“…O God, great and mighty, whose name is Lord of hosts, great in counsel, mighty in deed whose eyes are open to all the ways of humans…” Jeremiah 32:18-19
Just over thirty years ago, a young single mother struggled to make ends meet. On government aid, she and her young daughter were one step away from being homeless. Her dire situation became an overwhelming and suffocating force that she struggled to remove. Her marriage had failed, she was jobless, and eventually was diagnosed with clinical depression. At one time, she even contemplated suicide. Spurred on by thoughts of her daughter, she finally sought help for her suicidal thoughts.
In 1990, while on a four-hour-delayed train trip from Manchester to London, this lady got an inspiration for a story. The idea “came fully formed” in her mind. She began writing as quickly as possible on scraps of paper the fascinating idea of a young boy attending wizardry school.
She would continue to work on this story while still trying to make ends meet over the next few years. Finally, in 1995, she finished the manuscript of that first book. It was submitted to twelve publishing houses –and rejected by all twelve. One editor even advised her to get a day job since she had little chance of making money from being a children’s book author.
But, of course, she didn’t quit.
The next publisher saw something special in her manuscript. And it was, indeed, very special.
The Harry Potter series would go on to reignite children’s literature and redefine the term “best-selling franchise.” Its author, J.K. Rowling, is now among the richest people in the world.
God has planted a purpose and a passion in your heart, too. Sometimes, the day-to-day duties and events of life might distract you or even cause you to feel like giving up. But hold onto your purpose; hold onto your faith.
And in those moments of doubt, allow God to hold onto you. God’s love is even better than magic.
Watering the Seeds
What do you do when life’s struggles and events keep you from your heart’s purpose?
How can your faith life and prayer practices help you in those moments?
