Sunday Devotional ~ Escaping the Maze

by Janet Rubin

Every autumn my teenaged daughter accompanies her church youth group to a local corn maze. For those who live in corn-deprived parts of the country and may not know, a corn maze is created by cutting a pattern into a corn field after harvest. Full of twists, turns, and dead ends, the goal is to wander around until you find your way out. The empty stalks are taller than the average person, so once inside, you’re pretty much like a rat in a science lab trying to navigate blindly.

The maze activities are overseen by “Corn Cops” who ensure that the corn maze rules are followed (i.e. no busting through the corn stalks to try and get out.) More importantly, the corn cops are there to come to the aid of people who simply can’t find their way out.

When I’m writing a story, I sometimes feel like I’m in a maze. I follow one plot path after another, only to hit dead ends. Frustration builds and fear sets in—maybe there is no way out! I feel like giving up, like I’m stuck in a story that has no end.

But I’ve recently discovered that in the writing community, we have something akin to corn cops. I’m talking about friends who are willing to brainstorm your story with you. I guess I used to have the notion that to be a “real” writer you had to come up with every idea yourself or else it would be like taking credit for someone else’s thoughts.

However, I’ve met more and more writers—even established novelists—who, when they are stumped, take advantage of brainstorming, a process where two or more people toss out ideas about where the story will go next. Often others, who are not in the middle of your story, can see more clearly than you. They’ll come up with things you’d never considered. Things that’ll help you find your way to “The End.”

God didn’t create us to work alone. He designed the body of believers with many different talents, comparing it in First Corinthians to a human anatomy—many parts working together for God’s glory.

Whether we’re having trouble navigating the twists and turns of a plot, figuring out how to handle a particular parenting situation, or resolving some other problem in our lives, sometimes we need a fresh perspective. Humbly turning to the people God has put in our lives and asking for advice doesn’t show weakness, but wisdom. Many times God allows us to find the way on our own. Other times we need to admit we need help.

Do your best to find your way, but don’t spend all season in the maze. You’ve got more stories to write. Call for help if you need it.

Ecclesiastes 4:10-12

If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up! Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.