As a writer, I faced challenges when I was ready to publish my book. With each stage, I experienced issues that felt monumental. It was almost unbearable. Yet, here I am, a published author of a novel that was inspired by God. How did I get to this point? It took perseverance, tenacity, and faith in God’s promises.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave nor forsake you.

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

When pursuing my goal seemed too challenging, the Lord faithfully sent me a lifeboat. Most of the time, it was in the form of a random person who didn’t know me. These people at different stages swooped in to save the day. Each time this happened I was reminded of God’s faithfulness. I made a promise to myself that when I encountered the next stumbling-block I would remember God’s promises and how He had already proved He was capable of sending me help.

Even after making this promise to the Lord, I experienced times that I would doubt I would ever reach my goal. This is when I decided to ask select prayer warriors to lift me up. I reached out to a selected few, and expressed my need. Before this, my heart would race and my body would shake whenever I faced obstacles to overcome. However, after asking for these select friends to intercede for me, God gave me an unusual calm. In the midst of the next obstacle, which was a major publishing crisis, I remained calm. I truly believe the power of prayer created this inexplicable peace within me. It was as if the pray-ers were calling in an invisible, yet powerful shield around me. Although I still had obstacles to overcome, the challenges did not have power over my emotions.

Friend, God can do the same for you as He did for me. Trust Him. Consider asking friends to intercede for you, and, in return, do the same for them. Prayer is a powerful weapon against interference from the enemy so we can be there for each other in this way. God says in His Word,

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

As believers, we are not granted a life filled with roses and sunshine. We will have challenges to overcome. My prayer is that you and I will be able to handle them with grace and dignity while resting in the assurance that God’s got us covered. The Lord says in His Word He sets the lonely in “families.” That is what my prayer warrior friends have become to me.

God sets the lonely in families.

Psalm 68:6a NIV

Friend, establish a prayer group. Be committed to pray for each other regularly and to respect each other’s confidences. Intercession is like an umbrella against the torrential downpour we may face. The next time around I’m expecting to see rainbows after the storm settles.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23 NIV

Who can you partner with to form a team of praying friends?

Father God, thank You that You love us enough to set us into “families” of like-minded pray-ers. Help me to pray for my friends, and they for me, as together, we navigate the storms of life, confident You will bring us through. Thank You for the answers You provide in Your Word. Help us to learn and believe each of Your Bible promises. Amen

Copyright 2019: Finding Peace to Overcome: Author Maria Henriksen: All Rights Reserved 

 

Meet Our Contributor

Maria Henriksen

Maria T. Henriksen is the author of the novel, Not Again.  As a mother of boy/girl teenage twins and a substitute of all ages, Maria is immersed in shaping the lives of young adults for Christ. Not Again addresses many of the challenges teens face. During the revisions of her novel, Maria experienced tremendous amounts of physical pain and stress. As a result, she employed coping mechanisms that she incorporated into her novel. Maria’s hope is that readers will be transformed by the inspirational messages found in her book. Not Again is a page turner that draws the secular reader into the story-line, and then immerses this teen in the transforming power of God, found in Jesus Christ, by sharing biblical values and Scriptures towards the close of the book. The characters are presented as growing but still struggling with values, and the sequels will further help teens to experience the freedom found in Jesus Christ. This book presents real troubles, and it is Maria’s hope to transform lives through it.

About Not Again: Christina De Rosa holds a deadly secret–she has been the victim of sexual assault. She searches for ways to function as a “normal” teenager, but she is riddled with guilt, shame, and subsequent nightmares. A chance encounter with her longtime crush, Avery Evans, sparks a fire she cannot extinguish. He offers the security Christina craves. However, in her quest for internal peace, she must make decisions: Will she be able to overcome the assault? What are safe, moral boundaries she must set with Avery Evans? Find out if true love triumphs in this edgy, faith-based, young adult page-tuner, set in the 1980s. Not Again is not your typical Christian coming of age story. Fierce faith does not come without a fight. Prepare for heartache, self-harm, traumatic events, real romance, as well as Scripture within its pages.

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BOOK LINKS: 

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