by Maureen Miller
He was timid and weak. Afraid and insecure.
That’s right. Listen to his doubt when the Angel of the Lord called him to defeat the enemy. O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house (Judges 6:15 NKJV).
To say Gideon was lowest on the figurative totem pole is an understatement. Yet, what mattered most, even with all his shortcomings? He was obedient. And God didn’t hold it against him when Gideon asked for a sign—an “If… then” confirmation that he could count on God to come through (v. 17-18).
Guess what. He did.
I’ve had a similar conversation. “If this is from You, Lord, please show me. Only then will I move ahead. I need to know it’s Your idea first.”
Just a bit of backstory (because remember—too much slows good fiction down). My soon-to-be released timeslip novel, Gideon’s Book, began with what I call a holy whisper. It was 2007 (That long ago? Yes, but that’s another story!). I heard God say, “Write about a Gideon Bible by a bed.”
A Bible by the bed? But that’s what He’d whispered. At that point in my writing life, I was telling mostly nonfiction stories—submitting to Christian publications and newspapers. But I sensed God moving me into unfamiliar territory. Yes, the unchartered waters of fiction.
That was scary, and I felt insecure. I doubted I could do it, questioning God’s nudge. I mean, creating fiction requires… well, creativity—the kind I lacked, or so I thought. But I’d been walking with God long enough to know. If He called, He’d equip. Still, I asked Him for a sign.
Not long after this initial whisper, I was scheduled to speak at a Christian Women’s Club event in Eden, NC. I’d served as a regional speaker for Stonecroft Ministry’s for some time, but this particular engagement was to be my last. With two little boys at home, with the addition of a daughter my husband and I were hoping to adopt, I needed to lighten my work load. I explained to the women that I was stepping down from speaking to focus on my family, though I did not share with the group what I sensed God calling me to do.
As I gathered my things, an elderly woman approached. She smiled as she took my hand. “I just wanted to wish you well and thank you for obeying God’s call. There’s nothing better than obedience, even when we don’t understand or see what’s next.” She paused, then pressed something into my open palm. “Here, dear. I want you to have this. My husband is with Gideons International, and it’s always my joy to share God’s Word with those to whom He leads me.”
There in my hand was a small, blue pocket New Testament. My gaze met hers. “You have no idea all this Gideon Bible means.”
And she didn’t. But Jocelyn Gordon didn’t need to. She’d simply heard God’s voice, and with that small act of obedience, confirmed God’s plan.
How about you, mighty writer? Have you heard His whisper, “Write this? Pen that?” And have you, like Gideon, asked for a sign?
You may doubt, feeling less than, insecure, or afraid, but I promise—your words are weapons in this broken, beat-down world where an enemy lurks.
No matter what God calls you to write—no matter how long it takes—with His help, you, too, can be a Gideon.”
Maureen Miller is an author with stories in numerous collaboratives. She contributes to Guideposts’ All God’s Creatures, her local newspaper, and several online devotion sites. Married for thirty-five years to her childhood sweetheart Bill, they live on Selah Farm, a hobby homestead nestled in the mountains of western North Carolina. She blogs at www.penningpansies.com.
Comments 16
What an amazing testimony, Maureen. You walked in faith. I read this part “A Bible by the bed” and had the same head scratching moment you probably had, but I just love how confirmation came to you! I decided to write Christian novels after a good friend confirmed what God said, and it didn’t work out quickly enough. So God had to give me another nudge and teach me patience 🙂
Nicole, thank you for taking the time to read and for sharing and offering encouragement. What a joy it is to write for God, no matter what genre! But I sure have loved stepping into the world of fiction! It’s fun and never boring, that’s for sure! And aren’t we thankful our God is patient? Bless you. Merry Christmas!
Wow! This brought tears of joy to my eyes, Maureen! Now I can’t wait to read your Gideon book. Thanks so much for being faithful to His call!
Oh, friend. Thank you! Thank you for planting seeds and nurturing my writer’s heart. You are an inspiration. Yes. You are a mighty Gideon!
Praise the Lord! Love your post. I too have heeded the call when I had no idea what it would mean, and I’ve also had moments when I didn’t fully trust and obey. When I’ve followed Him, things have always worked out for my good (even if I didn’t see it right away).
Pressing on means you, too, are a Gideon! He questioned, but in the end, he obeyed. That’s what you do. Never stop!
My very first Bible was a Gideon Bible. Wonderful post, Maureen!
Oh, how wonderful! Where did you get your Gideon Bible? At school? In a hotel? That’s a wonderful testimony!
Love this so much! Being obedient is the best. Your writing moves me every time. I’m looking forward to your book.
Thank you, Penny. Thank you for your encouragement and for supporting me by reading my words. They are God’s words, but what a joy to write them! Bless you.
Thank you, Maureen! I needed this today as I faithfully follow God’s call and write a historical fiction novel. Like you, I didn’t feel qualified (and there are days when I still don’t!), but I know I need to trust and obey Him.
Trust and obey,
For there is no other way
To be happy in Jesus…
Than to trust and obey!
How many times I’ve sung these lyrics!
We make a beautiful duet, don’t you think? Love you, friend. Press onward!
I can relate to Gideon (the man). I too was like…”You talking to me, God?” I have to say that when I said YES to writing my story I had no idea what I was doing nor did I have any idea the process. But I can now say that if I did know how this writing/publishing thing worked before I put one word down I probably would have taken my yes back. I say that only because of my struggles with grammar and all the rules I flat out do not understand or retain when trying to learn all the rules. I cannot wait to read your fiction book about the Gideon Bible by the bed.
Maureen, you never cease to encourage and inspire. God’s specificity often leaves me awestruck. He is in the details! And what a sweet confirmation He gave you. Knowing the background of your upcoming novel makes me even more excited to read and share it.
Very well written blog post. What is a “timeslip” novel?
Wonderful words! AndI second your notion about God’s nudge. With publication timeframes taking a what seems like a long time, and with my books not hitting the Best Sellers’ List (a little ego and pride?), I began to question His call for me to write Christian Suspense. Then, when I was ready to throw my bucket of anxiety His way, I read an article that suggested we need to remember that first and foremost, we write for Him, not the best sellers’ list or anyone else. I prayed about that, a lot, and then one evening got His message loud and clear. I mean very, very loud and clear: write the novels! So, I am, gladly, and while I relish the good reviews when they come, I know my task. It’s all about Him. Thanks for stirring that memory, reminder, and those thoughts. Now, back to my computer!