I am sure have heard that expression before. Generally, it means that while we lay out a plan for our lives, God often corrects us and redirects us. The question isn’t whether or not God will change our plans, but whether or not we listen.
In my case, God has most definitely changed my plans, but man, was it ever hard to listen!
I have written in a wide variety of genres. Christian non-fiction, devotionals, science fiction, high fantasy, non-fiction articles, movie reviews. I have been published under my own name and under a few pen names. I’ve dabbled in a few different things and have enjoyed every bit of it.
Recently, I had a science fiction book that was about 99% of the way there. It had been written, reviewed, edited and was sent out to some beta readers. I was on the cusp of having it published. God told me “No.”
He wants me to focus on my Christian non-fiction and devotionals. All of my time, talent and energy will go towards writing and publishing books that are designed to bring hope and comfort to others. This means taking the book that was just about to be published and putting it back on the shelf…until further notice.
All of my science fiction and high fantasy books have been shelved…probably permanently. This has upended the entire schedule I had laid out.
One of my spiritual gifts is encouragement. God called me to start a podcast and a ministry to focus on comforting and encouraging others and now He wants me to focus my writing on the same thing.
My second devotional book, “Coffee With Jesus: The Second Cup” was written with that in mind and now there are two more books that I am going to work on:
- “Rising From the Ashes”
- “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made: A Devotional for Parents of Exceptional Children”
The first is a series of testimonies, sharing the storms and trials our Father has brought me through, both big and small. The second is another devotional book, geared towards helping parents of special need children.
With the fiction books shelved and the focus shifted to Christian non-fiction and devotionals, my schedule as also changed.
First is a re-release of “Father Make Them One.” This was the first book I released under a pen name. I have updated it and will release it in a second edition, this time under my real name. The goal is to release this in January 2027.
The next project will be the devotional. I have already started interviewing people and gathering my notes. My goal is to have it written and sent to the editor/beta readers next summer and then publish it in January 2028.
The last book I have on my plate at the moment, “Rising From the Ashes” is tentatively scheduled for release in January 2030.
So, while it was a very difficult decision to shelve all of my fiction projects, ultimate, I have to follow the path that the Lord has laid out for me. This is the path I have chosen to walk, but fair warning, God may change my plans again!