My friend Gabrielle Meyer recently realized her dream of being traditionally published with the debut of The Most Eligible Bachelor. I asked her to share how her journey impacted her faith . . .
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1
This nugget from the Bible precedes a long list of men and women who acted with faith and were commended by God. They stepped out and did things that seemed impossible. None of them saw the fulfillment of God’s Promised One, Jesus, but they did what they were called to do, so that one day Christ would appear for the salvation of all mankind.
How much more are we called to act in faith, as we await His return? It may be easy for us to look back at the long list of faithful servants and see that what they did impacted Christ’s arrival—but many of us find it hard to believe that the things we’re doing now will impact his return.
The truth? Every act of faith impacts the Kingdom of God and His return.
What has God called you to do by faith? For me, it’s the pursuit of publication.
I felt called to be a writer when I was young. College, marriage, children, and a full-time job kept me from writing fiction until three years ago. When I realized it was time to pick up my pen again, I read a statistic that staggered me. It said that only two percent of people who want to be traditionally published actually are.
Two percent? I could hardly believe that number. Who was I to think I could be part of that two percent? But just as quickly as the doubts assailed me, a still, small voice whispered: “Who says you can’t be part of the two percent?” In that moment, I became sure of what I hoped for, and certain of what I did not see. I had a seed of faith to seek publication.
I believe Hebrews 11:1 speaks about more than just temporal hope and certainty in things like publication. It speaks to our hope and certainty of Christ and our heavenly home. But it’s through the temporal things of this earth, like publication, that we can make an eternal impact for His kingdom.
The faithful servants in the Bible did temporal things like offer better sacrifices, move to foreign lands, build arks, house spies, hide their children, and walk over dry land. Some were performed through miraculous circumstances, but some were performed through mundane affairs. No matter what God called them to, whether simple, or fantastic, they did so with faith and it affected the history of all mankind.
I do not know what God intends to do with our simple acts of faith. I do not know what He will do with my published writing. But what I do know is that God commends those who act in faith—and I want to be one of those people.
Giveaway – Comment below about something that’s impacted your faith journey for a chance to win a copy of The Most Eligible Bachelor. Entries close at midnight on May 17 and the winner will be announced on Monday, May 18. If you just can’t wait, click on the image above to buy a copy today!
The Most Eligible Bachelor Collection – Meet nine men from bygone days who have all the qualities of a true hero and who all the single ladies wish to court—though some are unassuming and overlooked until their worth is revealed. The socialite, the architect, the doctor, the masked vigilante, the missionary, the postmaster, archaeologist, the wealthy widower, and the heir can have their pick of brides, but which one will they choose?
BIO – Gabrielle Meyer lives in central Minnesota on the banks of the Mississippi River with her husband and four young children. As an employee of the Minnesota Historical Society, she fell in love with the rich history of her state and enjoys writing fictional stories inspired by real people and events. Gabrielle can be found at www.gabriellemeyer.com where she writes about her passion for history, Minnesota, and her faith.
My first husband died on my 21st birthday, and I felt lost and alone. It took many months before I reconnected completely with God and could see why He allowed my husband to die of heart failure at the age of 26. Through his death, my husband’s parents, sister, and sister’s family all became Christians. One died, so several could be saved. Jesus voluntarily laid down his life, so ALL could be saved.
Oh my goodness, Leslie. You have an AMAZING testimony. Thank you SO much for sharing it here.
Wow, Leslie, that is an amazing testimony. Sometimes the journey of faith we’re called to take is thrust upon us without our consent. I’m so happy to hear that others came to know Christ through this experience. Thank you for sharing.
Sarah, thank you for inviting me to be a guest blogger today! I’ve always loved your blog, and it’s an honor to be here!
Thank you so much for sharing, I really needed this today!! I’ve been battling various health issues for almost 11 years now, one right after another and some pretty serious. Because of all this my hopes and dreams have had to take a backseat for awhile, but it’s actually been a great blessing since those were things that I wanted , not necessarily what He wanted. Now that things are calming down health-wise I’m at a crossroads about what I’m supposed to do next. But I know that He’s gotten me this far, so we’ll figure things out together!
What a fantastic attitude! I’m betting he has big plans for you.
I’m happy to hear your health concerns are resolving, Abby. I went through many seasons of life when my hopes and dreams had to take a backseat for a while. When I thought I was finally ready to jump into writing, I discovered I was expecting twins! A joyful time, but another stop sign as far as the writing went. When it was time to finally pick up the pen, God was faithful to use all my previous experiences to strengthen my writing. I know He’ll use all your experiences to strengthen your calling. Thanks for sharing.
God has never taken His hand off of me in my journey through life. It has been a road well
worn. Without Him I would not be here. He has used me many times in ways I will never understand…Blessings.
Sounds like you’ve learned a great deal about trust!
You’re so right, Sandra. God’s hand is always upon us, guiding us, no matter what season we’re in, or what path He’s walking us down. Thank you for the reminder.
When I was a teen, my lifelong friend’s father died suddenly; it was my first encounter with death as a young adult Through the experience, my faith become “real” – a relationship with God rather than going to church every Sunday with my family as an obligation. I’m very sad my friend’s father never got to meet her husband and 3 wonderful children, but I am eternally grateful for the change in my faith life.
Wow–what a gift via your friend’s father!
That’s an incredible testimony, Valerie. I love when God brings joy out of sorrow.
I am in the middle of a faith journey with one child on the brink of graduating from college and the other from high school. But God has certainly been faithful to direct our paths in the past and He never changes.
I work at a children’s ministry–teenagers will definitely grow your faith!
Changes always bring growth, Rebecca. It’s often hard to transition, but when we look back we can see all that God accomplished in our lives. Blessings on your children’s graduations!
Our family stepped out in faith in 2000 to be missionaries. We served in 3 places and it was so amazing to see God work and provide in so many ways. He is so amazing!
Wow–hearing these stories is such a blessing!
Incredible, Merry! I’ve never felt the call to be a missionary, but I’m intrigued by those who do. It’s a hard, often thankless job, but I imagine it brings an abundance of blessings to see God so mightily at work. Thank you for sharing.
I have to say that one thing that has impacted my faith has been you Christian Fiction authors. When God spoke to me a couple of years ago and requested that I encourage and support Christian Fiction authors, I had no idea how much I would be blessed. I used to read nothing but fiction and had no idea what I was missing out on. I’ve been so inspired by those authors relying on God to lead in the writing of their books, their desire to use their writing gift to reach others for Him, their support of each other, their humbleness, and appreciation of their readers. I have formed some beautiful friendships with these sisters-in Christ. Thank you so much!!
Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of The Most Eligible Bachelor, Gabrielle and Sarah!!
And thank you, Bonnie! You’re a boon to Christian fiction yourself.
Bonnie, you’re an amazing blessing to all of us! I love seeing your name when I pop onto various blogs. You always bring a smile to my face. Thank you for all you do.
I would have to say that God’s Word has had the biggest impact in my life in regards to faith – from it, I know what faith is and how to live by faith.
Amen!
An eternal gift from God. Thank you for being here, Amanda.
My son’s autism diagnosis has deeply impacted my faith… that God can and does cause all things to work for good to those who love Him.
ALL things–such an important, and challenging, lesson!