As a Christian author, I want my books to reflect my faith. Every time I set out to write a story, I ask the Lord to show me a Scripture to base it on.
For my debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, I was led to use Proverbs 16: 9, “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps,” as the story was about a professional organizer named Nicki Mayfield, who had her well-ordered life plans laid out, only to discover that it’s God who perfectly arranges our paths (and usually look nothing like we’d thought or hoped).
As I sat down to start book two in the series, Perfectly Placed, I prayed that the Lord would once again show me a verse to focus on. Always faithful, He led me to Acts 17:26b, “He determined the exact places where they should live.” Having been supplied with my verse, I began to write.
To be honest, I had no clue why God gave me that particular verse or what direction the story would go. I simply dug in and hoped that at some point in time God would reveal why He placed that Scripture on my heart.
And He did.
When I typed THE END on my manuscript I leaned back in my chair and prayed I had brought that verse to life through my words. It wasn’t until I was revising the story that I was able to see the connection: there’s a reason why you are where you are, even if you can’t see it right away or through the storms.
In Perfectly Placed, Nicki returns to China to fulfill her boss’ wishes to bring order to an important organization they recently discovered. At first, Nicki is on fire because she believes that God had brought her back for a reason. But as soon as she lands, things start to go wrong. Between a difficult supervisor, missing paperwork, and personal tragedy, Nicki faces challenges at every turn. These struggles cause her to question if she’s in the right place after all.
Sound familiar?
Have you ever been brought to a new place thinking it was exactly the spot for you, only to see things go awry? Have you ever questioned God about whether He made a mistake bringing you there? Or did you ever wonder if maybe you misheard Him and made the mistake in going? I know I have! More than once.
But the truth is God has determined the exact locations where He wants us to be. If He told you to go, it’s no accident you are there. You are right where He wants you. The perfect place, actually.
Just because the Lord sent you somewhere doesn’t guarantee it will be smooth sailing the moment you show up. Ask Abraham, Moses, or Paul about the places God sent them. It wasn’t always easy when they arrived at their appointed destinations. It likely won’t be for you either. Often, there will be difficulties, hardships, and tough times when you least expect it.
Does that mean God made a mistake planting you there? No, of course not! It simply means that now, more than ever, is the time for you to lean into Him, to view the troubles you may be facing as refining moments, and as Nicki must learn, to trust that His purposes will prevail.
You are where you are for a reason. Sit tight. You’ll see it soon enough.
Nicki’s tasked with making New Hope the perfect place for orphaned children. So why has everything gone wrong?
Six weeks after leaving China, Nicki Mayfield returns to complete two critical tasks: restore order at New Hope Orphanage and re-connect with the little girl who stole her heart. However, between a stubbornly stone-walling supervisor, missing documents, and personal tragedy, Nicki faces challenges at every turn. Is she the best person to bring order – and longevity – to the place these children call home?
Then, with the help of an unexpected ally, Nicki makes a life-altering decision that upends her well-planned life and the lives of those around her. Will she lose it all, or has she found the way to save what matters most?
You can purchase Perfectly Placed on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or at other retailers.
Liana George is a sought-after speaker, blogger, and author. Before pursuing a career in writing, she was a professional organizer and the former owner of By George Organizing Solutions in Houston. Her debut novel, Perfectly Arranged, Book One in The Hopeful Heart Series, was released in October 2021 from Scrivenings Press. When she’s not putting things in order or scribbling away, you can find her reading, traveling, or watching tennis.