I was not naïve enough to think that my first book, would sell millions but I have to at least admit that I had hoped it would. Realistically I felt it would more than likely end up as gifts to family and friends. Actually, after giving a copy to family and some of our closest friends, a few other copies were actually sold. My mom of course bought the most to give as gifts. My brothers and their wives bought a few for the same reason.
It wasn’t long though before I changed my thoughts about selling and promoting my book. I for sure did not want to promote it and I much preferred to give the rest of them away. I had the feeling that of the few that were out there, that if God wanted to use them, He could promote them. I was good with putting into His hands.
In case you’re wondering if this is going to end up a success story of big sales, I’ll let you know now it doesn’t. But what has taken place has been plenty to be thankful for.
As I said, my sister in law bought a few copies. She gave one to each of her Bible study group. Little did I know they would end up using it as a study guide. There was at least one pretty cool story that came out of the study. It was enough for me to say ‘thank You Lord’.
One of the ladies in the study had a jail ministry. She took my book into a women’s prison in Alabama. There was another cool story that came from that and another opportunity for me to say, ‘thank You Lord’.
My mom gave a copy to her, still living, uncle in Texas. He sent it to his nephew (my mom’s cousin). He and his wife are in prison in Texas. They gave it to another who was in with them. All have corresponded with my mom. All have been opportunities to say, ‘thank You Lord’.
The Lord knows who needs it. He knew who needed it when I was writing it. And He knows how to get it to them. He knows much better than I. Resting in that fact I can say, ‘thank You Lord’.
Hunger and Thirst 
Mike . . .our stories about books are similar! Only I think more has come of yours than mine. I took a copywriting course from home . . .hoping that I had found a way to earn money and still care for my special needs daughter. Nothing wrong with that . . .but it wasn’t what He had in mind for me. So while others were getting clients, having success stories, God had me writing devotions from the material. ! One a day. For a whole year. I stumbled upon a publishing company that I later found out didn’t have a real good reputation, but off this went to become a book. I, too, couldn’t promote it or myself. I bought some to give to those who wanted one. God had me send a copy to the people/companies who’d let me use their material, as a thank you. I’ve not heard back from anyone, but I know He has used it in my own life . . .just being able to be obedient and listen to Him! God bless you and your writing. God is speaking through you each time you do! deb
Mike,
I don’t know why…but as I read this post, I realized your ‘thank you’ is more than just the thank you one can say after selling thousands of book copies. Yours…has the WEIGHT of Glory…worshipping God not with the quantity…but the quality. God…sees more than we. I give God another thank you with you and for you. For the changed lives..and for yours as well.
I look forward to reading a copy of your book/books.
Blessings,
Gladwell
Wonderful how God works! How exciting!
I appriciate that each of you have taken this the way I meant it. We all labor to pursuade others. It is rewarding to occasionally see the fruits of our labor. I pray that each of you will as well . . . seriously.
PS Brian it is good to hear from you.