At my first major writers’ conference, the worship band played a particularly stirring song, one that has stuck with me ever since. It’s called “Waiting,” by John Waller. The song struck me as odd at first. I wondered, are we ever really waiting? Or are we to use every moment, every thought, every day to serve our Risen Savior?

But then I had to laugh, for that’s exactly what the song is saying.

That was in 2009, when I “officially” answered the call to write. Oh, I’d written before–on “assignment.” VBS curriculums, dramas for church outreach events, short stories for children’s ministry events, parent newsletters. But writing had always been a means to an end–a way to enhance my ministry.

Then one day, it clicked. God wanted me to be a writer–like full time, not merely to enhance ministry, but as a ministry in itself.

Then the waiting came, because the publishing industry is anything but quick. 🙂 That was four years ago. Four years of praying, of listening … of surrender.

A lot happened in the waiting–a lot of ministry, of friendship building, and growth.

During the waiting, I met and developed close relationships with other writers passionate about sharing God’s love through fiction.

I met one of my most cherished critique partners, a woman who quickly became a prayer partner and very dear friend.

I began writing for an international ministry passionate about sharing God’s love and truth through drama, and I got to meet some of these sweet writers in person. I got to pray with them not via texts, emails, or over the phone, but in the flesh! (Yes, that was a highlight!) I got to celebrate with these ladies when their debut novels released.

I spoke at women’s events

went on missions.

I watched our daughter grab hold of God’s passion for missions–for the nations–and work tirelessly with a sweet friend to earn her way to Jamaica.

I learned answering the call to go is sooooo much easier than surrendering your child to the call. The act of which brought me to a whole new level of trust–and praise, when I saw the post-mission-trip results.

I watched God change lives, heal wounds, draw His children ever-closer to Himself, often allowing me to be a part of His outpouring of grace.

Looking back, God’s timing was perfect, and I cherish each moment I “waited”.

Friday, I received and signed a contract from New Hope Publishers, a publishing house God connected me with three years ago, one I admire greatly.  My dream publisher, really–a house that is passionate about reaching out to the lost, ending human trafficking, caring for the orphan–of being instruments of truth and grace in a world in desperate need of a Savior. To be honest, I’m still kind of soaking it all in. And in another period of waiting, this time for the novel to be released …

Knowing my Savior, a lot more will happen in the waiting. 🙂

I’ll tell you more about this novel later. So yeah, I guess you’re in a period of waiting, too. 😉

In the meantime, don’t forget about the daily act of kindness challenge! Today, a friend I met in ministry shares a touching story of how God moved him to show grace and kindness to a man in desperate need of a friend.

Each day, God invites us to be part of His outpouring of love and grace. Last week, Jason Sizemore answered that call.http://www.takinittothestreetsomaha.org/blogs/with-open-arms/

Are you in a period of waiting? What might God want you to be doing while you wait?