by Janine Mick Wills
The trial of your faith does work patience (James 1:3). I learned this (AGAIN) last week!
As many of you know, last week I accidentally (obviously!) lost both copies of the first draft of my third book. 30,000 words. You don’t have to say it. “Dummy!” But throughout the process of trying to get it back (Both the Geek Squad lady and I couldn’t. I could have paid someone $350 – $1,500 and HOPE he/she could find it), the Lord has been so good and has taught me much. And isn’t that what Romans 8:28 is all about? (And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.)
I’d like to share some of the things I’ve learned this past week. I pray they will help you when your trial comes (And it will! None of us are immune to forces within and without. But praise the Lord we have a God Who is faithful!).
Here is what I learned throughout all this.
- It could have been a LOT worse. No one I loved died, my house didn’t burn down, and I didn’t lose the 2nd copy of my book, which I am in the process of editing and turning into my editor in a few months.
- God is good no matter what. How could He be anything less?
- I had to reevaluate why I want to write. For His glory or for mine? (May from this point on, my writing be more about Him and less about me – John 3:30) This wasn’t about me losing that book, it was about Him conforming me more into the image of His Son.
- Since writing is my passion, I need to enjoy it, and not think of it as something that HAS to be done. Sometimes, as I tried to meet self-imposed deadlines, my writing became more work than something I loved to do, and what kind of a life is that?
- Though I felt hollow inside after I lost my book (And yes, I even wanted to quit writing), I felt God’s presence deep in my soul and knew everything would be alright. Just like it always does when I trust Him.
- I am STILL trusting Him with this. For the first few days after it happened, fear met me at the keyboard. Could I do it again? Would it be a lesser copy?
- As I rewrite this second book, I am now more familiar with my characters and the plot. I am using the characters more effectively and weaving the plot better into the storyline.
- I MUST KEEP copies, copies, and more copies of my work. Yes, I’m a LITTLE paranoid now, but I’m saving lots of copies all over the place, so if this ever happens again (!), I will not lose ALL of my work.
And yes, I’ve used a lot of exclamation points in this post, but I am pretty doggone adamant! 😊
I’d also like to share some verses that can bring comfort in the day of your trial. They gave me strength to get up the next day and the next, dust off the ol’ keyboard, and keep Writing for the Glory of God!
Here are some verses to help you through your trial.
- Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
- Proverbs 3:5, 6 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
- Job 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
- James 1:3, 4 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
- Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
- John 14:27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.
- John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.
- John 15:11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.
- Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
So, when the trial of your faith comes, don’t give up. Don’t hang your head or look within yourself for the answers. Look up. Someone’s waiting for you in the midst of it and wants to go with you every step of the way!
P.S. And if you’re wondering… So far, I’ve rewritten 10,000 words of the 2nd draft. Is it better or even any good? Hmm… when Maddie and the Texas Ranger comes out later this year, you make the call and let me know!
P.S.S. If you have any verses that have helped you through a trial, please share them below under “Leave a Reply.”
