I remember feeling very discouraged that I would never be able to live my dream.
My husband, a young Bible college graduate, had just turned down a job in a nice area of Orange County, CA where he would’ve worked as an associate pastor for the son in law of my favorite Christian author. That was supposed to be my connection, my “open door” into the world of Christian publishing. There went my quick ticket to realizing my dream.
But God often does something completely different than we expect when it comes to opening the door to our dream.
My husband, Hugh, instead took a pastoral job at a tiny church in an out-of-the way community on the back side of the desert.
For six years I wrote and taught women’s Bible studies at this tiny little church and wondered, at times, if God had forgotten about my dream to write books.
Then one weekend, my husband asked me to cook dinner for a couple who was visiting for our church’s missionary conference. And that’s when I knew God had forgotten about me!
You see, I don’t cook. At least not very well. But I wanted to please my husband, and God, and (prayerfully) this couple who came to my home for a lasagna lunch. When our guest asked me during lunch about my “giftedness” and where I served in our little church, I knew he must’ve been hoping I wouldn’t say “cooking.”
I told him what was on my heart: “I’m a writer. And I’m writing and teaching Women’s Bible studies that I hope will one day be published into books.”
This man, who sat at my table eating my so-so lasagna, told me his son in law was the Senior Editor at Harvest House Publishers. I got his permission to send my book proposal to his son in law who eventually became the champion and editor of my first book… and the next 14 books to follow!
That was 16 years ago. And today I can only laugh as I realize that God knew all along WHICH son in law was going to be the gate-keeper to my dream. Not my favorite author’s son in law, whom my husband almost went to work for in posh Orange County. But the son in law of a missionary who would visit a humble little church in the “sticks” of barren Riverside County.
I realize now that God was looking for an obedient heart…one that would wait for His timing, serve in His location, and learn the things He wanted her to learn “in the desert.”
I, on the other hand, was hoping for a quick ticket to publishing through a high-profile connection. God wanted me to see HE was my connection in every way I look at it.
I am so grateful today that God took me the long route…through the back side of the desert where He showed me — beyond a doubt — that He is the One who opens the doors, brings the connection, and ultimately causes our dreams to come to fruition.
Scripture tells us “Commit your works to the Lord and your plans will be established” (Proverbs 16:3). Develop an obedient heart. And trust the process God takes you through. He knows exactly how He will bring YOUR dream to fruition.
What unexpected thing is God doing in YOUR life to bring about your dream? I’d love to hear about it.
Wow, Cindi, this post spoke straight to my heart! I’ve been a writer for years–self-published several books and wrote many magazine articles–but that was years ago. I haven’t given up on my dream to make writing full-time (or almost full-time…I love my nursing jobs too!) but it’s been kind of derailed the last few years as I’ve experienced the end of my marriage and starting over.
THANK YOU for the reassurance and encouragement in this post! Proverbs 16:3 is one of the verses I pray every day; I want GOD to direct my paths, whatever they might be.
Thank you so much for posting this–and God bless you in your continued work!
I’m glad you were encouraged, Shelly. And I’m glad you haven’t given up on writing. It’s not only YOUR dream, but apparently HIS dream for you, too. Being “derailed” and having to start over is often right where God wants us, broken and ready to be molded again by Him. Keep pursuing His dream for you. : )
This is perfect, Cindi! I remember wishing I could have beautiful stone jewelry but we could never afford it. Then after a mission trip to Brazil, God gave me the opportunity to make my own jewelry! And I thought we would never be able to afford traveling but now we are traveling for my husband’s work and I am writing about it on my blog. God is just full of wonderful surprises!
Thanks for sharing that, Janine. So good to hear that you are doing what you love to do and that God made it possible.
Thank you for sharing this testimony. It was a wonderful reminder to not lose hope! Proverbs 13:12 NIV “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
You’re welcome, Terri. And thank you for the reminder of Proverbs 13:12. : )
Your story really touched my heart. I’ve been teaching for a number of years and I have been very conflicted because what I believed in my heart wasn’t happening around me. I have remained because of the great love I have for my students. I have wanted to give up many times but I have continued to be faithful in prayer about the situation. Just recently I see God turning it around and I am just in awe. His time not ours. I also am a singer/songwriter and I’m looking to produce my first Christian CD in God’s time not mine. Blessings and love, Karen
Wow, thanks for that inspiring story, Karen. Looking forward to seeing what God does with your singing and song writing as well.
