Yesterday I told you about my brush with death, and how God brought me through it. In the days and months following my experience, I began to ask myself if God had a purpose in sparing my life. Was it possible that He wanted me to do something for Him?
When my heart attack occurred in July 2005, I had just begun to write. I had written one novel and was working on two others. From the beginning I knew that I wanted to write for the Christian market, but so far nothing had happened.
In September 2005, I attended my first American Christian Fiction Writers Conference in Nashville. There I met woman who would buy my first manuscript seven months later. When I sold the book, I knew that God wanted me to do it. He wanted me to write the words He put in my heart. Now with six books released and five more to release over the next year, I've tried to use those words to give hope to the women who read my books.
Another blessing that came from my heart attack was that I decided to retire from my job as an elementary school principal and write full time. But I had learned something from talking with young mothers during those years I was in education. I realized how many women suffer with heartache and difficult situations in their everyday lives. In researching a book I came across something that has helped me to share hope with those who are overwhelmed by life.
The message I want to convey is that God is with us, no matter what adversity comes our way, and the butterfly is used as the example. The powdery scales that cover the colorful wings of the butterfly are sensitive to any contact, and the wings lose these scales when touched. With the loss of the powdery covering, the wings become drab and dimmed, but the ability to fly is not affected. When problems cause us to become discouraged and at times without hope, God still waits to soothe our battered souls and give us wings that will lift us like eagles to face whatever comes our way.
So, if you are struggling with problems in your life, I pray that you will let God put his arms around you and lift you high. One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 40:31 - But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Sandra, the more I read about you...the more anxious I am to read all of your books...thanks for desiring to write especially to help women. My favorite verse is Psalm 73:26 (God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever); it meant so much to me when hubs had triple bypass...I had already claimed it; then when surgeon handed me his "card" ...it was printed on the card! Wow....awesome God!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your story and how God has walked with you every step of the way.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 41:10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Thank you for your encouraging story. My favorite verse is Psalm 19:14 "Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer."
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