I’m finishing up a book. I’ve  completed several drafts of it and it’s nearly done. I passed it on to my content editor. She worked through the manuscript and returned it to me and now I am finishing the final stages of the book. During sleepless nights, my mind rolls around thinking about phrases to say. Ways to explain something more clearly. Create a scene that people can relate to. This portion of writing is hard!  It reminds me of climbing a mountain and you think you’re nearly there, but not quite–you’ve only reached a false summit and there’s more upward steps to take. If you want to see the fabulous view at the top, you have to keep going.

Last night was one of those being-awake-in-the-middle-of-the-night kind of nights. This morning when the alarm went off at 5:00 am, I thought about pulling the covers over my head and sleeping longer, but something kept nudging me to get up.

I got up in a funk and opened my Bible as is my habit, and I read the passage where Jesus changed the water into wine at the wedding in Cana. I was struck by verse 11. What Jesus did here…..was the first of the signs through which he revealed his glory and his disciples believed in him. I asked myself Do I believe in him for real? Do I really believe in prayer? I asked Jesus to show me something to help my despondency right then–at 5:30 am. and he did!

I read in Job, perhaps the oldest book in the Bible:

You will surely forget your trouble, recalling it only as waters gone by. Life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. You will be secure, because there is hope [emphasis mine]; you will look about you and take your rest in safety. (Job 11: 16-18).

I was astounded how the God of the Universe, reached down into my doubting heart and ministered to me. Right then in my pajamas and tear drenched face, I got a glimpse of God! The words resonated with me.

I prayed,  I’m ready to take my rest in safety, Lord. I will be secure, because there is hope. I will keep on writing, because I believe you’ve called me to the task. Use my words to stimulate others to put their hope in you.