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“Let your mercy come to me, that I may live; for your law is my delight.” Psalm 119:77 (ESV)

Revisions and rewrites – never met a writer yet who loved them. Hours spent facing that blank screen on the computer and then finally filling those pages leaves us with a sigh of great relief. Only problem is when an editor sends it back circled, underlined and marked out. What appeared to be finished is now a do-over and we’re moving from a sense of accomplishment to a gnawing tug of inadequacy.

Excellence is birthed in this sweet spot of editing – it’s where our mistakes can be corrected. It’s the elimination of overused phrases and unnecessary words. It’s the making of a bestseller disguised temporarily as a disappointing setback. Unpleasant? Definitely. Time consuming and challenging? You got it. However, it’s the editor’s love for great writing that motivates them to polish the image of the writer.

Ever longed for a rewrite in life? A chance to back up, rethink or erase words spoken. An opportunity to react differently. Hours spent retracing, replaying and regretting what once was. Clinging to a sense of inadequacy and failure. Wouldn’t we all love that editor then – when the aftermath of our words or actions land us where we don’t want to be?

Love the way our God polishes and refines those He loves deeply. Love the way He never grows weary of picking up our pieces and putting us back together. Love the way God turns our disappointing setbacks into glory moments we never dreamed possible. Love the truth that His mercy is fresh and new every day.
Can’t think of a better editor than my Jesus. He knows me intimately, more than I even know myself. Gently, He reveals the things that need changing. Patiently, He polishes off wrong attitudes and shows me what needs to eliminated and what needs to be deepened. Not always easy but well worth His touch. Why? Because God’s edits are always motivated by love.

“Father, You are the righteous and Holy One and yet You draw near to make us great – thank You for touching our lives.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life