by Heidi Gray McGill @HeidiGrayMcGill
Your inbox is full, your calendar’s overflowing, and every new opportunity sounds like the ‘big break’—but is it God’s best? Multi-Author Projects (MAPs), devotionals, speaking engagements, teaching, and more compete for your attention. Each offers a chance to expand our reach and share our message. Yet, amidst these possibilities, it is crucial to discern God’s priorities for our lives. Have you said “yes” to God’s best that can enable you to say “no” to the rest?
Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This scripture reminds us that our primary focus should be on seeking God’s will. We find clarity and purpose in our calling when we align our hearts with His desires.
(Set apart: Not every exciting opportunity is a God opportunity. The challenge isn’t choosing between bad and good—but between good and God’s best.)
The Called Writer: Saying “Yes” to Your Divine Calling by @HeidiGrayMcGill on @BRMCWC #Writing #Writinglife #BRMCWC Share on XSaying “yes” to God’s best might mean saying “no” to many good things. It requires a deep trust in God’s plan and a willingness to prioritize His calling over the allure of new opportunities. This does not mean those opportunities are unimportant, but may not be what God has specifically set aside for you now.
As authors, we must be diligent in our craft and intentional with our time. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, emphasized this focus: “Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13-14).
This passage encourages us to keep our eyes fixed on the goal God has set before us. In doing so, we avoid spreading ourselves too thin and watering down our efforts by dabbling in other areas.
(Set apart: Writers are doers. Dreamers. Creators. But before we are any of those, we are disciples—called to follow God’s lead, not just chase the next open door.)
In a world brimming with opportunities, it is vital to remain anchored in God’s best for our lives. By saying a strong “yes” to His calling, we empower ourselves to say “no” to distractions. Remember, your unique voice and message are God given. Cherish and cultivate them, trusting He will guide your steps and bless your obedience.
Let’s embrace the secret to “no” by firmly committing to a stronger “yes” in our divine calling. May your writing journey be blessed and your path be straight as you trust the Lord and His perfect plan for your life.
Heidi Gray McGill is an Amazon bestselling, award-winning author of Christian historical and contemporary romance, ranking #1 in Christian Historical Fiction, Christian Historical Romance, Christian Romance, Western & Frontier Romance, Frontier & Pioneer Western Fiction, and Religious & Inspirational Fiction. She is a Selah Award Finalist, a top honor from the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference, and a five-time NEST Award winner, with additional recognitions from the AWSA Golden Scroll Awards and the Kudos Awards. Her books have earned more than 3,500 five-star reviews on Amazon alone, with an average 4.6-star rating across Amazon, Goodreads, and BookBub. Writing under the tagline “Fusing Faith and Fiction™,” McGill builds characters who carry readers through heartbreak, healing, and the moments where grace breaks through.
