What more can I say? by Lorna Clark of Green Pastures Christian Writers

 I am currently writing stories based on the three-year lectionary of the Church of England. The lectionary provides readings for every day in the church calendar, but I decided to focus on Sundays only. 

When I started, I envisioned completing it in just over three years – after all, it requires just one story a week and a few extras for special festivals. Seven years later, I’m still working on it – it’s difficult.

One of the problems I’ve encountered is writing on John the Baptist, who appears at least three times every year. I’ve done my research, read umpteen sermons, but still inspiration proves lacking. How can I possibly write nine stories based on him?

I’m still struggling with my dilemma. It did, however, make me question why he was so important to the gospel writers and those who compiled the lectionary; and why was he so important to all the scholars who wrote about him – and, indeed, all of us who hear about him so regularly?

John never questioned his purpose in life. He was a Nazarite who was to prepare people for Jesus, to prepare the way for the Lord in the hearts of those who came to him. His was a baptism of repentance, a way of people letting go of their sins and being cleansed in readiness for Jesus. In today’s world, we can ask God directly to forgive our sins. 

John the Baptist’s ministry was over when Jesus started his. But what a legacy he left!

We are all, as Christians, called to prepare the way for Jesus in the lives of our neighbours, friends and all we meet. I believe that, as Christian writers, our ministry is enhanced. We are to prepare the way for Jesus, through our writing, in the hearts of those we have never met. Wow! What a privilege. 

We may say, as Moses and Jeremiah did, that we can’t do it, but God knows otherwise. If he has called us to write, he has given us the ability. We may suffer from imposter syndrome but he knows what blessings we can bring if we just work at it. He will help us and give us the words we need.

On that basis I am aware that I should be keen to write, keen to do his work. But it is so difficult. There are so many other things I would rather do. He understands. 

Maybe we should change our prayers about our writing and ask Him to make us eager to write – eager to touch the lives of those He loves.