Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58).

I wrote about this Bible verse on Friday too – this post is sort of “Part 2”.  This verse reminds me of how much God has moved in my life this past year!  Over the years, there were times when I just felt like giving up – on writing, on church, on trying to grow friendships…  Our family has had some real dry spells.  This verse reminds me of what this path has been like.  If you are in a dry spell, I hope it encourages you too.  Our labor for the Lord is not in vain.  Don’t feel bad if you don’t see “results”…sometimes the labor is the result.  God is pleased when you continue to serve Him faithfully through hard times.

My husband and I were in “desert period” for a very long time in our marriage, family, and church life.  Some days we were just putting one foot in front of the other.  Some days we were were taking one step forward, and three steps back.  The discouragement was so great. But through His Word, God whispered to me that I was made for relationship with Him, and that my days belonged to Him.  You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence there is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). And that helped me to stand firm when I felt weak.

Now we are in a time of plenty.  My family is enjoying new friendships and a wonderful church and homeschool group – these are all answers to prayer.  I know too that these blessings may just be here for a season, just as the difficulties were here for a season.  I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength (Phil 4:11-13).

My mom and I have prayed for me to grow a writing/speaking ministry…and we are seeing God provide answers to those prayers.  But there was a long time of lonely writing and wondering, Why do I bother – what good is this doing?   I had to learn here too that  the labor is the result – writing about God’s Truth is always a good investment of time.

This week, I get ready for my second Proverbs31 Ministries SheSpeaks conference, a meeting for  Christian women who are speakers and writers.  This time, last year, I was packing my suitcase for SheSpeaks in the midst of packing the house to move to Arizona. I was filled with self-doubt as I prepared to meet 700 strangers and “pitch” a book to publishing professionals.

The book proposal I brought last year was 43 pages, single-spaced, including the three sample chapters.  I had some initial “success” with the proposal, but in the end, the whole long process of getting published seemed a lot like the old Schoolhouse Rock song about how a bill becomes a law, “I’m Just a Bill” (youtube link). Remember that one?

This year I am not bringing a book proposal to “pitch”.  Instead, in the last days before I get on the plane, I am working on the actual book.  My hubby and I decided that I should put my energy into self-publishing an eBook rather than planning to meet with any more editors.  What peace I have had this week: I have been writing the book, rather than the book proposal.  And I am delighted to spend my time doing that.  I hope to have it ready to share with you this Fall.  The book is called The Lesson in Holiness.

More answers to prayer: in the last six months, I have led a women’s retreat, written and taught a bible study, written 3 posts per week for this blog, 3 posts for a blog network  called A Woman Inspired, or AWI, and a few on another website called Encouragement Cafe (this one and this one). I am just beginning to prepare to speak at an online conference for AWI, a Webinar.  More on AWI in my next post!

So though I have been busier than usual lately, I am so encouraged!  Do you have a dream?  Feel free to dream big!  God may not answer it in the way you think He will – it may be better.  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58).

Hugs!

Britta ~ I am justAgirl…just like you!