I was reading online the other day that there are over ONE MILLION books published every year. I know this number shouldn’t surprise me, but it does. It always amazes me when I walk into the bookstore and see rows and rows of shelves jam-packed with books. I think to myself, why would I write a book? These books are presumably are saying the same thing I ought to say.
But recently I was reminded (once again) that God has asked me to write and, sadly, I have not been very obedient. When I heard His call, I came back with every excuse I could think of. “I’m not qualified. I lack knowledge. No one will take me seriously.” I was like Moses standing before God with several excuses why I could not fulfill what He was asking me to do.
It was a simple text I received this week that put my calling back into perspective. A friend sent me a photo of the book she just received in the mail, Made Like Martha. I recently read Katie Reid‘s book out of obedience. I was so quick to be “all in” when I felt like He was asking me to read, review and share Katie’s message. Not only did it impact me, but it was now in the hands of someone I dearly loved. Someone who has struggled for years with guilt for being a doer. Someone who needs to accept that she is loved not only for who she is but for how God made her—like Martha.
God called Katie to write this book, and out of obedience, this book is now sitting on one of those jam-packed shelves in the bookstores. I’m only guessing that writing a full book has its challenges, and one with a powerful message will undoubtedly tick the enemy off. But someone in need was waiting on the other side of her obedience, so Katie overcame it all it’s clear God’s hand is all over this book. On the day the book was launched, it hit #1 Best-Seller on Amazon in four of its categories! There is now an online book club here and a 5-day YouVersion reading plan. It’s a huge success.
But the success of the book is so much more than the numbers, the sales, and being on the Best Seller list. It’s about the lives that are being changed because one person heard the call and was obedient. I often listen to authors and speakers say, “If my words only touched one life, it was worth it.” So, Katie, it was worth it.
How about you? Has God asked you to SPEAK UP with a message others need to hear? Is there someone in need waiting for your obedience?
I’ll be the first to admit that I haven’t been the most diligent in writing, but I’m ready to say “YES” to Him and be all in. When we say yes to Him, we not only experience His love, but we receive a treasure trove of the many blessings He has to offer.
The Speak Up family wants to know what you have said “YES” to. We want to encourage you, guide you and pray for you because you never know who is in need and waiting for your message.
Comment below if you have an area that you are not “all in” or tell us what you have said “yes” to.
Great blog, Carol! About a year and a half ago God put it on my heart to write. I’ve written a book and I’m currently in the process of making some revisions. I’ve attended the Speak Up Conference for the past two years and have received some great feedback, advice, and tools that are helping me to fulfill what God has called me to do. I also believe that even if only one person is ministered to through my writing it will absolutely be worth it.
Thank you, Dana! God is doing powerful things through you! I’m so excited to read your book! I know it will be powerful!
I want to be all in writing a book for divorced women. I want church leaders to have a deeper understanding of what divorced women need from the church.
“All in” is exactly what God is asking us! Your topic is so good. I remember being so unheard, undervalued and misunderstood after my divorce so thank you for hearing His call and being ALL IN!
Encouraging and challenging blog. I was a first year Speak Up attendee recently and am thankful for the push it gave me to get my butt going on my YES. I know God has wanted me to write, but I didn’t know the direction and have “wandered” in indecision with this calling. Speak Up helped give me direction in this. I have been working on my website and blog as my starting point. I’m so excited! I can’t wait to start posting my blogs and am thankful for the way God uses a variety of people to speak into our lives. Thank you Katie for your obedience and congrats! And thank you Carol for this encouragement and push. And a huge thanks to all the Speak Up people whom God used to ignite my passion again, direct me to set some goals, get writing, and start submitting. By next week I will be able to push the “publish” button on my website/blog.