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Six years ago I suffered an ectopic (tubal) pregnancy. I had to undergo immediate surgery and lost one of my fallopian tubes along with the baby. Recovering at home, I grew tired of watching television. My aunt brought me a book. It was The Scarlett Thread by Francine Rivers.
This book changed the course of my life. I realized how far I’d drifted from God. I was trying to break into the secular market with my writing. Then and there, I vowed that any books flowing from my hand would be dedicated to Jesus. I wanted to write something that would help turn someone back to God when they lost their way.
God has used many more incidences in my life to draw me closer to Him over the last six years. And the one thing I know for certain is that no matter what horrible thing happens in life, He has the power to transform it into something good. And He does.
Every hardship has taught me something I wouldn’t have learned if life kept flowing along without any bumps.
And if God hadn’t brought me to Him through Francine’s book, then I wouldn’t have written a book for Him. And that book wouldn’t have landed me an agent.
You see, that sorrow from six years ago led me to the joy I received Friday morning when I got “the call” from literary agent Barbara Scott offering me representation. So I praise God for the good and the bad, knowing He uses it all for my best interest.
Has God ever used a hardship to teach you a lesson? What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving?
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Thanks for your courage in sharing this, Melissa! I went through a very similar circumstance several times over the last 10 years. May God continue to use your experiences, both good and bad, for His glory!
Thanks, Precarious. That is my prayer, that I will be His vessel. May God hold you in His hand as He unfolds His plans for you.
First, thanks for sharing your story! Currently, my wife and I watch as my son battles T-Cell Lymphoma. The prognosis looks good, it’s just a hard road to travel. We’ve seen a few small glimpses as to the “whys” along the way. This Thanksgiving we’re most thankful that Noah’s still with us.
Secondly, congrats on the book! I hope to be published one day. I’ve got a children’s story just waiting for the right agent and publisher:)
Happy Thanksgiving!
Bryan, I pray that God gives you, your wife, and your son strength and peace through this time. Yes, we are so lucky each day to have our loved ones with us.
Share your publishing with dream God. It wasn’t until I brought Him on board that things started to happen. Have a blessed Thanksgiving. Thanks for commenting.
Bryan I will pray for your son, Noah. I have a friend who God healed with that disease and I will get her praying, too! May I share his name with our team of intercessors at our healing center?
I agree. Like Paul teaches, be thankful in every circumstance. It’s not easy to do, but with the Holy Spirit, we can! It’s been a long few years of health problems in our household, a time of going through the refiner’s fire–painful but so valuable. Blessings.
amcgowan, You nailed it. It is only with the Holy Spirit that I’m able to hear God’s voice and feel His presence. Amen!
In times of trial (especially others’ trials) we think we know what to say or do. For example the advice to just pray and trust God. Good words (and true), nonetheless, easier said than done. Living through the trials while trusting God. That’s the refining fire. Fire purifies, but honestly, it burns too!
Yes, Greg. It does burn. And it does hurt. I cried out many an hour during my trials, but it does get better, thank the Lord.
This kind of thanksgiving is supernatural – from Him to us and from us because of Him. Celebrating His goodness to you with you, Melissa.
Joy, I love your name! You summed it up perfectly. We serve a supernatural wonderful God. Thanks for celebrating with me. It’s always more fun when shared with others.
Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your pain. You draw my thoughts to the scripture that says God will “shake” our lives to remove what must be removed so that those things which are eternal will remain. It is a tremendous blessing to be able to look back on past pain and realize that God used it to direct the course of events for our future – what a joy it is to be thankful for suffering. It is all from God.
God will “shake” our lives to remove what must be removed so that those things which are eternal will remain.
This is so true. Couldn’t say it better myself. Here’s to things eternal!
So beautifully said! I’m so happy for you! So well-deserved.
Keep up the good work. I’m thankful to have meet you and gotten to know you:) Thanks for your awesome crits!
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I am sorry for your loss. So glad that you have triumphed. I thought you may enjoy one of my posts. It’s along the same theme. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to me, and many others! Blessings!
PS how do I get a copy of your book?
http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=1201659664842932368&postID=3491195870957394057
Thanks, Anna. I tried clicking on your link, but it isn’t letting me into your site. What’s the name of your blog?
My book isn’t available yet. I’ll keep everyone posted here when it does sell and has a release date.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
http://www.drm7.blogspot.com the post I wanted to share with you is called, A Parable of Three Saplings. It was posted March 10,2011.
Very Inspirational story ! Thank you for sharing! I have a Sister in Christ who is suffering so very much right now and I hope she reads your blog! I too am thankful for the Trials…they are needed so that we are refined and become more like Christ! Keep up the Good work! Julie
Thanks, Julie. Feel free to direct your Sister in Christ here or you can print out the post to give to her. I’ll keep her in prayer. Trials are needed, but they’re still hurtful.
Blessings to you!
Just wanted to drop by and say congrats on getting an agent, Melissa. May God continue to bless you as you seek to spread His good news through your writing!
Thanks, Lynette! I’m looking forward to seeing what He has in store for me. I’ll see you at the Renewal this spring.
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Thanks for sharing part of your journey with us, Melissa. Sometimes I forget how powerful a personal testimony can be, until I read one that brings tears to my eyes. So great to connect with you! I just signed with Barbara, too! Blessings!
Thanks, Karen. Yea on your signing w/ Barbara. I’m thrilled to work w/ her and to get to know all my great agency mates. It’s a good reminder for me that sometimes the most powerful writing is the simple telling of a story.
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I just found your blog and I love it! I also want to write christian historical fiction novels, just lack time. What’s new? I’ll be back here and Lord bless!