If you’ve followed my timeline, you know that this news is doubly exciting, given the history.
A little over a year ago, I announced to the world that I was “expecting”–not a baby, but a book! I had signed a contract with a publisher, and had a “due date”–about nine months out, circled in red on my calendar.
Then, after working on my manuscript for nine months, I got the sad news that my book was cancelled. Nobody likes getting that sort of news. And sharing it with others is no fun, either! It reminded me of the time that I waddled into church, two weeks overdue, and a man said incredulously, “What? You’re still here? Why haven’t you had that baby, yet?”
I didn’t have answers for him. All I could say was, “Yup. Still here. Still waiting.”
Waiting is the hardest part, don’t you think? Waiting is when the doubt creeps in. Or the discouragement. Yet, as I look back over these past months of waiting, I see that God was both blessing and preparing me. Yes, I’ve had to work through disappointment and doubting and sadness. But God has used this experience to help me grow in this area of ‘control’.
As I wrote the book, and as I’ve pondered its delayed publication, I’ve repeatedly come to the same conclusion: God is in control, and that is a good thing.
Do you see it that way? Does the fact that God is in control bring you comfort, satisfaction, and peace? Or does the fact that you are not in control produce in you dread, frustration, and anxiety?
As long as I’m depending on myself to create the happy ending I’ve got all worked out in my head, I will be flooded with anxiety, frustration, anger, and fear. Why? Because I’m trying to take control. But God invites me to put Him in charge of my happy ending.
If I had my way, my life would one happy ending after another–all strung together in a boring, predictable plot, void of all challenges, conflicts, or plot twists. But for every chapter and sublot of my life, God has a more thrilling and satisfying ending than I could ever come up with. He has a life of adventure and faith, all mapped out for me, and woven into the grand story He’s writing–that I get to be part of!
So, yes. God has control over books and due dates. Over babies and marriages. Over plans and hearts and projects and friendships. But this isn’t a dreadful thing; it’s a thrilling thing! And we get to be part of it.
I invite you to rejoice with me over my good news from Kregel Publishers. I couldn’t be more pleased! I’ve heard nothing but glowing reviews from my friends who either work with Kregel, or have been published by them. My new due date is Feb. 1, 2016. I’m excited to get back to work on my manuscript with fresh eyes, and a rejoicing heart.
But also, I invite you to rejoice over the ways that God is in control of your happy ending, too!
Yay! So excited to see how God uses your hard work to encourage spiritual growth in others!
Thanks so much, Hayley!
So exciting!
Thanks, Susie! Proud to be under the same roof as you. 🙂
Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to read it!
Greta, thanks so much! You have been SUCH an encouragement to me throughout this process.
Hooray! Rejoicing with you all over the place! God is good.
Thanks, Jocelyn!
I will be getting a copy but I want it autographed!!
Of course! 🙂
Sign me up for a copy! It’s something I’m really struggling with right now!
Thanks, Traci. I don’t know that we will ever outgrow this struggle, but we can certainly lean into the struggle and use it as an opportunity to grow more like Jesus. (which is exactly what the enemy doesn’t want!)
Um, so yeah, I’m SO ready to HOLD THIS BABY. 😉 I better be invited to the launch party, I mean baby shower. I’m really, REALLY good with streamers, decor, you name it. I’m here. And I already consider you on my #WellDoneWoman team. Just sayin’. 🙂
Christie, so sorry I missed this comment earlier! Yes, I’m ready to hold this baby, too!! And yes, you are invited to any and all launch party/showers. Streamers welcome!! Thanks for sharing my excitement, friend! 🙂