AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: Bonnie Hopkins, author of "Now and Then, Again"

Throughout most of my career, I was assigned the responsibility of producing documents that required extensive writing (although that duty was usually not included in my job description). At the time, I didn't realize God's hand was charting the course of my life by sending these assignments to develop and prepare me for what I am doing today. However, Satan knew, and sent vicious attacks to destroy what the Lord was seeking to develop in me, while I was perplexed by the constant stream of persecution. "His grace is sufficient and His strength is made perfect in my weakness." 2 Corinthians 12:9.

A few years ago, I discovered that because of some changes in my retirement plan, I would be eligible to retire much sooner than I had hoped. (God's unseen hand at work.)

Joyfully, I retired, unaware that the next phase of my journey to writing for the Kingdom was about to begin. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

Shortly after retirement, with my own plans firmly in place, I was reading through my Prayer journals, which I have kept over the years, and praising God for all the good things He had done, and was still doing in my life. I was greatly encouraged as I reflected on my journey, and surprised when an odd thought (no doubt from the Lord) entered my mind ...perhaps others would be blessed and encouraged by reading of God's delivering and conquering power in my life. The seed God had faithfully nurtured was finally taking root, and was beginning to make its way through the soil of possibility.

The thought of writing novels was still outside the realm of my consideration. But because I had experience at putting different types of documents together, (those writing assignments! Never underestimate what God is doing) I thought a Devotional would be an excellent way to encourage others, while remaining in my comfort zone.

I prayed! "Father, if it is Your will that I write something that will encourage and inspire others, then please guide me. And above all Lord, help me to bring Glory to Your Name." "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, and are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28.

Admittedly, I was nervous when I sat down at my computer to begin working on the devotional. I didn't know what I was doing, or exactly how to get where I needed to go, but incredibly, the words flowed and before I knew it, thousands of words were in the document I was still calling my 'Devotional'.

Before long, I realized the document was shaping up to read more like a story than a devotional as thoughts poured from my mind, and finally, the fascinating idea cautiously entered my mind that maybe, perhaps... this was not suppose to be a devotional, but a novel.

Right away, fear flooded my mind, and told me I would be wasting my time because I didn't know anything about writing a novel. But the Word of God said, "Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God's." 2 Chronicles 20:15

When my hands fell to the keyboard, determined to accomplish God's will, I asked the Lord to use me to tell a story that would not only be encouraging and inspirational, but would also draw others closer to Himself.

Immediately my debut novel, 'Seasons' began to fall into place. I wondered where the scenes, characters and plots came from, because I really didn't know what I was doing! Amazingly, I had reached eighty thousand words before I knew it, and the characters and their plights continued to play out scenes in my mind. I actually began to wonder how I would ever finish the story that just kept coming. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on you own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6

Satan showed himself again in the form of discouragement from some who felt that I should be devoting my time to more practical and spiritually appropriate Kingdom building work, instead of trying to write a fictional book. The possibility that they were right filled me with doubt, uncertainty, and guilt, and I put the writing aside and started a flurry of 'acceptable' Kingdom work. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers." Galatians 6:9-10.

But because of the discontent that filled my soul, I knew I was out of God's will. The Holy Spirit brought to my remembrance, the burning desire to share words of inspiration and encouragement to others. It dawned on me that God uses a diversity of methods to deliver His message of hope and redemption, not only to the household of faith, but also to those who seldom, if ever, enter an environment where they would hear this message.

In the meantime, the story continued to haunt me. Plots, scenes and characters from Seasons constantly invaded my thoughts, and finally, I was compelled to return to the computer, where remarkably, the story continued to unfold, and amazingly, ideas for spin-offs, and other stories began germinating in my mind. "God is able to do immeasurably more than all I know to ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within me." Ephesians 3:20.

Then one day, I realized Seasons was complete. And right on time, Satan delivered another hit - fear induced procrastination - which was suddenly fighting a valiant battle as Satan whispered that no publisher would accept the work of a novice. It was extremely difficult to garner the courage to submit the manuscript to a publisher, but I finally did. "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline." 2 Timothy 1:7.

A few weeks later, I received a call from Walk Worthy Press, and heard the words, "we want to publish your book." It was most assuredly a time for great rejoicing!

Seasons has been published and the next book will be out shortly. This is a wonderful demonstration of God's faithfulness. Remember how He strategically directed unwanted writing responsibilities to me? How He arranged an early retirement at just the right time? How my prayer journal evolved from a devotional into a novel (which ended up as Seasons)? And incredibly, how the call came from Walk Worthy Press stating they wanted to publish it?

Surely God has directed my life along a path designed to prepare the way for these books to come forth. I am ever rejoicing in the knowledge that God's plan is for the multitudes to be blessed through these stories of hope, forgiveness, love and new beginnings. Now thanks be unto God, which always causes us to triumph in Christ, and makes manifest the fragrance of His knowledge by us in every place. 2 Corinthians 2:14.

To God Be All The Glory!

Blessings!

Bonnie Hopkins