Have you ever told God, “No!”
How did that work out for ya’?
Ten years ago, God nudged me to write a book about the Biblical character, Abigail. He especially wanted me to focus on the fact that Abigail lived in an abusive marriage yet was strong enough to do what was necessary to save her household.
So I began writing the book, grateful for such a directed assignment. Then the divine whispered, “It’s a novel.”
I reminded God, “I don’t do fiction. For 30 years, I’ve written nonfiction.”
So after I researched all the material, I wrote a nonfiction book about women in abusive marriages with Abigail as the focus and completed the book in record time.
But I couldn’t sell it. No publisher wanted it, even though I knew it was a timely subject. The book’s pages sat unread in a box in my office. It must have been practice, I told myself.
Several years later, I woke up with a story in my head that I could not ignore because the core of it involved Alzheimer’s – the horrid disease that tormented my mother and was stealing her from us.
Within six months, the book was finished and a publisher wanted it. “The Unraveling of Reverend G” led to the second book, “Intermission for Reverend G.” The third and final book in the series will be released this year, and I’m still amazed that three novels are now in my credits.
Perhaps God birthed those words in me to teach me that I could indeed write fiction when he equipped me to do it.
Psalm 51:10 ends with the plea to “Renew a right spirit within me.” That right spirit includes being willing to follow God’s call, no matter what it involves.
For a writer, the willing spirit sometimes means stepping outside my comfortable routine and inviting a new genre or even a different focus than what I originally planned.
Writing the Reverend G books taught me that God knows more about my creativity than I do. He knows where the words originate within because he is the Word. And he knows how to pry them out of me, even when I’m not willing to let him weave it his way.
It’s a good reminder that our gracious God knows the end of the book and also how to make sure it happens. Even the willing spirit necessary for the author is a gift from his generous heart.
I’m glad for God’s patience with me and for his grace to give me another chance. When I’m afraid to say, “Yes” to those divine nudges, he grabs my hand and carefully guides me in the right direction.
Oh – and the Abigail book? I’m now revising it – as a novel.
I think I’ve learned an important lesson.
©2015 RJ Thesman – author of the Reverend G books – http://amzn.to/1rXlCyh
I look forward to reading the third book about Reverend G and the one on Abigail. I had not put two and two together to realize that Abigail must have had an abusive marriage. She’s an inspiration.
Pray for me as I work on revisions for Abigail. It’s a difficult subject to live with as the author.
I am looking forward to reading the story of Abigail. It is amazing how we all can decide God just doesn’t mean what he tells us. 🙂
You’re so right, Ginger. We can talk ourselves out of obedience and then think it was God’s idea for us to disobey.
I meant to add this in my prior comment. I notice God never gave up leading you in the direction He planned for you. God put the compelling story of Rev. G in your heart so strong, compelling, and undeniable to teach you how much He believes in you and the gifts He has given you.
Thank you, Ginger. You have encouraged me today with this comment!
Abigail will be an amazing main character! I’ve always loved her backbone, and her quick thinking. You’ve proven you can write engaging fiction, and I can’t wait to read it, Rebecca.
Thanks, Jane. She is a completely different character than Reverend G so it’s a stretch. I may need some of your excellent critiquing skills !