Taking our cues from Jesus By Claire Musters

I have spent this Lent working through the book The Resilient Disciple. Certain aspects have really spoken to me, especially in this manic time of juggling work with the children at home, an unexpected trip to A&E with my mum and preparing services for Holy Week. 

The emphasis on slowing down and taking precious moments to reflect is something God has been urging me to do for a number of years now, and so following a fellow writer’s experiences and suggestions has been really helpful.

I think it can be so important to do this, not only for our overall sense of wellbeing and walk with God, but also for our creativity. If we rush around all the time, as our culture persistently tells us we need to, then we end up running (and writing) on empty.

This week I have been thinking of what Jesus went through on his way to the cross. Justine Allain Chapman talks about learning resilience from the way Jesus handled the disappointment, suffering, pain and desperation. He got to a place of calm and was able to totally trust God, show compassion to others and forgive, even through the cross loomed large in front of him.

How do we handle the unexpected moments in life – particularly the difficult ones? Do we give ourselves time and space to ‘be’ and to process? Do we allow the struggles to shape us in whatever way God wants them to? And how do those difficulties shape our writing too?

Do we use writing as an escape from reality or a way to engage more deeply with it?

Whatever the right answer is for you currently, may the remaining days of Holy Week be ones in which you have moments to still yourself, reflect, ponder and express what Jesus’ journey to the cross means for you. What can you learn from him today? And what aspect can you take into your writing?

Claire is a freelance writer, speaker and editor, mum to two gorgeous children, pastor’s wife, worship leader and school governor. Her books include Taking off the mask: daring to be the person God created you to be, Cover to Cover: Ezekiel A prophet for all times, Cover to Cover: 1–3 John Walking in the truth, Cover to Cover: David: A man after God's own heart, Insight Into Managing Conflict, Insight Into Self-acceptance and Insight Into Burnout. She has a new Insight Guide: An Insight into Shame, coming out in May. She also writes Bible study notes and magazine articles. To find out more about her, please visit www.clairemusters.com  and @CMusters on Twitter.