Greetings from Cloudy, Cold Melbourne,
Today, I should have been releasing a devotional blog. It was all ready, but there was no peace in my heart about it. So, I've moved up my newsletter instead. This actually has a mini devotional in it, so you won't be missing out. In the meantime, I'll keep praying about the other one and wait for God to let me know what He wants me to do.
When I started this letter, it was towards the later part of February when things were looking bleak in my writing world. The agent to whom I'd submitted my manuscript hadn't written back, and there had been no word from a competition I'd entered.
Well, to cut to the chase, the agent did pass. She liked the book though, so that was a blessing. But she won't be representing it or me. I might have been crushed if God hadn't prepared me for this possibility.
You see, when things had been so dark, God gave me something important in my devotions.
Something that made me contemplate the thought of crushed dreams versus lean souls.
When the Israelites lusted in the wilderness for the pleasurable foods they'd enjoyed in Egypt, Psalm 106:15 says, God, 'gave them their request but sent leanness into their souls.'
Sometimes, we look at our crushed dreams and wonder what could have been if God had said yes. This verse reminded me that some people achieved their dreams but at a horrible spiritual cost. To be honest, crushed dreams are never fun, but they are better than lean souls.
Was I thinking about giving up?
Not exactly, but I did ask God if He wanted me to stop writing. Why? Because as much as I want to be a published author, it isn't worth my relationship with God.
After prayer, I knew God wanted me to keep going. So, that's what I'm doing. Pressing on and trusting God to give me what is best, even if that means my dreams might not come true.
But are you ready for some exciting news?
In early March, I learned that something had come of the competition I entered after all. I'm a finalist!
This means the start of my story will be read by an acquiring editor for a publishing house. The results will be announced sometime mid-April.
I almost cried when I read the email. I did close my eyes and thank God.
The judges had very encouraging things to say about my book, which is connected to the free short story I give to all my subscribers.
While I'm on the subject of gratitude, my particular thanks to my subscribers for your support through this journey. I pray you are walking with God close by your side with an eye to healthy souls instead of fulfilled desires.
Until next time. Walk close with God.
Blessings,
Dienece Darling