God wants good for us, not harm, but we must believe His word, or we will miss out on His promises. Those who came out of Egypt expressed an attitude of criticism rather than gratitude.

When they saw the Egyptian army approaching, they cried out, “Was it because there were no graves in Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?” (Exodus 14:11). They also said, “Didn’t we say to you in Egypt, ‘Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians’? It would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!” (Exodus 14:12).

God promised them a beautiful land, filled with promises of protection and success, but they doubted His promises. Instead of trusting in God’s goodness, they believed He wanted them to fail and fall.

• Have you ever found yourself questioning God’s goodness, wondering if He truly called you to write, especially when you don’t see the fruit you expect?
• Do you sometimes doubt that God has blessed your books, wants to bless your books, or will?
• Do you worry that your books are doomed to live in a wilderness of obscurity?
• In moments of struggle, have you hesitated to believe that God is willing and able to help you?
• Fear is faith in a bad report. What do you believe about your books and writing?

Faith or Fear?

Because of their lack of faith, God’s people never entered their Promised Land. Instead, they wandered in a wasteland until they died. Jude 5 reminds us of the importance of believing God’s word and His character of goodness.

I want to remind you, though you once fully knew it, that the Lord, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe” (Jude 5). Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

God calls those who doubt His goodness disobedient and rebellious. Such “non-believing” believers will never enter His rest. They live in fear and worry. Their faith is in negative circumstances.

But for those with faith from God (Mark 11:22), there is a rest with results. We who have God’s faith (faith from God) enter His rest every time we trust in Him. God calls us to walk the ancient paths — old ways that produced fruit —and find refreshment for our souls.

Jesus explains how this works. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 11:28-29).

In Psalm 23 we see how the Lord is our Good-Great shepherd. Everything we need He has provided. He makes us lie down in pleasant pastures with ample provision. He leads us beside calm waters where we can hear his still small voice. He restores and refreshes our soul and work.”

God’s promises are abundant and full of blessings. He assures us of a full and fulfilling eternal life (John 3:16; 1 John 2:25), the forgiveness of our sins (1 John 1:9; Acts 10:43), wisdom (James 1:5; Proverbs 2:6), peace (Philippians 4:7; John 14:27), that all our needs will be met (Philippians 4:19; Matthew 6:33), His strength and power (Isaiah 40:29-31; Ephesians 3:16), guidance and direction (Proverbs 3:5-6; Psalm 32:8), protection (Psalm 91:1-2; 2 Thessalonians 3:3),  joy (Psalm 16:11; Romans 15:13), and His love (John 15:9; 1 John 3:1).

What do you need today for your book, writing, and work? God has already provided this and more through His Spirit that resides within you.

You need only to be still and believe that God fights for you. Raise your hopes and lift your hearts. Stretch out your hand over the thing blocking your path to success and at God’s whispered word, speak His word to your book or problem and move on. God stands between you and your enemies. His power will be displayed if you trust in Him.

A Final Warning

But … if we doubt and complain, if we grumble and criticize, we forfeit His rest. A critical spirit robs us of the faith we need to proceed into our land of promises. Do not rebel. Do not doubt or be afraid. Ask for God’s faith — the same faith in which Jesus walked.

Those who believe God’s words to be true, He leads to blessings and healing, provision and abundance. Trust that God wants good for you and that He has destined your books and writing to find great success. Believe in Him, not the marketing plans of man, and find rest for our weary souls. Work with diligence, yes, but always trust that He is making a way for you.

Write on, brother. Walk on, sister. God has your back and front.