These are the times that try writers’ souls. Refuge launched eleven days ago. Sales are good! Will Refuge continue to hit the mark? Will more people discover this story of God’s love and mercy? I’m in uncharted territory.

I’ve slaved over this novel, its research, and its publication for seven years. For the most part, this slaving has occurred in the quiet cubicle of my writing cave. Unseen. Unpaid.

But writers must also propel their words to their audience. As a writer, I am a sole proprietor doing business as Show Know Grow, LLC. Most people don’t know that publishing houses have cut their marketing staffs. Like car manufacturers and baby diaper companies, writers must now advertise their products. Writers are small business owners. 

We shoot our words out into the world. We tell others of our stories of God’s grace, trusting the Lord to get the words to his chosen audience. Writing and publishing aren’t for the weak of heart. These are faith-stretching times.

But then, I don’t know the details of your job either.

I don’t see what you do to manage that website, run that business, design that pick-up, or deliver that mail. Most people are mystified about the work of others, leaving us all feeling invisible and unknown by those outside our trade.

We often forget that God sees everything we do. He is there.

Remember when you started your first job? Remember when you walked down the aisle? Remember when you moved to a new community, state, or country? Remember when you took on new and unknown tasks?

Scary stuff! The questions loom:

Will God be with me? Will he uphold and sustain me, no matter what?

Your Hands Toni Blay via Compfight

Taking the step into the dark unknown builds our faith. Of course, God is there. He orchestrated the steps leading to the big moment. He held our hands throughout, whether we were aware of him or not. He went with us and ahead of us. He upheld us, no matter what terrors alarmed us on the way.

He did it before. He will do it again. To this, I cling.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most” (Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT).

He was alone. He was tested. He did new and frightening things. No one understood him or his task. Everyone abandoned him. Most of the world didn’t notice his ultimate sacrifice. He experienced everything we go through. He sympathizes. He understands.

And he is with us, right now, in it. And how we love him for it!

Hold on tight to this truth as he holds on tight to you.

Are you clinging?