Hot tea and a frosted cranberry muffin. A tasty treat, but it wasn't the food that had my attention. Historical romance novelist, Jody Hedlund was sitting across the table from me. She had graciously agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to meet with me to discuss the ins and outs of writing for publication. What a wealth of information!
As a newbie to the world of writing, light bulbs continued flashing in my head as Jody shared nuggets of wisdom gleaned along her journey to publication. Although our genres are different, the basics remain the same. By the end of our meeting, not only was my stomach full, but my mind was chock full of ideas I knew I'd need to explore further.
Shop talk aside, I was captivated by Jody's warmth and obvious passion for giving fellow writers a jump start in this daunting industry. She candidly expressed how naive she was when she first started writing. I listened intently as she stressed the importance of knowing your audience and how your writing meets a specific need that's not already being met. Wow! And I had been convinced that if my writing was good enough, I'd have big name agents and publishing houses knocking on my door, contract in hand. Yes, I suppose I need to shed the naïveté, too! A special thanks to Jody for her transparency and candor!
Since our meeting, I've had plenty of time to mull over our conversation. I was reminded of some people in the New Testament who were also willing to share the wisdom they had gained. Aquila and Priscilla. They were willing to rearrange their schedules to reach out and teach others the whole truth of God's Word.
A Jewish man by the name of Apollos had come to Ephesus, and was teaching in their synagogue. He was a good speaker and was well-versed in the Old Testament writings of the prophets. The book of Acts provides a good description, "This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John," (Acts 18:25; KJV). Enter Aquila and Priscilla.
After hearing Apollos speak, these two realized that he didn't have the complete story about Jesus. John the Baptist focused on repenting from sin. But the whole message included repenting from sin and then believing in Christ. Aquila and Priscilla were willing to hang around after the meeting, and teach him "the way of God more perfectly," (Acts 18:26). Apollos was eager to learn. He was then able to incorporate Jesus' life, crucifixion, resurrection, and the coming of the Holy Spirit into his future messages. Because of Aquila and Priscilla's willingness to teach Apollos, the Lord was able to use him in an even greater way.
Mentors are much needed in our world today. Mentors who are willing to share their experiences and train up a generation passionate to fulfill God's purposes in their lives. Are you willing to be mentored? Or has your experience in life put you in the position of being a mentor? Determine how God wants to use you today!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your Word, and for the mentors You've placed in my life. I pray for a special blessing for them today. As I grow and gain life experiences, help me to be sensitive to Your direction to mentor others. Thank You for Your perfect plan. To God be the glory. In Jesus' name, Amen.
