More from Sohani Faria

I felt the Lord calling me to write in 2021. Being past middle aged, I had a lot of questions and doubts on where to even begin. I had no formal training or writing degrees to my credit, but in obedience I stepped out in faith. I became a volunteer writer for a local monthly ministry newsletter. I needed constant nudges from the Lord to stay focused, and not give up.

Outside of my volunteer work, only one other article I wrote was published in a magazine in 2023. I felt unseen and unheard, wondering if my simple worded writings were even making a difference.

Wanting to expand my writing platform, in 2022 I submitted my meditation titled “God Walks with Us” to The Upper Room, but I was discouraged when they replied it would be deferred.

Then something happened that spurred me on in my writing journey. On July 30, 2024, my sister took me to lunch at a revolving restaurant in Vancouver, British Columbia, as an early birthday treat. We enjoyed a sumptuous meal as the restaurant turned a full 360 degrees, and we took in the sights of the city from our lofty 167-meter-high seats.  It was a beautiful sunny day.

While we waited for dessert to be served, I decided to check my emails and saw one that made my heart leap. It was from The Upper Room. They were going to publish my meditation in the July-Aug 2025 issue. It had been two years since I had submitted it, and I had forgotten all about it. I was elated. It made my birthday that much more special. It’s also not a coincidence that my meditation is dated August 1, 2025, just one day before my birthday.

That email spoke so much more to me than only acceptance of my writing for publication. In that email I heard the Lord whisper, “I’m with you. Don’t be discouraged. Keep your eyes on me only. Trust me to walk with you on this journey. And love all those that I have placed in your life, because without love you cannot serve me.”

The more I eased my grip on things that still needed healing in my life and focused on serving the Lord with the right heart attitude, the more doors he opened for me.

It has not been an easy journey. There were many months of aimless writing with a lack of a goal and vision. I turned to people for validation and was hurt when that encouragement never came. I was doubtful of my style of writing as I tend to compare my words with those more experienced than me who are able to convey their message in a succinct, concise way that I admire. But I learned that when the Lord calls us to do something, our role is simply to obey. Jesus’ disciples were unlearned and unskilled, yet they were called and chosen.

When I received my complimentary copy of The Upper Room devotional in the mail two weeks ago and read my meditation, I was reminded how faithful the Lord has been to keep that promise. Just like I saw that little girl cross the road, looking up at her dad so earnestly, the Lord has been by my side, telling me to look at him only as we “cross” over my fears and doubts together as Father and daughter.

As long as we trust our God, we need not fear. God loves us too much to let go of our hand.