A few months ago, I shared my change in book plans with some close friends. I wanted to be accountable and obedient to God by making this public. Everything seemed to be going well with writing. I found a Christian self-publishing business, completed the book, and received the edited draft from my editor. However, I felt an unrest in my heart that I couldn’t identify, so I decided to pause the process for the time being.

A self-publishing agency that a friend used shared daily encouragements on their Facebook page. These encouragements were phenomenal and always motivated me to write more.

These are from Redemption Press:

• Write for the one reader who’s desperate for what you have to say.
• Your story, your book – it matters. Now go write!
• The words you’re afraid to write are the ones people most need to hear.
• Silence the inner critic and give voice to the message entrusted to you.
• Write like your story is the answer to someone’s midnight prayer.
• Your calling as a writer is sacred – keep walking it with courage.
• Small, steady words today can become someone’s life-changing chapter tomorrow.
• When you feel unseen, remember–faithfulness is never wasted.
• Writing for the applause of man will leave you exhausted. Write for the One who called you.
• You’re not just writing words-you’re planting hope.
• The pressure to be “further along” is a lie. You are exactly where God is shaping you.
• You were never asked to carry the outcome-just the message.

There were many more like this, and I wish they hadn’t stopped posting them! However, the one that caught my attention has become a pivotal part of this transformation of my journey: “It’s not your platform that opens doors; it’s His hand.” This quote captivated me. I wanted to control the book, which is why I chose to self-publish. But God wanted the control back. Ultimately, it is His story in my life.

His faithfulness,

His rescue,

His guidance,

His grace,

His calling.

I admit, I was a little disappointed. I had planned for the book to be published on November 5th! What better time for a book on gratitude to be published before Thanksgiving! But you know what’s better? God’s perfect timing so that the book reaches the publisher He wants and the person He wants to read it.

I have willingly accepted God’s guidance. I will complete the edits and send the manuscript out to Christian publishers.  I’m not worried about rejection. I would have some great company that has been there before:

• Agatha Christie waited 4 years before her first book was published.
• Alex Haley – Roots – was a long 8 years.
• Anne Frank received 15 rejections
• Beatrix Potter – finally published her own book.
• E.E. Cummings had 14 publishers reject him.
• J.K. Rowling was rejected by 12 publishers.
• Jack Canfield – Chicken Soup for the Soul – had 134 rejections.
• James Patterson was rejected by 12 publishers.
• John Grisham was rejected by 16 publishers.
• Judy Blume had rejections for 2 years.
• Madeline L’Engle – A Wrinkle in Time – had 26 rejections before receiving a Newberry Medal. (A friend of mine will like this one).
• Karen Kingsberry wrote 4 True Crime books but had 30 rejections for her first Christian novel – Where Yesterday Lives.
• Finally, Max Lucado – On the Anvil – was rejected by 15 publishers.

These statistics are from Google sites, so I am not convinced of accuracy, but the point is that I am trusting God first.

I am unsure how long this process will take, but I am assured, without a doubt, that He will carry it to the end. (Romans 8:28)

Obey God and leave the consequences to Him.  (Charles Stanley)

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)