Dear Reader . . .

by Elizabeth Goddard

The fun thing about writing for Harlequin's Love Inspired Suspense is that they ask us to write letters to our readers at the end of the story. This gives me a great opportunity to share some thoughts about the story and connect with my readers in a deeper way.

Today for my devotional I'm giving you the end of the story--or rather, giving you a short snippet of the letter I wrote to readers for my upcoming release, TAILSPIN.

A question readers often ask is what part of myself I put into my stories. After all these years writing, I’ve finally learned that it’s my spiritual journey. Whatever I’m going through while I’m writing is what goes into the book. And guess what? That’s by God’s design. This is my ministry! Because if I’m going through it, that means others are also going through something similar and can use the encouragement that comes with knowing you’re not alone.

Over the course of writing Tailspin, I was in a place where I carried far too many burdens, and continued to gather more. My responsibilities continued to grow and I added more by choice, because I have goals and dreams. Things I want to achieve. But life has a way of dumping things you don’t want onto the metaphorical plate, as well. To say that I had become depressed and overstressed is an understatement. The stress made me physically ill. As I prayed and sought the Lord, He gave me this verse about eagles.

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

After researching about what this could mean, I learned that an eagle’s wings are heavy and if it tries to fly on its own energy, it will quickly tire. But an eagle waits on the wind so when its lifts its wings, it can rest as its flies. In essence, God wants us to let go of our burdens and give them to Him, and that’s when good things start to happen. I know they did for me, when I let go, and they will for you, too. 

I hope this speaks to you and resonates. You've heard the old adage--Let go and let God. We certainly live in a time when we're expected to multi-task and take on more than we can humanly handle. So today maybe take some time for yourself and find that rest, that peace that you need.

Many blessings!

Beth

P.S. I love to hear from you so please stop by my website to connect at Elizabethgoddard.com. You’ll find my Facebook and Twitter links there, too. Don't forget to sign-up for a chance to win a copy of Tailspin at the Goodreads Giveaway.