I’m overwhelmed.
People are reading my book. Authors are reading my book. The endorsement process has begun. My book is in their hands and they. are. reading. it. This book…this baby…is no longer just mine. It no longer lives only in the secret spaces of my heart.
I was laying awake the other night and for the umteenth time, it struck me again.
How am I here, God?
How. am. I. here?
How is it that I get to live my dream? I get to write Christian fiction. And it’s going to be published. After years and years of waiting and hoping and praying…why me God? And I can only come up with one answer:
For His glory.
There is no encouragement that sinks deeper than this. These words are to honor Him. And for some insanely, overwhelming reason, He saw fit ย that this story should go out into the world. At moments I’m terrified. I don’t want to fail Him. With all my heart and everything that’s in me, I don’t want to fail Him.ย
But He’s with me. He’s been with me every step of the way. I’ve listened to His call, studied His word, and applied it to what I do. When people open my book, the words may be surprising, but the ultimate goal will be striving toward the cross. Toward redemption. This writing journey isn’t over. It’s just begun. It’s a journey that will be ongoing. Every moment, I want to honor Him. To bring Him glory. That’s the beauty for writing for Christ. The freedom to hang onto His promises and His word and know that any story that seeps through His fingers will be just as it was meant to be.
Have you ever beenย overwhelmed and awed by God’s blessings?
I am often awed by you, sweet sister and friend… And your diligence to your craft. Such a wonderful example to all writers who wish to take their stories to new heights. Congratulations!
Ashley
Ashley, your friendship, encouragement and wisdom has been invaluable. Thank you.
I love how God uses us. I love that He sees fit to use us, in spite of ourselves. Our fears. Our doubts. Our pride.
Congrats, friend! I’m sure it’s slightly scary to see your dreams actually coming to fruition, but you’ve handled it with grace and I know you’ll continue to do so. ๐
Thank you for your sweet words, Lindsay! I love how you said that God uses us in spite of ourselves. So true! He has the ability to work in us and through us for His glory.
That was beautiful – to get to read your heart through this blog. God has and will continue to use your written words. May He continue to richly bless your writing and your future.
I love you little lady. Thank you for being my supporter through this amazing journey ๐
Well written, friend. He chose you because you have an open and willing heart. It is humbling and overwhelming…and there is no better place to be. ๐
Hi Kelly! It truly is a wonderful place to be ๐
Your words mirror mine. I am constantly in awe that God would allow me to write. To share messages of hope in this way and it floors me. Me? Who am I? I’m no one. And yet God uses the foolish and the weak to show His great strength and wisdom!
I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to read it myself! For God’s glory! ๐ Yay!
well said, Jessica. Well said. I couldn’t imagine doing this for any other reason. It would feel so empty. It’s all for God’s glory ๐
“For His glory.”
I love this about you. ๐
And you as well! ๐
I love your heart for the Lord and your awe and appreciation for the gift He has given to you. Your words are warm and sensitive and it’s easy to see that they come from deep within your spirit. I’m so happy I found you on Twitter – and so excited to see a couple of names I recognize (Lindsay & Jessica!) I’ve loved following both those ladies and if they are friends of yours, I know your blog is one to follow! Happy Memorial Day weekend – I hope the sun pops out for both of us! ๐
Thank you for dropping in, Gabrielle! Your comment is truly touching. I’m glad I met you too! ( and Lindsay and Jessica) ๐ Truly a great group of ladies.
Love this thankful post! And I’m sure it’s so thrilling to know your talents are being used for God’s glory. I need to get my hands on that book! Grin.
Thanks, Heather! I’m excited for you to read it!
Congrats on your new book Joanne! That’s very exciting. One thing I’d suggest is to treasure the times when someone shares that your book has been a blessing. Don’t measure sales for your sense of “success” or fulfillment. Look at the way God uses it to help people, and you’ll find a lot of peace and joy in publishing.
Most definitely, Ed. I completely agree. My goal as a writer is to always show God’s ways and promises through fiction. Everything else is secondary ๐ Thanks for stopping by!