Getting Back On Track And Developing A Strategy For Efficiency

Out-of-the-country summer vacation and family reunions pulled me off course.

For three weeks, I failed to run. Finally, when all the visitors had gone, I returned to my routine.

I went out for a run.

To my aghast and surprise, I panted and heaved after mere 15 minutes under the sun. I felt so lame.

Picking up where I left off with my writing was just as hard.

"Should I start with book 2 or should I wait until I find an editor, an agent, and publisher for book 1?" I asked my Lord.

I have searched for the right editor to work with me and have not had much success. So I prayed and prayed.

As always, prayer was more effective than my own efforts.

One day, I saw an event ad for the American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference. To my delight and surprise, this year's conference will be held at Gaylord Convention Center, here in Dallas!

What a blessed coincidence. Or was it?

I have learned in my walk with the Lord that there is no such thing as mere coincidence.

Someone who allows the Lord to move in his life will find, not a coincidence, but divine orchestration.

As soon as I signed up for membership to get the discounted rate, I received an invitation from the local chapter of ACFW and met my future editor-mentor.

Finally, I am back on track.

At the same time, this led me to another confusing situation. How should I manage my day with a book to edit and a blog site to maintain?

I did not want to happen what had happened to me in the past when I started this website.

I know the way of the Lord is the way of peace and tranquility. Many times in the past, I had bit more than I can chew and ran ahead of the Lord.

As I began to doubt, my Lord assured me as He assured Gideon.

“Go with the strength you have. It is I who send you.”

Still, I falter like the man in the Bible, and the Lord treated me in the same kind manner.

“Please, my lord, how can I do this? My family is the lowliest, and I am the most insignificant in my father’s house.”

“I shall be with you,” the LORD said to him.

“If I find favor with you, give me a sign that you are speaking with me.

These past few months, He had guided me with signs, some glaring and others subtle. I learned to listen to the voices within and around me.

Yet the Lord would warn that not all inspirations would come from Him.

Like Peter, anyone can be used by Satan to distract and pull me off course, include myself. And it is not because I intend to but simply because of my weaknesses. I can become an instrument of both good or evil.

In the end, the recipient of the idea veiling as inspiration ultimately discerns as Jesus had discerned when He turned to Peter and recognized Satan whispering behind him. With a rebuke, "Get behind me, Satan, your thoughts do not come from God but from man," He successfully uncovered the plot of the devil through an innocent mouthpiece.

I too must discern with a humble heart which of the inspirations cater to my ego, my baser instincts or my spiritual side, and only I can see this depending on how much I know myself.

"I will wait for Your sign my Lord. I will wait for Your promptings. I am confused."

"Should I really stop blogging and publishing devotionals while I work on the book or not? Send me Your clarity Lord."

Today is the Feast Day of Mama Mary's Queenship. May I follow her example: she who never acted unless prompted. She waited in patience, holding God's promises, pondering upon it and keeping it close to her heart. I shall do the same.

I held my angel's hand and said, "Pray with me."

And I ask all my readers to pray for and with me.

For three days, I shall remain silent and not act. I will pray as I wait for the Lord and read His signs.

Read More Blogs

Read My Story

Read Devotionals