Only a handful of years had passed since my divorce when I studied the book of James. My heart was raw, as were my tears. Wet ink melted onto more than one page in my Bible but one verse stood out:
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2, 3 [emphasis mine]
James says when we face trials, not if. Trials are a given this side of heaven. I recognized how this truth not only beat true for my life, but also for others, for those we love.
It’s because of this that I wanted to serve on the launch team for God in the Dark, by Sarah Van Diest. I believe this book puts feet to 2 Corinthians 1:3,4:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Today’s giveaway offers you the opportunity to share God in the Dark with someone in your life in need of comfort.
I met Sarah Van Diest at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference several years ago. Her quick smile coupled with an old poetic soul told me we would surely be friends. I am honored to welcome her to our creative community.
Guest post by Sarah Van Diest, author of God in the Dark: 31 Devotions to Let the Light Back In.
Sarah, what was the first experience that opened your eyes to the power of words? What gave you the idea to send letters to someone who is struggling?
These two questions go hand in hand for me. The first gave rise to the second. I fell in love with words and the pictures they created in school. In a class with a teacher who loved words, we learned how to journal and I realized words created a safe place for me. But it wasn’t until I was asked to write letters to people who were going on mission trips with our church when I learned the power those beloved words held to impact others.
We called them Barnabas Letters. For each person on the team, and for each day, those of us who were so inclined wrote a letter of encouragement, which the team packed in their bags for their journey. So each day of the trip, each person had a letter to read. I loved this idea. And then on my first mission trip, around the age of 14, I couldn’t wait for my very own Barnabas Letters to open and read. I loved how each letter was so different. The handwriting, or type, or crayon color, whatever they used to bring their idea of encouragement to the page was like a window into their world. I loved them so much! And I thought about their words all day long.
As I grew, I continued this way of encouraging people in my life, especially when I couldn’t be with them or there was nothing tangible I could do to mend their circumstances. It was out of this practice that the book, God in the Dark, was born.
How the book God in the Dark was birthed from Barnabas Letters @SarahVanDiest Share on X
What’s one thing God taught you while writing this book?
I used Psalm 119 as the framework for this set of letters and in those verses I was reminded of the blessing the Psalms are. God was so kind to give them to us. They show humanity is such honest light, and we relate. We see a man who feels the pain, even anguish, of this life and who is trying with all his might to remain faithful. That sounds so familiar. And then we see the Father’s faithfulness to him – regardless of the psalmist’s “success” at remaining faithful himself.
I needed this reminder.
What has it been like to be on the other side of the publishing road?
I’ve been an editor and an agent, but I had never been an author. This was new for me. On the editor side, I was deeply connected with the content of the book, invested in the message and whether it was well conveyed. As an agent, I was committed to my authors. Supporting them was my number one goal and priority. Both of these endeavors were good and worthwhile.
What I had never experienced before in the professional realm was the direct impact of words I had written on the hearts of readers. The way the Lord has already used the work in God in the Dark has been something I have witnessed firsthand in the lives of many on my launch team. I have been in awe throughout the process of this launch. I had no idea.
I am forever grateful for the chance to have this reach into the hearts and lives of fellow sojourners.
{Thank you, Sarah!}
Is there some way Sarah and I can pray for you today? Or is there a particular part of the post that speaks to you?
We hope you’ll enter the giveaway for the hardback copy of God in the Dark. Simply leave a comment! The winner, chosen by Random Name Picker, will be notified this Friday, April 6th.
Sarah Van Diest is a writer and editor. She’s the mother of two boys, stepmother to three, and wife to David. Sarah wrote this book as letters to a dear friend whose life was turning upside down. She’s done this for years for numerous friend and will continue to, Lord willing. It’s her gift them. It’s hope written down.
God in the Dark is available through Tyndale Publishers, Amazon, Christian Book Distributors, and other fine retailers. You can also find God in the Dark on the NEW resources page!
Cathy, Thank you again for hosting this today!!! I am tremendously thankful for you… but I think you know that!!! <3 Love you!
Thank you, Sarah! It’s an honor to have you here. Love you, friend. 🙂
I love handwritten letters and cards. I agree that there is something very impactful about knowing that a person took the time to write in real ink, address an envelope and physically take it somewhere to be sent. Not that emails and texts can’t be super-encouraging. Hand-written notes are just different.
I couldn’t agree more, Kim! I know it may sound pack-rat-ish but I’ve saved all the meaningful letters received over the years. I never tire of reading them. Thanks for taking the time to share. 🙂
Me too! Boxes!
🙂
I thought I knew most of the story, but I see you’ve uncovered more of the particles that fell through the cracks due to me not knowing the questions to ask Sarah. Great interview, Cathy! I had never heard of Barnabas letters, but I can see how impactful Sarah’s encouragement could be to anyone as I’ve received a few from her myself!! Thank you both!
I’d not heard of Barnabas letters either but I love the idea! Everything I’ve ever read of Sarah’s has encouraged me. I’m excited to see how God will use this compilation of letters for His glory! Thank you for taking the time to share. Blessings!
Great interview. I went on a retreat that did something similar. Letters and gifts were left on my bed for me to find at different points during the retreat. They meant so much to me. Sarah’s book sounds like a book I would really enjoy. Thanks for sharing Cathy.
What a lovely idea. I’ve always dreamed of hosting a retreat and now you’ve piqued my interest again. Sarah’s book is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing, Sheryl. Good luck with the drawing. 🙂
When I went on my first mission trip to Mexico we all had journals that we had out on a table at church before we left. People from the church could write in all of our journals and then we had them with us to read, like Sarah’s letters, each day on the trip. I still remember the power of those words! I’m excited about this book. I’ve lived with chronic illness a very long time and I know how powerful books like this are. Thank you, Sarah, for writing it!
Oh my goodness, Josie – how powerful! Seeing words (and feeling the thoughts and prayers behind them) has the power to inspire like few things this side of heaven. I’ve been learning more about your chronic illness in recent months through your posts 🙁 – I know Sarah’s words will encourage you because they’re grounded in the living Word. And, well, because she’s an amazing writer. Praying for your illness, Josie. You’re such an inspiration! Thanks for taking the time to share. Blessings, friend.
Thanks so much, friend!
Hugs!!!! 🙂
I love writing and receiving letters, especially in this age of electronic correspondence. It is my mission this year to write more. It makes my heart happy when someone is touched by a letter I wrote. This book intrigues me. I’m sure I will purchase a copy.
What a great mission, Kim! Handwritten notes and letters are a rarity these days because of the time and effort required, but that’s what makes them so special. Sarah’s voice has such a tenderness about it — I have no doubt God will use it to encourage its readers. 🙂 Thank you for taking the time to share. I hope you’re coming to Blue Ridge!!
I’ve been on mission trips, but I’ve never had the joy of letters of encouragement. I’m sure the letters also made the writer feel a part of missions.
That’s a great point, Gail. It’s a blessing for both the writer and the recipient. 🙂 Thanks so much for stopping by and taking the time to share.
Great post, Cathy. Thanks for sharing your heart and Sarah’s. I know this book will impact many lives.
I agree, Andrea — I believe the book will bless, inspire and uplift many! Thanks so much for taking the time to share. 🙂