About a week ago I made a decision to self publish my book. Hours later, a friend and I were chatting on the phone and she connected me to an acquisitions editor at a publishing house. And days later, I found myself on the phone with her discussing my project.
What an unexpected connection at a most unexpected time!
God’s definitive intervention was clear. I could see His hand all over this – especially since this editor has a boat load of experience not only in publishing – but also in caring for others in need. (The topic for my book.) And I mean extensive.
You might consider this a coincidence. I do not.
I have prayed fervently to discern God’s best for this book from the first.
And been plenty confused along the way.
Major publishing houses, marketing folks and would-be agents have said, “Your platform isn’t big enough.” Well-meaning friends have said, “Just get it done, self-publishing is the way to go.”
All along I’ve thought, “God can do anything. If he wants it distributed more widely he can do immeasurably more than all I can ask or imagine.” I’ve put pressure on myself to only go the way God wants. I want His best for this book.
I know God can’t steer a boat that’s not moving. So I’ve worked. I’ve learned. I’ve done my part–building email lists, growing Facebook likes, creating a book proposal, seeking agents, querying publishers, writing a manuscript.
I know never to discount God’s ability to accomplish what he wants, when he wants, how he wants.
Easier said than done.
And then last Wednesday happened. And this Monday happened. And I found myself in tears over his goodness and provision and perfect timing (although, I admit, a bit sooner would have been preferable!)
And then a prayer partner reminded of this vital truth:
“I don’t think the way you think.
The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.” Isaiah 55:8-9 The Message Bible
Oh how I love God’s word. And friends that remind me of it!
My human nature says I can figure it all out, make a plan, push things forward. I know full well how to operate in my will, timing, effort and methods. And then when I’m about to march down an unintended path, God redirects my course.
Thank goodness.
The path is still uncertain. The book has to be pitched and must be accepted. Oh, and if that happens, I will need to go off the grid to complete the actual writing of said book.
All the while, I’m thinking of you, friend.
Are you seeking direction? Waiting to hear a clear word (email or text would be great!) from God?
I feel you.
But I encourage you, open those eyes, sister. Seek His face, His word, His truth. Open that beautiful leather bound Bible on your nightstand or bookshelf that’s collecting dust amidst your frenetic work (spoken from one who knows.)
A word from the One is waiting for you.
Keep on keeping on. Your answer might be just around the corner – when you least expect it.
Remember… he doesn’t work the way we work. His ways surpass our ways.