The truth is, we are all characters in God’s ultimate novel. Sometimes we might feel as if we play a leading role, that we really are making a difference for the Kingdom. Other times we might feel like we’re just a secondary character, and not really needed. But as an author, let me assure you: every single character is important to the story. The hero, the heroine, the best friend, the boss, the coworker, the salesman, etc. All of the characters play a vital role and fill in gaps that would otherwise stay empty.

Keep in mind that the characters don’t choose which part they play, rather, I do. I have an outline. I know where they need to be and what they need to do, and I try my best to make sure they get there.

In that regard, God has the Master Outline for us. He knows where we need to be and when we need to get there. He’s right beside us, offering his hand of strength and encouragement. He’s there to lift us up when we fall and steer us back on track when we veer off the path. He has an ultimate goal to reach and as Christians, we all play a part in achieving it. If you are still on this Earth, it’s for a reason. God will never write “The End” across your page before your story is fulfilled.

Some of you might be thinking: That sounds good, but what if I don’t know what my story is? What if I don’t know where the plot is going or what my role involves?

That’s the best part! God will tell you. In His timing. Your journey is already charted out; God just needs you to be willing to start walking. (or in some situations, start writing!)

God never promised us that obedience would be easy. Throughout my journey as an author, I’ve received multiple rejections. My published novel was rejected by many agents and editors before it found its home. There were days I was so frustrated I wanted to quit, days my self-esteem was beat down to nothing and I felt sure I had misunderstood God’s calling, sure He had the wrong girl! But I kept writing. I had to. Another quote I often use is by Sir Issac Asimov. “I write for the same reason I breathe, because if I didn’t, I would die.”

I have to write. I have to tell my story. It’s a part of who I am. Despite the rejections and self doubt, it would actually be more painful for me not to write. The good news is, none of my rejections or hardships took God by surprise. I had a lesson to learn through each disappointment, and now that I’m on the other side of that particular valley, I see it clearly. It was all for a reason, and each step has contributed toward making me a better writer, and therefore, enabling me to better tell my story.

I’ve written more books since the one I had published, and am once again in that waiting game of hoping to hear something back, and wondering what I’ll do if I don’t! But it’s all about trust. My characters can understand that concept—because just like I can’t see the future, they don’t get to know the end of the story before I write it. They go where I tell them to; trusting things will work out for the best.

 Well, guess what? God promises us the same thing in Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We can trust him—the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Through out my journey as a woman, I’ve come to realize there are two things every Christian girl must have. A broken watch. And a giant piece of chocolate.

The broken watch is to remind us that we’re working off God’s timing, not our own. He’s writing your story, and you’re living it for Him, not the other way around.

And the chocolate, of course—well, you know what to do.