As
an author of Christian fiction, I find that I can only write when I’m in a
place of surrender which requires a lot of soul searching on my part. In order
to create a realistic faith-based world, I have to be able to feel His presence
throughout the entire process. The truths of which I write serve as personal reminders
and are, more often than not, convicting. After releasing Serene Courage, I was faced with the daunting task of beginning a
book that showcases an extraordinary relationship with Christ, that deals with
faith in an amazing and unique way. I felt ill prepared on the subject. Yes, I have faith.
I do believe, but do I believe without doubt? Is my faith unwavering, come what
may?
As
I sat, staring at my computer screen, trying to figure out what to write, I
knew I’d already become disillusioned by the writing world. I felt uncertain,
more so than ever. I began questioning myself, my desires, and my calling. I
began to wonder if how I felt was possibly Satan’s way of thwarting my efforts
or if God was trying to redirect my steps. I felt that I needed a sign,
something tangible that would allow me to move forward or would indicate I
needed to abandon this pursuit forever. I wanted something that I could measure
and know with certainty that God alone had provided the outcome. So, I begged
God for a sign. I took a leap of faith and told Him how I felt and how much I
needed Him to show up in a mighty and miraculous way. I’ll be the first to
admit that it was a little scary laying my dreams at His feet not knowing what the
outcome would be, but I wanted to be sure before moving forward that I was following His will completely.
I’m
excited to inform you that the sign came, and it came quickly and in an
unexpected way. In less than a month after my request, I felt led to offer my
debut novel, for the first time, in a limited-time free promotional and
found myself astounded by the results. A grand total of 1,384 copies had been
downloaded. For me, that was HUGE! Something I never imagined possible. A few
days later, Kindle Unlimited’s end of the month totals came in for December
showing a total of 5,316 pages having been read. Wow! Another HUGE milestone considering, that prior to this, the totals had been rather minimal each month. Then, as if to further solidify my calling, He
allowed the January totals for Kindle Unlimited to come in at 15,358 pages
having been read, and if that weren’t sign enough, a total of 21 books had sold
between the beginning of December and the end of January. I know for many
authors those numbers might seem miniscule, but for a new author like me, who’s seen
very little activity, they meant everything. To say that I'd been left in awe
of God's faithfulness and goodness was an understatement. Why, I’m not quite sure
because I know He’s the One who parted the Red Sea, who brought down the wall’s
of Jericho, who felled the giant, who raised Christ from the dead, and who
saved me from my sin. I know there’s nothing my God cannot do, even in this present age, even for me and for you!
I
am humbled and amazed that my books have reached so many, and my prayer remains
the same—that every copy will give hope and encouragement to those who read
it.
Please
know that I only revealed the specifics, this once, because I wanted you to
know that what I write about and what my fictional characters experience can be
achieved in reality if our faith and hope is placed in Christ. I wanted to
encourage and challenge those of you who are unsure and discouraged, who are
fearful of taking that leap of faith. I wanted you to know that it’s okay to
ask God to show you the way. It’s okay to seek a sign if you’re doing it for
the right reasons. I wanted to remind you that you are important to God and
that He wants to use you in unimaginable ways. So, what’s holding you back from
believing completely, from having faith without doubt? What’s keeping you from being confident in your call, in
pursuing the desires of your heart? Whatever it is, cast it aside. Let today be the day you surrender your
desires and dreams. Take that leap of faith, seek the Lord, ask Him for a sign,
and wait patiently for His answer. I can assure you that, no matter the outcome,
you will be amazed. Even if He chooses to close the door you long to have
opened, He will show you the way you are to go in His perfect timing. “O taste
and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man who trusteth in him.” (Prov.
34:8).
In
Christ,
Shauna
Williams
