It’s All in the Timing by Christine Johnson

God’s timing is perfect.

That was something I tried to believe as year after year, rejection after rejection piled up. You see, I had decided that I wanted to write a historical romance with a strong faith message for the secular market. It seemed like a great plan. After all, I would honor God by reaching out to those who needed to hear the Good News.

God, on the other hand, had different plans. Fifteen years (and 151 rejections) later, I finally let go of my stubborn plan and accepted His leading to write for the Christian fiction market. That’s when He opened doors. In 2010, Soaring Home, was published by Steeple Hill (now Love Inspired). Eleven more Love Inspired Historical novels (and three with Revell) followed in the next seven years, culminating with Would-Be Mistletoe Wife this month.

At the time I turned in this latest manuscript, I didn’t know that the Love Inspired Historical line would close. The letter announcing the closure stunned me. I felt like a boat set adrift with no idea where to go next.

God’s timing is perfect.

He knew that a time of refreshment and renewal was needed. The years of multiple books per year had taken a toll on family. So God cleared the slate. No contracts. No deadlines. Just time to strengthen relationships and refill the well of creativity.

God’s timing is perfect.

Though no small part of me wanted to leap at the first possibility that presented itself, I felt His nudge to wait. He would provide the story at the right time. Moreover, when that kernel of an idea arrived, I wasn’t supposed to run ahead, racing through my ideas and setting impossible deadlines. I was supposed to linger with Him.

You see, this time we would do a project together. No guarantees it would sell. No guarantees the story would come easily or quickly. Maybe, just maybe, this story would only be between the two of us. I had to accept those terms before going forward. Surrender. Not an easy concept for a woman who gripped control with two tight fists, but a necessary one.

So I’m letting go. Daily. And waiting as the story gradually takes shape. No timelines. Just God’s time.

And the certainty that His timing is perfect.

Tell us your experience with God's timing.

~~~~~~

CHRISTINE JOHNSON is the author of twelve books for Love Inspired Historical and three books for Revell. She was twice named a finalist for Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart Award®. When not writing, she loves to hike, bicycle, kayak and explore God’s majestic creation. These days she and her husband, a Great Lakes ship pilot, split their time between northern Michigan and the Florida Keys.

http://christineelizabethjohnson.com

https://www.facebook.com/ChristineJohnsonAuthor

https://www.twitter.com/ChristineJWrite

Trusting in God’s Timing by Wendy Davy

Wendy Davy

Are you struggling this week with feeling out of control because “life” keeps getting in the way of accomplishing your writing goals? If so, take encouragement from what author Wendy Davy shares today. ~ Dawn

  

Trusting in God’s Timing

Trust. It’s a commonly used word, but many of us have difficulty with it. Trust too much and we risk being naive. Too little? We hold people at a distance. What does this have to do with writing? More than you might think. Trusting people may prove difficult at times, but trusting God is imperative. Not only as we strive to finish writing a novel, but for peace of mind along the way.

When a story idea comes to mind, I become excited and want to dive in to writing it. When God has other plans, for example, that the story not be written yet, I struggle with frustration. But, then I remind myself God has a purpose for everything. My timing is not necessarily His timing.

A few years ago, I was completing a novel and I was asked to write three more! With God’s grace, I finished my current work in progress, and the next ones within a reasonable amount of time. So, why has it taken me the two years since then to work on one shorter novella?  Am I suffering from burnout? Or should I blame life’s difficult trials for my lack of progress? The more I ponder the reasons, I am comforted by the knowledge that God’s timing is perfect. I have to believe that when my project is supposed to be done, it will be, regardless of what life throws at me. How can I be confident in that? Because God has recently reminded me of the Serenity Prayer.

God, grant me the serenity 

to accept the things I cannot change,

the courage to change the things I can, 

and the wisdom to know the difference.

While I can’t change every circumstance that comes my way, I can rest in the knowledge that God is in control. You can too! Regardless of whether you are an aspiring author or have several books out there, never give up! It took twenty years from the moment God put it on my heart that He wanted me to write romance novels to the time I was first published. Twenty years! From scribbling stories in notebooks, to typing on old-fashioned typewriters all the way to modern convenient word processors with the wonderful “delete” key, my journey has had its fair share of challenges, but I can tell you from experience, persistence pays off. God willing, I will finish my current work in progress. And, you can finish yours too!

When doubts arise remember to trust God. His timing is perfect!

             

Reluctant Bridesmaid

Reluctant Bridesmaid

First Place Winner in the 2010 San Antonio Romance Authors Merritt Contest.

Jordan Harrison no longer trusts relationships, so when her widowed mother is swept away by a handsome, wealthy architect, Jordan fears the hasty engagement will end in disaster. After all, how well can her mother know the guy after only a few months? Intent on saving her mother from certain heartbreak, Jordan races to Breckenridge Manor to delay the wedding, but runs into more than she's bargained for - a handsome, understanding man intent on helping her heal past wounds and open her mind to new possibilities.

Known as the man with nerves of steel, Tanner Breckenridge lives up to his reputation, but it doesn't take long for him to discover he has a soft spot for Jordan Harrison, the daughter of his father's future bride. Loyal to his father, but captivated by Jordan, Tanner puts his heart on the line and risks everything for a chance at love.

Wendy Davy is an award-winning inspirational romance writer who enjoys outdoor activities and small town charm. As you read her books, you will visit special places close to her heart. No matter where her characters come from or where they take you, it will always be an exciting journey, page after page. Ms. Davy enjoys traveling and searching for new places to include in her stories. She loves to hear from readers and can be contacted at wendy@wendydavy.com.

To learn more and connect with Wendy, you can also visit these online sites:

Website: www.wendydavy.com  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wendy.davy.90