I remember the fear when I published and released my first book. Dropping it off at my store, I quickly wanted to return and take back my books. The trepidation and doubt I faced were overwhelming, but I didn’t run back to the store. Instead, I asked for support from a few close friends, drove home, and prayed. I knew God was calling me to share my book with the world, but at that moment, I wasn’t sure how everything would play out. God was at work.
REGARDLESS, GOD WORKED
God often does not let us know how obeying Him will play out. In Genesis 6:18, God says to Noah, “But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark with your sons, your wife, and sons’ wives.” Noah understood what a covenant (a promise) was but in the history of the world an ark had never been built. Regardless, Noah built the ark. It was 1 ½ football fields long and the width of a six-lane interstate. This was no small boat. The neighbors thought he was crazy, but God was at work.
GOD IS READY TO ACT
No way did Noah initially understand how his obedience would play out or how long he would be on the ark. Later in Genesis 8:1, God “remembered Noah.” Scholars believe Noah and his family lived on the ark for 370 days amid an earth completely covered with water. In the Bible, when God remembers someone, it indicates that God is ready to act on someone’s welfare. God does not forget. He is at work.
WAYS WE CANNOT IMAGINE
God showed up for Noah before the ark was built, during the process, and afterward. Often, we do not know how our obedience will play out or how we will build our own “arks”. Sometimes we doubt God’s orders. He may call us to build our arks or serve in a way that colors way outside of the lines. God works in ways we cannot imagine.
I’m glad I drove home that day, leaving my books at my store, I followed through with building the ark God called me to. As of writing this, my book has sold multiple copies. The messages and comments I received were wonderful. This is all and only from God.
When you build the ark God asks you to, He will see you through. What He did for Noah, what He did for me, He can do for you. Let God work.
Check out Ashley’s website: https://brokenuntilnow.com/