I’m on that same Path, Cindi. When I left Valley to return to San Francisco in ’04 after the Billy Graham crusade at Qualcom, I was certain that is where God was leading me. I loved life at Valley and hated to leave as Pastor Hugh and you were just taking the reigns. But God knows better and closed the doors to me and returned me to the bay. Since then I have continued to hone my skills, but God keeps saying, “Not yet, child” Thank you for your encouragement today as I continue. Lorraine still loves and reads all your books. Thank you. She is growing like a weed in the faith so maybe that’s why I’m still on wait….time for mama to catch up. We’re moving in July to a place just on the “backside of a desert”.
Thanks, Nicco, for staying in teach, reading my newsletters all these years, and letting me know how your family is doing. Great to hear Lorraine is still reading my books and growing in her walk with the Lord. Will be praying for you guys as you move to your “desert.” God must have something grand in the works! : )
Prayers..iam told work…thats where iam at…keep in them.i need alot:job,bills paid.,gas,piece of mind.etc…the list goes on.
Mel, thanks for commenting. I know that sometimes it looks dismal when it seems all we are doing is working. But God is in the work, the mundane, and the dry times, too. My prayer for you is that you will remember the promises in His Word like Philippians 4:19: “And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”
Dear Cindi,
Your post is very relevant. You know that it was God’s way because you have seen the realization of your dreams (a part of it, I think) and it’s always amazing how God handles things for his children.
I’m writing. I’m a baby writer. Trying to tell my story in order to make people know about the amazing power of a God who heals, resores, saves, make unexpected miracles in the worst situations… And I’m now in a process to leave the place I’m leaving with my husband to go in an unknown place. God called me in south of France, in a location where I don’t know… We are just in the process now. My heart cried to God when you talked about Desert, because this place is located not so far from Hugenots”s – Cevennes. Which is called Desert by my ancestors which were killed and persecuted during XVIIè and XVIII century.
I still have 400 pages to write and I know that the place we will move on is the place to end my book… Thanks for sharing your testimony. God bless you 🙂
Eveannie, dear one, you are being called out to a place you don’t know…just like Abraham was in Genesis 12. Trust God with your story…with how He wants to complete your story. And please keep in touch. I’m excited to hear about what He does through your written words after you have obediently followed Him out to the desert. Blessings to you, friend.
This was just what I needed. Thank you Cindi!
Lately its been hard for me to wait for GOds timing. Im 25 years old and my dream is to meet the man God has for me. I have never fallen in love and I really want to experience that.
Also Im not sure what I want to do profesionally, I really want to know Gods purpose for me.
I cant wait to get out of this desert, but thank you for reminding me that God has everything in control, and this time is not a waste, God is teaching me something.
Im from México city by the way! 🙂
Hi Melany: Thank you for commenting. I know it’s difficult to wait when we want the desire of our hearts NOW. But God knows what He’s planning for you and what He’s even protecting you from. When HE becomes your ultimate desire, He will delight in granting the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4). Keep in touch and keep trusting Him. Many blessings to you. : )
This posting has encouraged me. I thought I was going to get the dream job I was seeking–it was down to two candidates and when I got the rejection letter, I began questioning myself and whether God even acknowledged my fasting, heard my prayers, or paid attention that I was seeking direction from him. I am encouraged knowing he did hear, but that there must be something else and greater in store for me. Thank you so much for the posting!
You’re welcome, Lillie. I’m glad you were able to recognize that God has something far better for you. Many times His “no” means He’s protecting us from something. I’m so grateful for HIS wisdom which outranks ours every time. : )
Thank you Cindi, your post really spoke to my heart. He is the One…
Thanks, Chery. Yes, He is…. : )
Thanks for this post Cindi! I am in a place now where I feel like a portion of my dream is getting tossed aside by a boss who does not appreciate caring, compassionate leadership….was told I care about my folks ‘too much’.
The day I was told this and that I would not be recommended for advancement I went home and re-read Jeremiah 31…and I am standing in faith that God has plans for me though perhaps I cannot fully see them or how they will be fulfilled.
Thank you for your body of work–I have loved “Women Who Walk Alone” for years and years! I hope someday to hear you speak in person.
Thank you, Laura, for sharing your experience. I stand in faith along with you that God will honor you for your caring, compassionate leadership. True leaders CARE about those they lead and God honors shepherd leaders. And please email me at cindispeaks@msn.com and let me know where in the country you are located so I can work on making it possible for you to to hear me speak in person. : )