Galatians 5:22-23 (NLT) But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!
Roughly a year ago I sat on the floor in front of our fireplace. With a fire warming my back I started to tell my husband how God was drawing me to write a book. I had already followed his lead to write on social media and through a blog, but it was clear that he was leading me a step further. I had so many ideas and topics filling my head and notebooks. In my mind I wanted to write a book about Christian marriage, a topic dear to my heart, but God had other plans. He planted the seed of writing a devotional book. As a test to me, and probably to test God’s provision, I set out to see if I could come up with a list of possible devotion topics. In his kindness, God encouraged that process, but ultimately those things are not the topics becoming a book either.
Over time, I continued to practice the craft of writing and sharing my faith through social media. I committed myself fully to the idea of writing a book on whatever topic he saw fit. And in no time at all, a scripture from years ago filled my head. In the lowest time of my life God had brought my attention to the fruit of the Spirit. In a moment when I was desperate for a list of next steps for my life, this verse became a guidance for my spiritual growth. I vividly remember him, at that moment, telling me “You will write about this for me.” I was uplifted in that moment, and pursued my personal growth. However, until that night in front of the fire, I had forgotten that small seed he had planted. He reminded me that the topic he wanted me to write about was given to me years ago.
I started to research and draft topics as God swung open doors and resources I never expected. A free class on how to self publish, connections with other writers who were writing devotionals, and even a writing coach that came out of those connections. My writing was encouraged and the knowledge I needed was there every time I needed it. He was faithful every step of the way! There was no way I could see what God would do with what I was going to write. My leap of faith was blessed and multiplied along the path. It was scary and I was unsure of how to make it happen, but I trusted God with it. And I am so thankful that I did because he used me to create something for his glory that I would have never envisioned that night sitting in front of the fireplace, dreaming about how God would use me.
Coming Spring/Summer 2022!