Done

It

Is

Finished.

Yes, these are the last words of Jesus.  But no, that’s not what I am referring to today.

I’m talking about my latest book.

It’s done.

Yes sir. I got that baby off to my editor today, though not without a major setback.

Technically, most of the book was completed over two weeks ago, well ahead of today’s deadline. I used the additional time to edit, get feedback from two trusted friends, and rework the last few thoughts on the final chapters.  Yesterday the work was done.  But just before I fell asleep last night I remembered one teensy tiny last tweak.

That teensy tiny tweak turned into one monumental mountain of work.  Or maybe re-work would be more accurate.  Somehow I hit a (still yet to be determined) button that reconfigured my entire 219 page document.  Oops.

Five hours later I finally had the finished product.  But not without two things: a) a really, really good friend who happens to be a computer genius and have a boat load of patience and b) the realization that whenever any of us takes a step toward serving God our enemy takes great delight in throwing obstacles in our way (yes, even if that obstacle is in the shape of a laptop.  Don’t forget the Bible says our struggle isn’t against flesh and blood…)

So in celebration of finishing my manuscript and in light of the events that transpired today, I’d like to share one thought from my book, Seek. Remembering what I wrote, gave me courage and confidence to press on despite the discouraging last minute obstacle I faced earlier today. One line in particular kept replaying in my mind,

Every time a person tries to take a significant step toward God, the devil and his demons will try to pull her away.

Perhaps you, like me, are just trying to follow God. Maybe you’re remaining committed during a rocky season of marriage.  Maybe you’re standing firm against the prevailing culture with your child. Maybe you’ve decided to take a step of faith in ministry. Maybe you’ve made a commitment to study God’s word on a daily basis. Or perhaps you’re just putting one foot in front of the other to get through a season of heartache and difficulty without doing something that would dishonor God.

Whatever step you take toward God, remember that the thief wants nothing more than to steal, kill and destroy that step.

Don’t let him.

Keep going.

Move forward.

Press on.

Stay faithful.

Until it is finished.

Living in the light of the truth and the joy of saying “yes” to God,

Donna