs has to do with all of this? Nothing, really. I received these beautiful farm-fresh eggs and simply couldn’t resist sharing. Aren’t they amazing?

Jayne E. Self is a Canadian mystery author who intends to reclaim her gift, and also takes photos.