I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Revelation 3:8 (ESV)
When I started the prayer circle in January, I asked that God would open doors for me this year and give me the courage to walk through them. What I meant by that was when God gave me opportunities to glorify Him, I would not only recognize them but take advantage of them. I tend to like things to stay status quo so willingly accepting change is not easy for me even when I know it is for the best. I was not praying for any specific doors to open except for the opportunity to publish my book. When the information came my way about self publishing, I had a lot of doubts and fears. I was not sure that I should self publish because of the rumors that circulate that if you self publish, a publishing house will not look at your work. Then, I began hearing about current bestselling authors who self published their first book because they were turned down so many times as an unknown author. In order to get their books available to the public, they finally self published and when they were successful then, the publishing houses came calling. That may or may not happen for me but when I received the first proof of my book all dressed up in its pretty cover and really looking like a book, I broke down in tears. God opened this door, I know He did and I am grateful that He gave me the shove through the door. Even if I don’t make any money on the book, I am just happy to get Eliza’s Story out for people to read. God opened another door this week and once again, I drug my feet crossing that threshold. My boss came to me with an idea for a reorganization that meant I would get a promotion and a raise. It was completely unexpected and not something I would have thought possible even just a few months ago. He asked what I thought about it, did I want to think about it or was I okay with the change? I said I wanted to think about it (meaning, pray about it), and he said, “That is not the answer I am looking for.” Okay, then, I am all for it! I guess. I really do not care about the new responsibility or the money, nor did I pray for them, but I am convinced that through this opportunity, God will answer other prayers I have been praying. I just had to walk through this door in order for God to make the other things I do care about happen. Sometimes, the doors are the ones that we stand in front of and cry out for them to open. Other times, the doors appear so unexpectedly that they take us by surprise. No matter, when they open, we have to have the courage to walk through them in order to be blessed by what is on the other side.
As soon as I am finished going through the proof copy, I will be able to order books. Hold on for ordering information.
As soon as I am finished going through the proof copy, I will be able to order books. Hold on for ordering information.
How exciting… on all fronts! God really does intend us to lead interesting lives, doesn't he!
I'll order one of your books as soon as it becomes available – just give us a thumbs up when the time comes.
You KNOW I'm going to want one for SURE!!!
I meant you know I'm going to want to BUY one…..sheesh.