Don’t you love getting hugs from heaven?
A couple weeks ago, I testified to the fact that obedience pays well.
The miraculous timing of God’s provision described in that testimony isn’t the only heavenly hug I’ve received since my husband, Steve, and I poured ourselves into producing my audiobook, which is now available on Audible, Amazon, and Apple iBooks.
One recent heavenly hug came after dipping my hands in paraffin and tucking them under heating pads for ten minutes. My hand surgeon prescribed twice weekly physical therapy with a friendly woman who enjoys listening to mystery novels. As she peeled the oily wax from my hands and massaged the surgical sites, she told me how much she loves her Audible membership. I have never been good at self promotion, but I couldn’t help but take that opportunity to tell her I had an audiobook coming out any day. She quickly grabbed her phone, logged into her Audible account, and found my book!
I hadn’t known it had gone live until that moment. Exhilaration began to wash over me, and then doubled in magnitude when she clicked the purchase button and told me she was my first customer.
What a delightful hug from heaven.
My next hug came at physical therapy a few days later when my therapist asked me how many audiobooks I’d sold.
“I haven’t had a chance to get the word out,” I replied. “No one but you even knows it’s available.”
“You should check anyway,” she said. “You might be surprised.”
I logged on as soon as I returned home, and discovered I had sold six units.
Another loving squeeze from God.
At my last physical therapy session yesterday, my therapist couldn’t wait to tell me about a great idea she had.
“Shawna.” She leaned in as she rubbed my hands one last time. “I listen to audiobooks all the time, and your voice is much better than the narrators I’ve been listening to. I don’t know if you’ve ever thought of this, but you could be a professional with your voice.”
I couldn’t help but grin as I told her I’ve been a professional voiceover talent for years, recording commercials and other digital marketing materials for our clients.
“And here I thought I was giving you a great idea you’d never thought of!”
We both laughed, and I felt God’s loving embrace yet again. I had spent years recording radio and TV commercials without a clue that God was preparing me to narrate my very own audiobook like a true professional.
How has God been preparing you?
Discerning your next assignment from God may feel like riding out the twists and turns of a mystery novel, but God knows the end from the beginning of your story. You can be sure that He has equipped you to carry out your calling like a true professional.
May God’s loving arms embrace you, even now.
