But when I’m frustrated about something or not getting what I want, I get kind of pouty and ask God to fix it. Like several years ago when my writing career wasn’t at the stage I hoped it would be at this point of my life. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to write books when I grew up, but I also knew it was simply a dream. When I was young, I thought the dream would die as I grew older, but it never did.

Oh, there were times when the dream smoldered and it was nothing more than a flicker in my heart. But the dream always had a way of flaring back up, making a nuisance of itself as I tried to get on with life.

During one especially frustrating period, I got fed up with this dream of mine. Though I was selling short pieces somewhat regularly, I found it hard to justify all the time I spent on writing. I had tried to quit writing many times, but to no avail. This time, I asked God for help. Again I tried and tried, but could go no longer than two weeks without writing.

Wondering why God wasn’t honoring this small request, I changed my prayer. “Please God, take away my desire to write. I don’t want it.”

Once again I waited for an answer, but I was still consumed with a passion to write. I became even more frustrated. Finally, one day I realized the truth and heard the message He had been trying to tell me.

God had given me a gift—a gift I had told Him I didn’t want. Feeling terribly ashamed and selfish, I accepted the fact that He had made me a writer and He would “let things happen” when the time was right. As a thank you to Him, I made a vow to glorify His name in my writing.

If there’s one thing I can impress upon you, it’s to never be afraid to go after the dreams of your heart. After all, it might just be a gift from God.