Have you ever had a bad experience you would just rather forget—yet you learned so much you can’t help but remember? 

Those are my feelings about what happened to me in the days leading up to January 14th, launch day of my latest book, Immeasurably More. For an author, launch day is an important part of the book distribution process; it establishes momentum. Hosting a launch event is key to announcing the book’s release to the world, and my team had planned a large gathering at a local coffee shop.

A week before the event—when joy and enthusiasm should prevail— something happened that robbed my excitement. The printing company notified me of a printing issue and suggested the books might not arrive in time for the event. 

How does one host a book launch without books? 

For several days, I wrung my hands and fretted, “What if no books arrive?” 

A few days before the event, I awoke in the middle of the night. I have learned when this happens, it is often an opportunity to have a quiet moment with Jesus. I sensed him asking me, “Do you remember why you wrote the book in the first place?” In the stillness of that moment, my mind recalled the hope and dream of Immeasurably More. My genuine desire for this book was to share a simple message: 

Jesus cares about every detail of your life. 

As I lay in my bed that night, Jesus reminded me this message was not only for readers, it also applied to me. He truly does care about every detail of my life including books and launch day. 

Somewhere around 2:30am, I realized this message could be shared on launch day  regardless if I had books or not because Jesus is able to do immeasurably more. 

I wondered, “What if the Lord is planning something at the coffee shop I never dreamt of?” By 3:00am the logistics of the book launch had taken a back seat. Books or no books, I was excited to share my heart for Jesus so others would know his heart too.

Launch day arrived. At 3:00pm—two hours before the event—a Federal Express truck arrived with books. The driver introduced himself as Mark, the manager of the local Federal Express office. As he unloaded 18 boxes of books, he told us the regular delivery driver was home sick, but he knew for some reason these boxes needed to be delivered on this day. 

A week of worrying turned into a small sweet memory where Jesus reminded me he doesn’t need a book to be glorified. He only needs a willing heart.

Friend, I don’t think the book delivery on launch day was a miracle. But I do believe, Jesus showed me, through a midnight interaction, that he cares about every detail of my life.

And yours.

 

“Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. My victory and honor come from God alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me” (Psalms 62:5-7 NLT).