It. Is. Finished.
It is finished.
I’ve been working on a book of stories for over a year! So many delays popped up as a result of the global pandemic. My editor got sick. Publishing professionals couldn’t get to work. There were paper shortages and price increases but finally … It. Is. Finished.
“Growing Your Faith” is filled with stories to give you a fresh infusion of faith and remind you of God’s love for you and acceptance of you.
Glorious season.
It was a big project. It will be available on April 14, 2022. (If you’ll be part of the early readers launch team, email me at robyn@robyndykstra.com Early readers are asked to buy, read and review the book before anyone else can get it.)
In addition to the book writing project, I’ve finally had more speaking engagements! Hurrah. The Lord provided inspired messages to share. I prayed and laughed and cried with women in cities all over the US.
It’s been glorious.
Have you had a season like that, busy but glorious? Maybe God has moved or whispered or have you had a breakthrough.
Watch out for the Elijah moment.
Right after Elijah has one of the biggest God-moments in the Bible, we find him hiding in a cave, fearing for his life (see 1 Kings 19:1-9).
What?
Don’t judge. That happens to me, too. I experience God’s presence and pleasure in worship. The ministry time with a woman is anointed and she is set free! I land a great gig. Everyone is healthy. I get a tax refund. My hair turned out perfectly. (remember, don’t judge)
Glorious!
Then I get slammed!
It might be a misunderstanding with someone I love. Or, an automobile I need refuses to function. Someone I love gets sick and needs me to drop what I’m doing to help.
A disappointment, a rejection, a heart wound. I want to curl up in the fetal position and suck my thumb.
Like Elijah, I want to run away, hide in a cave and fuss at God. Does that happen to you, too?
Take stock.
That’s when I find that I need to remember the God who touched me in worship,
the One who whispered or convicted or healed or moved in mysterious, miraculous ways, is the same God who will be with me in my misery.
When I find myself sitting in my proverbial cave, I practice this simple strategy to get back on track. I tell myself aloud all the characteristics of God I know to be true.
- God is Awesome (Psalm 47:2)
- He cares about me (1 Peter 5:7)
- Father God loves me (John 3:16)
- God knows my situation (Psalms 139:1-2)
- The Creator of the world created me (119:73)
- He celebrates me. (Zephaniah 3:17)
- God is all powerful (Jeremiah 32:17)
- The Lord keeps his promises (Deuteronomy 7:9)
- He does not make mistakes (Psalm 18:30)
- God has a plan (Jeremiah 29:11)
- The Lord redeemed all my past messes and worked them for good. (Romans 8:28)
- He will never leave me or forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Think back.
God, who was kind to Elijah, will be kind to you. Think back to all the times in the past when God has been faithful to you and the Bible accounts of his faithfulness:
- When He rescued Daniel, (Daniel 6)
- Restored David, (2 Samuel 12)
- Encouraged Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 32)
Stand firm, girlfriend, in who God is. If he was faithful then, He will be faithful now.
Because our God never changes.
When you’re in a glorious season, celebrate it! And when the season of trouble or resistance comes, stand firm in who God is, how is has been faithful in the past and rest in the knowledge taht you can trust him with your future.
Verse for the day: Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17, NIV)
Prayer: God, please be my ever present help in times of trouble. I know that you love me and work all things for my good. Remind me to be watchful for how you are moving. Remind me that you have never let me down and I can trust you. Amen
Of course, I want your new book!
Yes please ! I would love to get your new book.
I can’t wait to read it! ??
Hurrah! You’re the best, Deb.
I’d be so disappointed if you passed. Thanks for stepping up.
Of course l want your new book.
Birthday present from me to me..
Thank you Lisa.
Please send me information so I may purchase your new book.
I certainly will, Jean. WAtch for the email.
Yes, I want your new book. I look forward to reading all your updates.
You bring sunshine to our hearts.
Hurrah, thanks Sharalyn.
I’ll be an early reader.
Oh yes you will. 🙂 Thanks Susan.
Zephaniah 3:17 NIV has been coming up in many of the devotions I have been reading in the last month. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you he will quiet you with his love he will rejoice over you with singing.
I love this verse. It calms my spirit, knowing that I am saved and delight to God, that His love quiets me, and He rejoices over me with singing! Beautiful!
Congratulations on your new book, Robyn! You have a special gift in creative writing AND speaking….your life is a beautiful testimony to God’s mercy and grace. So glad you have opportunities to be the cheerleader for so many women around the country. Your wit and godly testimony is just what is needed in this moment–or as Esther would say, “For such a time as this”.
Thank you for your encouragement to me, Virginia. It’s always a little scary to put my work “out there” Appreciate you.
I love getting your emails, they help me keep my focus on God.
June 5, 2021 my daughter was killed in a horrific motorcycle accident when a drugged up man slammed his truck into the back of a car driving it into the side of my daughters motorcycle, I was riding with her, right behind her, so I witnessed the entire thing. I would be lying if I said I didn’t try to make a deal with God that morning, promising anything. I would also be lying if I said I never question why he let it happen.
But thankful for your messages, and my church family and Pastor.
Keep inspiring all of us, have a blessed day.
Jackie, I can’t even begin to imagine the haggling I would do to save my child. Sweet Woman, I admire your faith and trust in the worst of circumstances. Proverbs 3:5, right?!
Praying for you to see the finger of God in all this. You are loved.
I’m in! Would love to support you and celebrate your new book!
Hurrah, thanks Crys!