At first, I thought I was just being lazy. I battle with procrastination. But the words failed to flow when I forced myself to sit down and write, even after asking God to help. I started to think something was wrong. God always helps me write. When this ever-present help didn’t come, I began to pray about timing.

 

This was really hard for me. I wanted this book proposal done immediately and emailed to the agent NOW! I was excited to have direction in my publishing career, so I was all, “full steam ahead!” But this was not part of God’s plan.

 

I pushed aside my frustration because I know, from experience, that it is a useless emotion and a clear indicator that I have moved outside God’s direction. During my morning prayer time, I started to ask God about His timing.

 

I heard that familiar still small voice in my spirit say, “after the first of the year.” But my stubbornness took over and murmured, “nah…that can’t be right!” And I resumed trudging forward.

 

It got harder and harder to sit down and work on the proposal. I learned new things, like how to set up my author platform and plan a social media posting schedule. But I experienced divine silence when it came to writing the proposal.

 

“Maybe it’s a spiritual attack,” I mused. But it didn’t seem like that distracting fog that suddenly comes on during a bout with the enemy of my soul. The kind where I pray for protection and help, and it clears away.

 

It was time to lay down my will and surrender. And without panicking that I will never finish this project (a BIG fear). I asked God about His timing for the proposal, and I heard the exact phrase as before: “after the first of the year.”

 

UGH. Okay. I trust You, Lord. (Do I? I absolutely must.)

 

I turned my focus to some household projects, and then Thanksgiving came and went. As I write this, the Christmas season has begun. I put my tree up and some decorations outside and throughout the house. The book proposal is always looming in the back of my mind, though.

 

I’ve decided that when it inhabits my thoughts, I would imagine putting it and the whole of my publishing career into God’s mighty hands. All of it. For His glory and Kingdom. So it all has to be according to His timing.

 

After all, the whole Universe is in His hands. There’s also the fact that God is outside of time, in eternity. He knows the end from the beginning.

 

It’s easier for me to trust Him with this big picture in mind. I don’t always remember it. But I know God will help me. He always does.

 

When the first of the year comes, I know He will help me finish the proposal, and it will be everything it’s supposed to be. He will be with me, in His timing. Big time. He’s good like that.

 

Blessings to you!

 

Angela Dolbear is the author of contemporary Christian novels, such as THE GARDEN KEY Series and THE TORMENTOR’S TALE, as well as many short stories. Her latest release, The Mid-Century Breakfast Club, is the fourth book in The Garden Tales series.  Her novels are available on Amazon in paperback, Kindle, and audiobook formats. Angela writes real, relatable, and reverent fiction. She loves reading, writing prose, and writing and recording music in her studio in Nashville, TN—listen to her latest album STORMS on your favorite music streaming service.  Please drop by and sign up for news, read the latest stories, and hear new original music at http://www.angeladolbear.com/subscribe.htm.