“You know, if my book had been published by a large publisher, I probably wouldn’t have to go door to door to small stores telling them about my book and why they should carry it.”

His fingers stopped typing as he met my anxious gaze.  “You should be grateful for this opportunity. You have something they need. It’s a gift. You need to look at this as an act of obedience. God has placed this on your heart, now you must act. It’s obedience.”

I knew he was right. But that didn’t make it any easier to walk out of my comfort zone. My husband was right, and his encouragement caused the mental shift I needed in that moment.

God, direct my steps today. Prepare each encounter you have for me today.

I approached the owner of the last gift shop with an outer confidence that blanketed my sweaty palms and pounding heart. “Hi, my name is Renee Robinson. I’m a local author and live here in town and….” I started into my prepared speech, and she interrupted me.

“Oh, where exactly do you live?” When I answered, she told me about a lady who had just moved to town. She was newly widowed, the mother of several young children.

Thoughts of the book vanished as God stirred my heart for this woman I had never met. I no longer cared about this store carrying my book because God revealed something far greater.

“Can you give me her address or phone number? I would love to encourage her or help her. Show her around. Introduce her to people. Pray for her.”

I left the store and sat in silence as I thought about how my fear and my self-focus had nearly crippled me only hours before. How I had longed for a different circumstance. How I had longed for God to have painted a picture that made me feel a little more comfy in my life.

In my comfort, I rely on me. In my discomfort, it’s all on Him.  

God wants us out of our comfort zone. This is the place we will encounter Him in ways we never imagined.

Rarely is it about what we think it is. It was never about the book. It’s about His radical, relentless pursuit of us. His never giving up Spirit that will create all kinds of scenarios to reach His children. It’s about relationships and connecting us together through Him.

That evening my 3 boys and I showed up on the doorstep of a stranger God had intersected our lives with. My boys were nervous wondering how we would be received. Would she like chicken noodle soup? What if she was making dinner already? I assured them God had it all handled.

This time I didn’t stand with shaky knees and sweaty hands before a stranger. I stood as one overwhelmed by grace, overflowing with gratitude for a God who reaches into our lives in such a personal way, connecting hearts and lives together.

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