I spent a long, hot, sweaty weekend sharing a booth at an outdoor market, trying to sell my books*, cards, and paintings. I sold no art and only two books over two very long days, with the second being a mercy purchase by one of the event planners. There was a carnival incorporated at the Octoberfest, and it unexpectedly sucked the people to the rides and away from the vendors, much to the vendors’ (and organizers’) dismay.
I WAS able to hand out cards and flyers for my two books(online), which I pray will bear fruit. It’s not just the loss of the money invested, but the desire to share God’s heart with people through these books (and art). I feel strongly that He inspired me to create them, so it was discouraging to spend all that time and effort and appear to get nowhere.
Thankfully, God had warned me before the event not to be become discouraged but to simply be faithful and persistent, and that His economy was not the same as the world's. I have to confess to still waking up discouraged. He knew I needed a ‘nugget’ from Him, and as usual He was faithful to encourage me... with this:
Hmmm...a candle, ok. Significance? It's not lit.
Somehow the light in the room is making the candle appear to be alight. As I write this, it still 'burns'. "Ok, God. Tell me what this means."
"The candle is a reminder of what I can do supernaturally, far above what you can do in the natural. You didn't light that candle but yet it appears to be lit, and is, indeed, shining forth. Don't rely on what you see and experience with your senses. Visualize...SEE in your mind's eye, your imagination, what I Am doing--what I SEE in the spiritual realm. Believe it. Have faith to see it come to pass."
"Cool. Thank you. You are so kind and gracious. Help me SEE what You SEE.
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*Who You Are and Let All Creation Rejoice! [Bearfoot Books for the Shepherd @JEddyWales]
