How a Writer's Words Become Part of God's Masterpiece

by Julie Lavender @JLavenderWrites
For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10 NLT
My husband and I enjoy the challenge of assembling jigsaw puzzles with our best friends, the Mooneys. Paula and Lowell got us hooked on puzzling several years ago. They usually purchase the puzzle, and it stays at their house. We work together on Friday nights when our schedules mesh, nibbling on pizza and connecting puzzle pieces. 
When we first get started, the pieces look like nothing more than a jumbled mess. We help the design take shape and when enough pieces connect, we watch the picture slowly come into focus. 
The Mooneys add pieces without us, but they always make sure to invite David and me over when the puzzle is almost finished. They want us to be there to join the last pieces, completing our masterpiece! We usually celebrate with ice cream. 
At times, I like to think about my writing journey somewhat like a puzzle. Lots of pieces need to come together to create a masterpiece. And, I absolutely love tracing God’s hand in the process, recognizing how He meticulously connected each piece to create that work of art.
Just last week, God reminded me with yet another example that He is the Master Designer, the Expert Connector.
I first met Delia several years ago when I covered a story about her homeless shelter dream. God placed a desire on her heart to build a Christian-focused shelter, and she hoped my freelance stringer newspaper article would bring awareness to unmet needs in our community and spark enthusiasm for the project. Delia worked hard for months and months to create the Open Hearts Community Mission, a shelter to serve the homeless of our community. 
More than just a place to spend the night, OHCM has a goal of completely turning around lives. Through a stringent but guided program, residents must actively seek employment, start a savings account, attend classes, and meet any necessary probation or recovery requirements. Though not required, the participants are invited to attend church regularly. 
I’ve written several articles for and with her over the years and loved each time I had the privilege of sharing shelter success stories. With the completion of the shelter, the need for newspaper articles diminished, but Delia and I occasionally chat on social media.
Fast-forward to last month, and Delia saw a Facebook post about the release of my newest book, Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime. She shot off a quick message and said, “Looks great. I should get some for the shelter.”
Just two days later, Delia shared pictures and this post on the Mission’s Facebook page: “We are delighted to welcome a new family today and provide this wonderful book of children’s bedtime Bible stories written by Statesboro’s own, Julie Lavender. A new start for a mom and her sweet children.” 
She also private-messaged me a picture of the sweet little angel who just joined the shelter and a note that said, “The book was her first gift. She is so full of personality, and I think she’s hugged every person at the mission.”
Y’all! I just wept at the thought of this little girl who would sleep in a cozy bed, with a belly full of food and a heart full of Jesus, maybe for the first time ever.
The next day, my friend Delia sent me a picture of another new child to the shelter, a sweet little boy holding my book, with this message: “I love how you ask questions and give hints and also the discussion part at the end. I see the mom has been making notes already.”
Her words hugged my heart so tight that tears leaked out of my eyes again.
When I first began the Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime project, as a result of a connection with an editor I’d worked with previously at an entirely different organization, I dreamed of and prayed for the little children who would hear and read stories from God’s Word just before falling asleep. I pictured friends’ children and grandchildren, family members’ offspring, relatives’ little ones, and children of friends-not-yet-met. I’ll admit, I never thought about a little girl and a little boy who didn’t even have warm or safe places to lay their heads at night.
But God did. God connected all the pieces for such a time as this. To show those families the warmth of His love and to give them Bible stories that will never return void. 
I’m so humbled and grateful that God allows me to pen words for Him. Though my writing journey seems to me like just a jumbled mess at times, I’m so glad that God connects the pieces perfectly to turn my mess into a masterpiece. A masterpiece that He uses for His glory and honor.
What about you? How have you watched God connect the pieces of your writing journey for His glory and to bless others? I know you must have countless examples, because He is SO good like that! Share a recent example and join the conversation.
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“It never gets old, that feeling of ‘awe’ at God’s goodness and His incredible blessings.” She feels especially blessed to know that little children are hearing stories about God through a project that He gave her over a year ago, Children’s Bible Stories for Bedtime (ZKids/Penguin Random House). She’s also the author of 365 Ways to Love Your Child: Turning Little Moments into Lasting Memories (Revell), and she’s thankful that 365 Ways was recently featured on a Focus on the Family Broadcast. You can hear that interview here: https://youtu.be/Ti_1-eOtcjA