Writing a book is a journey. I know that, yet every time I start a new one, I hope this time will be different. Drafting Out of Time was no exception. There were moments when the words wouldn’t flow, the plot seemed tangled, and doubt crept in, whispering that maybe this book would never see the light of day. I procrastinated writing by baking cakes, completing home renovation projects, and cleaning, all the while thinking about the potential twists and turns and researching the various ways to torment a character. Yet, it was through these struggles God reminded me of the value of perseverance.
The Struggle
Every writer knows the feeling of staring at a blank page and the mocking, blinking cursor. The complex narrative I had envisioned for Out of Time compounded this. It was my most ambitious project to date. As the hours turned into days and days into weeks, frustration mounted. I questioned my ability to finish the book and bring the story to life as vividly as it existed in my mind. I questioned the hours that went into writing, wondering if my time was better spent on something else, something more certain. I wondered if it was time to stop writing.
The Turning Point
Turning to God, I prayed for guidance and patience. I desire to hold all things loose, including my passion for writing. If God was prodding me to move on, I would obey. If God was calling me to persevere, I would hold on. The belief that God had a plan for me and this book instilled a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
Perseverance and Faith
Faith and perseverance are intertwined. When we trust in God’s plan, we find the courage to keep going, even when the path is steep and rocky. Life is full of setbacks, but they are not the end. They are often stepping stones to something more significant. They teach us to embrace the journey, no matter how difficult it may be. They encourage us to keep moving forward, trusting that God leads us one step at a time.
Conclusion
Writing Out of Time was a challenging endeavor, but it was also a lesson in trusting God’s timing and staying committed to a goal I was convinced He’d called me to reach. This month, Out of Time will land on my agent’s desk and the results of this project are out of my hands. Whether it is picked up by a publisher or rejected isn’t for me to decide. I’ve done my part. I pushed forward, writing the best story I could, and sharing the glories of God with my readers. God has a purpose for this story, and my role is to trust in His timing and choices.
Whatever challenges you face, remember faith and perseverance are not traits set aside for Sunday morning services. They should frame every day. Instead of viewing obstacles as barriers, we can choose to see them as opportunities to grow. Do your part. Trust the Lord. Obey His lead. And leave the result to Him.