Sometimes on our faith journey, God shows up in unmistakable ways. I first witnessed this during my path to publication. Over two years, God made my paths straight (Proverbs 3:6), revealing to me that He was walking with me and holding my hand (Isaiah 41:13). In particular, this demonstrated the wisdom of patiently waiting on the Lord (Psalm 27:14), and His perfect timing (Ecclesiastes 8:6).
God’s timing
I first started writing for God’s glory right after I became a Christian. He’d put a pressing urgency on me to write a Christian novel for Love Inspired Suspense. I submitted the first chapter, and God gave me a timeframe in which to complete that novel through a dream. It had to be done in eight weeks, or I shouldn’t bother doing it at all. While I wasn’t sure why, I realised that if there was a dream about it, it must be important. I did exactly that and completed the novel right on the deadline. The day after I finished the full manuscript, the first chapter got rejected. It was a shock to me: not the rejection, but that God knew me so well. If I hadn’t finished the manuscript before the rejection I wouldn’t have bothered to finish it.
Christian fellowship
I figured God must have something in mind for this story if He’d managed this astonishing timing. I had no idea what. I needed help. In The Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian’s journey is blessed with friends, Faithful and Hopeful, as well as many guides like the shepherds and Evangelist. In hindsight, I believe this is exactly what God had in mind when He allowed my first Christian novel to fail. But I didn’t know that at the time.
In the months to come, I submitted the whole manuscript, chapter by chapter, to the ACFW scribes critique group. The group rules are simple. For each 2,500 word submission, group members must critique two others. I decided this was the time to overachieve, so I made it a goal of critiquing four for every one I submitted. This added up to 20,000 words of critiquing per week (since I submitted two per week). The discipline exposed me to a huge range of Christian genres and writers. From beginners to published authors, each had something to teach me. I hope I helped them in return. Not only did my writing craft improve, I also learned more about the Christian worldview. Both spiritually and in the craft of writing, the encouragement and support we have given each other since then has been invaluable. How great is God’s provision? (Romans 5:17)
A mentor and an agent
During the ACFW rewrite, a gifted devotionals writer and new friend got in touch with an opportunity for mentoring. This seemed to be exactly what I needed at that moment — I’d finished rewriting thanks to the ACFW Scribes, and I needed more help. I got matched me with an experienced inspirational romantic suspense author. Though so busy with her own deadlines, she was an amazing mentor. First, she helped me to realise that my first novel was a start, but not what I needed. Instead of another rewrite, she held my hand through the first draft of a new novel — Accident in Alaska (which later became Alaskan Police Protector).
Once I’d finished the first draft, my mentor learned that one of her friends, another veteran inspirational romantic suspense author, had just started as an agent. She was looking for new writers, in particular for Love Inspired Suspense. My mentor recommended me, and after some revisions aided by my ACFW friends, my agent accepted the manuscript (and me). Once again, I marvelled at God’s perfect timing. Each person had answered God’s call to serve, and doors continued to open. I wondered whether this meant this story would be published. Or perhaps it would be another step in this journey. I was glad to trust Him.
Published at last!
My agent submitted my proposal to Harlequin a week after she signed me. I eventually got a rewrite and resubmit from the editor. It took a very long time! But as suggested by my agent, I started writing the next novel (Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier). As I waited and wrote, I knew that God was there with me every step of the way. I knew in my heart that whatever He wanted to happen would happen. While of course I wanted this book to be published, I’d learned that I needed to trust God and appreciate that His way would be the best way. That He knew what I did not know (Job 42:2-3).
Soon enough, I received the acceptance email — the morning of my birthday! It was the first gift of the day — what a wonderful birthday present from God! Not only had He saved my life, He had given me the most generous and precious birthday present I’d ever received. By that I don’t just mean the publishing contract, which was incredible. But more importantly, He gave me the security of knowing without doubt that He was at work in my life. That He was pleased with what each of us in this long journey had produced, even if we were unworthy servants who had simply done our duty (Luke 17:10).
God’s faithfulness
This is just one example of God’s faithfulness and goodness in my life. Each day, He provides so much more than I deserve. And so much more than I could have imagined. Even the decision to publish this testimony has been led by God. I may not ever know why. But I know I can trust God’s timing.
I hope that you, dear reader, have accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. Not so that you can get a publishing deal or other heart’s desires! But because Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). If you have not yet accepted Him into your life, what’s holding you back? If you want to learn more, click here.
I’ll end this post with a song that inspired me toward God. Perhaps it will do the same for you. May God bless you!