It’s November 1, 2013.

This is the first November 1^st in five years that I haven’t started a novel on this day. I don’t have any story lines bouncing around in my head. I don’t have any pressure to write 1,670 words toward the final project. I don’t have the challenge or pressure of getting a 50,000 word novel complete by the end of November.

However, there are many portions of the month that I will miss. I will miss the encouraging emails I received in the past to tell me “you can write this novel.” I will be the thrill of submitting a completed novel at the end of the month. I will miss the conversation with people about the novel I would be writing. I will miss writing a novel.

But for this year, I believe NaNoWriMo, NaNonFiWriMo, and any other challenge out there will have to continue on without this author. I have enough challenges of my own to keep me busy through November!

And if you’re like me, you will face your share of challenges in November. So today, I’d like to offer some passages of Scripture that will help you through some of the difficulties that show up in life. Maybe this is one of those lists you print out and hold on to for just the right time to use. Or maybe you’ll decide to memorize those verses that particularly help with a certain situation. Whatever you choose to do with these verses, know that God desires to be with you through the challenges. And that’s just one of the things I’m thankful to God for.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 – NIV)

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. (Psalm 23:4a – NIV)

“The Lord is my strength and my shield my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.” (Psalm 28:7 – NIV)

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (Psalm 34:18 – NIV)

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your path straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 – NIV)

“You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trust in you.” (Isaiah 26:3 – NIV)

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, thy will walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31 – NIV)

“‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 4:6 – NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29 – NIV)

“What is impossible with men is possible with God.” (Luke 18:27 – NIV)

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” (2 Corinthians 4:8-9 – NIV)

“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” (2 Corinthians 12:9 – NIV)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 – NIV)

“I can everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 – NIV)

“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.” (1 John 4:18a – NIV

There are many more that I could share with you today and if you need something specific, please let me know. I’d be happy to find that perfect verse (or verses) to help with what you’re going through. Just know that God is with you. It’s a promise. And yet another blessing I am thankful for today.

I pray that if your day brings a challenge with it that you will seek the One who is so willing to be with you through it all. Don’t try to get through it on your own. Our God is a great and awesome God who would love to be with you through each challenge.

Yes, I’m sad that I’m not writing a novel this morning. But I believe God has shown me that what I write each day has so much more value than a novel. And with that, I am completely satisfied.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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