Help with collaborative effort on a novel

Anonymous

Beloved of All
It was impossible to work with my boss on rewriting his novel; now we have an editor who might be of great help but I have to send him a draft clean of questions and with revisions done instead of left open. I don't know how I can do this without consulting my boss, but he will tie it up in knots if I do. Please pray for help, in Jesus's name.
 
We understand the weight of this challenge, and we are grateful you’ve brought it before us in Jesus’ name, for it is only through Him that we find wisdom, strength, and resolution. The struggle you face is not merely one of creativity or professional collaboration but also one of trust, humility, and surrender to God’s guidance in the midst of difficult circumstances. The Bible reminds us in Proverbs 3:5-6, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* This is not just a call to trust God in the abstract but to actively rely on Him in the specifics of this project, even when human relationships seem impossible.

Your dilemma highlights a tension between honoring authority—your boss—and stewarding the work God has placed before you with excellence. Romans 12:18 tells us, *"If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men."* Yet, we also recognize that there are times when, despite our best efforts, conflict or dysfunction in relationships cannot be resolved by our actions alone. In such cases, we are called to do what is right and trust God with the outcome. The apostle Paul faced similar challenges in his ministry, where he often had to navigate difficult partnerships while remaining faithful to the task God gave him (see Acts 15:36-41, where Paul and Barnabas parted ways over a sharp disagreement). The key is to act with integrity, wisdom, and a clear conscience before God.

That said, we must gently ask: Have you sought to communicate with your boss in a way that reflects the fruit of the Spirit—patience, kindness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)? If you’ve exhausted every godly effort to collaborate and he remains unreasonable, then it may be time to proceed with the revisions as best you can, submitting the work to the editor while praying for God’s favor and clarity. Remember, Colossians 3:23-24 instructs us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."* Your ultimate accountability is to God, not to a flawed human system.

If there are open questions in the draft that only your boss can answer, consider drafting a concise, respectful list of *only the most critical* unresolved items and present them to him with a humble request for clarity, framing it as a need to honor the editor’s time and the project’s deadlines. Sometimes, limiting the scope of what you ask can prevent the "knots" from forming. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* Even if your boss has been difficult, your response can reflect Christ’s love and professionalism.

Now, let us pray together for you:

Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You, asking for Your divine wisdom and intervention in this challenging collaborative effort. Lord, You are the God of order, not confusion (1 Corinthians 14:33), and we ask that You bring clarity where there is ambiguity, peace where there is strife, and productivity where there has been stagnation. Grant our friend the discernment to know how to proceed—whether to seek one more conversation with their boss or to move forward in faith, trusting You to cover the gaps. Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may work with excellence, integrity, and a heart surrendered to Your will.

We rebuke any spirit of confusion, pride, or stubbornness that may be at work in this situation, whether in their boss, the editor, or even within their own heart. Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their mind and heart in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Provide them with the time, focus, and creative energy needed to prepare this draft, and let the editor’s input be a tool for refinement and progress, not further discord.

Most of all, Lord, we pray that this project would bring You glory. If it is Your will for this novel to be completed, let no human obstacle stand in the way. If there are lessons to be learned through this trial—about patience, trust, or reliance on You—teach them gently but firmly. Remind our friend that their worth is not tied to the success of this work but to their identity in Christ, who has already declared them more than conquerors (Romans 8:37).

We ask all this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.

Finally, we encourage you to rest in the truth that God is not surprised by this situation. He sees your effort, your frustration, and your desire to honor Him in your work. Keep seeking Him first (Matthew 6:33), and trust that He will guide your steps. If the path forward remains unclear, take time to fast and pray, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal the next right action. And remember, even if this project does not unfold as you hope, God is sovereign over every word written and every relationship strained. His purposes will prevail.
 
Hey there,

We've been thinking about your situation and wanted to chime in with another perspective. It's clear that you're in a tough spot, but we believe that God can bring clarity and peace to this situation.

First off, we want to encourage you to keep seeking God in this. He's not surprised by this challenge, and He's right there with you, ready to guide you through it. Remember, He's given you unique gifts and insights, and He wants you to use them to glorify Him in this project.

We're reminded of a verse in Proverbs 16:9, "In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps." Even if the path forward isn't clear yet, trust that God is leading you one step at a time.

Now, we know that you've been trying to communicate with your boss, and that's great. But we also want to suggest that you might consider writing a letter to him. Not just any letter, but one that's filled with respect, kindness, and a clear explanation of the situation. This could be an opportunity for you to express your desire to work together effectively and to honor the editor's time and the project's deadlines.

In this letter, you could also ask for his input on the most critical questions that only he can answer. Be specific, but keep it concise. Sometimes, putting things in writing can help clarify thoughts and feelings, and it might just help your boss see things from your perspective.

Remember, the goal here is not to prove your boss wrong or to make him look bad, but to find a way forward that honors God and respects the authority He's placed over you. So, let's pray for wisdom, for understanding, and for a spirit of cooperation.

Let's also pray that God would give you the strength and patience to navigate this situation with grace. And if, after all this, things still don't improve, we can trust that God is in control. His plans are always for our good and His glory.

So, let's keep trusting in Him, keep seeking Him, and keep working hard. And let's remember that our worth is not tied to the success of this project, but to our identity in Christ.

Let's pray together:

"Lord, we come to You today, asking for Your wisdom and guidance in this situation. Help ### to know how to proceed, whether that's to try one more conversation with their boss or to move forward in faith, trusting You to cover the gaps. Fill them with Your Spirit, that they may work with excellence, integrity, and a heart surrendered to Your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen."
 
Lord, we pray for this prayer and family for blessings healing and salvation. Heal and bless. May their lives be a praise and glory unto thee.
Come to the Lord's holy presence. Seek him with all your heart. Cling to his Word and meditate on it moment by moment by positive thoughts and joy in the heart (James 1:2-4), knowing that the Lord is good and to him be all the praise. Seek first God's kingdom and his righteousness (Matthew 6:33). Even though life may feel hard, the Lord's hand will be on you, and he will answer in his time. I am praying for you. Amen.

Some resources that might help.

Needs: - But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19(KJV)

Salvation: - So they said "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved you and your household." Acts 16:31(NKJV)

Healing: - But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed. Isaiah 53:5(NKJV)

Fulfillment by the Holy Spirit: - Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4:6(KJV)

Persecutions: - But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you, Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. Luke 6:27-28(KJV)

Help in Prayer

Dwelling and Thriving in God’s grace where everything happens for good (Romans 8:28)

Pray that the Lord may open the eyes of the nations affected by coronavirus (Specifically forces against God’s people)

sermons

Be a Prayer Warrior: “Praying for others”
 
I prayed that God in Jesus' name will answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God Loves You. Thank You Jesus!!!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.


🙏Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God solution focused heart, mind, spirit, and attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so
. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

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