Often I have been asked what prompted me to write a novel. My answer has always been that the Holy Spirit gave me the assignment, and inspired me to write it. When I first received the assignment to "write a book," I had a good belly laugh, because I was a very unlikely candidate to write a book. Even today, when people see my handwriting, they ask, "What country are you from?" I could just imagine the adversary was also laughing, because he would never believe that I would accept, or be capable of writing a book.
As I thought upon the possibility of writing a novel, it brought back many memories of my first few years of grade school. My teacher told my mother, "Your son is retarded, and he does not belong in a public school." This statement, by my teacher, was made in front of me and lowered my self-esteem for many years. However, a subsequent test revealed that I had an IQ of 138. The knowledge that I was not retarded helped me to overcome my past, and accept my shortcomings. I then began to deal with the issues that dyslexia had caused in my life.
I first received my assignment to "write a book," during one of my daily prayer sessions. At first, I was hesitant to believe this statement was from the Holy Spirit. So, I specifically addressed this issue with God, and he assured me it was indeed the Holy Spirit speaking to me. But I said to the Lord, "You know that I have dyslexia, so why me Lord?" The Lord answered me, "You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you." I said, "Lord if I take this assignment the Holy Ghost will have to be the author." The Lord assured me that he would be with me every step of the way.
For many years of my life, I worked in the private sector as a successful motivational speaker. In many cases, I was teaching biblical principles but never realized it until later in life. After I had given my life to Jesus Christ, my life changed. I was no longer interested in things of the world, but in Christ's word. For years, I have studied God's Word and strive to live passionately a life that would be pleasing to our Lord.
As I went about writing the novel I encountered many problems, but the Lord was faithful every step of the way. My typing skills are very poor, and the Lord gave me voice activation software. Also, God brought a person to me who was willing to read and edit my manuscript. I give all glory to God for providing me the tools to make my dream come true.
So, I can tell you that I was able to finish the novel because I did it "God's Way." I am now working on my second book, and I can assure you that I am also doing it "God's Way."
I am often reminded of Psalm 35:5, "Commit thy way unto the Lord, and trust in him, and he shall bring it to pass." (Geneva 1599) If you do it "God's Way;" you too can be an author, or be whatever you choose to be.
Warren Nieblas MacKenzie
