More often than not when we see our endeavors are not yielding the increase we sought we begin to see it as wasted time. When I wrote my first book “Launch Out Into The Deep!” it didn’t yield the results I expected. So I reasoned within myself: “I’m not going to write another book until I profit from the sales of this one!” Yet, the Lord used my brother Aaron to tell me on numerous occasions that I needed to continue to write. “Acacia, people need to hear about your experiences!” “Acacia, never stop writing; write a little each day to strengthen your skill.”
“Acacia, there are several people who have written several books before they’re discovered; you never know which one book will make your name known!”
Aaron became annoying to say the least, until I discovered his persistence was God trying to get my attention. It took my father 5 years to sit down and actually read “Launch Out Into The Deep!” Why did he hesitate? Your guess is as good as mine. I can imagine it may have been fear. My dad knows I don’t hesitate to speak my mind (respectfully) so he probably imagined I was putting mine and our personal business on blast. Well, he was partially correct but it was in such a way that was beneficial to others. It helped them to take off their mask and expose the skeletons in their own closet. One day dad said, “Acacia, I read Launch Out Into The Deep! and it’s your alabaster bottle; you poured out your heart and soul-surrendering yourself at the feet of Jesus.”
Out of all the praises I’ve received from my books the admiration from dad was the most memorable and profound. I would have never paralleled my writing to tears. Yet, I’ve written most of my books in heartache, confusion, and deep hurt. Silent tears-screaming deep within my soul-never heard but not unnoticed.
No tear goes unnoticed by our Heavenly Father.
Dad’s words were reiterated when I read the parable in Matthew Chapter 26:6-13. This passage of scripture speaks volumes.
Have you ever felt that what you’re doing with your time is wasted? Have you felt like this is costing too much and it’s digging me deeper in the hole of debt? As a self-published author I have to pay for all expenses. I have to hire an editor, then I have to pay someone to format it in book form. I have to come up with the idea for the cover design and pay someone to create it. If any marketing goes into the book- it’s at my own expense.
This woman came in with an expensive jar of alabaster perfume and poured it upon Jesus head.
When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. “Why this waste?” they asked. “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor” (Matthew 26:8-9).
Jesus didn’t agree and immediately put them in their place.
“Jesus said to them, “Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me” (Matthew 26:10).
The Lord was letting me know, “Acacia, what you’re doing is not a waste. It’s ministry and it’s beautiful to me.” From that day on, I made a decision to no longer write for a fan base or notoriety but I write because it’s beautiful to Him.”
Let your work always be done towards God and not man (Colossians 3:23)
Listen to Ce Ce Winan’s Song Alabaster Box
Thank you Acacia for this reminder. This reminds me in Colossians 3:23-24 “And whatever ur do, do it heartily as to the Lord and not unto men; knowing that of the lord yes shall receive the reward of the inheritance for ur serve the Lord Christ. “May God continue to strengthen you in the ministry He has called you. Thank you for been a blessing. Love you much
Thanks so much Chandy! Thanks for all your love and support. I am truly grateful for your friendship❤️