God’s Timing is Perfect

After six decades on this earth, I have finally come to know, trust and rely on God’s timing. Not all the time, mind you. But I’m starting to see it, feel it. I have written five books, all contemporary biblical suspense novels that re-imagine Old Testament stories in an edgy, modern-day way. Each idea for all my books came to me seemingly “out of the blue” and I now give God the credit. One or two I tried to rush thinking I could get it faster onto the New York Times Bestseller list…if I met this literary agent’s, that publisher’s, this publicist’s, desires or needs. This usually met with an unhappy outcome of some sort…disappointment, disillusion, resentments even. Then there were the others which I took my time writing, enjoying the process, and wasn’t in a rush to produce. Fortunately for me, they all ended up being successful, despite my efforts. But I could have saved myself some doubt, anxiety, and worry by trusting God’s timing and outcomes instead of forcing my own agenda.

Heeding the Call

I have always been an “all-in” type of person. Sometimes this has made me “rush production” on my books to make them as successful as possible. But most of the time, and especially now, I trust not only God’s ideas for my books, but also His timing and the outcome. Yes, of course I have to put in the work to write and market them, and to find the best editor/publisher to produce them. I try to meet God halfway…when I feel Him pressing on my heart that’s it time to write another book, and I feel like I can’t wait any longer, I get passionate about heeding His call. Recently, the occasional whisper is turning into a “shout” or yearning. God’s time is NOW.

Using God’s Gifts

Do you have a small inner voice urging you to do something new? To create, change, grow…but feel like you’re not sure it’s time yet? Do you procrastinate, letting in distractions of many sorts? Are you enjoying the season of summer too much to even listen? If God is calling you to DO something with the unique gifts or talents he gave you, I encourage you not to procrastinate doing it! I love the book, “The Prayer of Jabez: Breaking through to the Blessed Life” by Bruce Wilkinson. In it, he says imagine if we each had a storage of boxes in heaven that held all of our gifts, dreams and callings given us by God, and then picture most going unopened because we never made the effort to use or fulfill them. Becoming successful with God as our employer is wonderful. But if you don’t even try to fulfill His dreams for you, you are like the wicked servant in Jesus’ parable of the talents – who buries his talent out of fear instead of investing it. When you get to heaven, wouldn’t you love to hear, “Well done my good and faithful servant!”

Dreaming Big

I have always had big dreams as well. I used to curse this trait in me because it seemed I was never doing good enough, especially compared to other authors, and because it kept me yearning for more…recognition, money, “success.” But that was when I was my own employer. Now, with God as my employer, I believe if I take life one day at a time and do my very best, He will give me “favor.” Sometimes this means taking on big responsibilities too…striving to hear and convey His messages in the Bible stories which I re-imagine. And of course, writing the next book! As Jesus says, “to whom much is given, much will be required.” But now I rely on His strength, not just my own…and realize the best is yet to come!

Dear God, I pray I follow these words of St. Paul (Phil 4:6-7): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.â€