When God sends Addy a special messenger who challenges her
to step from her comfort zone, she isn’t sure she’s up to the job. She feels
inadequate to take on the task of encouraging others, and when she starts
seeing visions, she worries she’s losing her mind.
Yet, Addy wants only to be used by God, even if that means
seeing visions and risking relationship with family and friends. By stepping
out on a limb, can Addy really accomplish something significant for God? What
affect will her surrender to His will have on those around her? And, what
affect will it have on her own life?
Excerpt:
I hesitated, then I extended my hand.
“I’m
sorry I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure. I’m Addy Townsend.” I was actually
“fishing” when I said this. I didn’t know who this man was or where he had come
from. He didn’t favor the man I had seen earlier in the car. I definitely had
no idea why he had immediately begun to discuss the very topic that buzzed in
my head. And in this day and time, should I be running from him?
When
he placed his hand in my outstretched one, words failed to express the feeling.
As odd as it may sound to even my ears, his touch radiated peace like a warmth
that rushed from his hand throughout my body and calmed my restlessness. I
sensed no need to flee.
“Name’s
Conrad.”
“Nice
to meet you, Conrad. I’ve never seen you around here. Have you recently moved
into the neighborhood?”
“No,
just passing through.”
“I
see.”
He
began to stroll once again, and I fell into step beside him. It felt familiar,
as if I had taken this walk with him on numerous occasions. I started to engage
in friendly conversation by commenting on the weather or leaves, but I never
had the opportunity. He launched the conversation himself.
“Blessings
are often contingent on obedience.”
I
contemplated that a moment. I considered what I knew from Scripture about the
topic of blessing.
“I
suppose you’re right, at least historically speaking. I mean, God promised
blessing to the Israelites if they would obey.”
“That’s
right, Addy, He did.”
His
face beamed as if he were proud I had answered correctly, and I smiled for his
words to me brimmed with compliment. The ease of conversation with a stranger
surprised me. Normally, I would only engage in such dialogue with those closest
to me, and admittedly, possibly not even then.
“There
are blessings God gives because He is a gracious God.” Conrad continued.
“However, there are blessings He waits to give if only the person will obey or
follow His will.”
“Yes,
He definitely blesses us with much we don’t deserve.”
“It
is His very nature.” He stated this in a most matter-of-fact manner.
“But,
if there are blessings we could receive based on obeying or following His will,
then what you said must be true—there are blessings we never receive because we
aren’t obedient or devoted to following His way.”
He
stopped and looked at me. His eyes brimmed with compassion. His expression and
posture exuded sorrow. “Yes.” His voice was low, and I thought a tear might
emerge for the deep emotion I sensed from him.
Silence
ensued. I felt the need to cease the intensity of the moment.
“It’s
a shame that we would miss out on God’s blessings. If only we knew what God was
up to.”
Now
Conrad’s eyes seemed to look to my very soul. My pulse quickened. I bit my lip
and began to fidget.
“If
you knew the blessings God had in store for others, would you tell them?”
“I
suppose I would….yes.”
Author Bio:
Paula Mowery is a pastor’s wife and a homeschool mom. She
has always been an avid reader of Christian fiction. She began writing in the
area of nonfiction creating three Bible studies which were self-published.
However, she crafted fiction stories which she shared with friends and family.
When one of her readers encouraged her to pursue publication, she joined
American Christian Fiction Writers, learning more about the world of fiction.
Her debut work of fiction is a novella published by Harbourlight, a division of
Pelican Book Group – THE BLESSING SEER. Read more of her writing in her monthly
columns on ChristianMagazine.org. Learn more about Paula at her blog –
paulamowery.blogspot.com
Why did Paula write THE BLESSING SEER?
One evening I was thinking on an illustration I hear pastors
use sometimes. A man went to Heaven and was touring with one of the angels.
They arrived at a warehouse filled with beautifully wrapped gifts. The man
asked what they were and the angel said: “These are all of the blessings God
wants to grant but haven’t been asked for.” I continued to contemplate the
story when I went to bed. Not to sound mystical or anything, but God suddenly
“downloaded” the whole outline for THE BLESSING SEER into my mind. I had to get
up and write it down. Throughout the writing God has taught me what it means to
leave my comfort zones and do something significant for Him. I don’t ever want
to miss out on blessings God has in store because I didn’t ask or didn’t obey
His directives.
Purchase Links:
The Publisher. www.pelicanbookgroup.com
