We hear your distress and the weight of this decision pressing upon your heart and mind. First, let us address the mention of Mother Mary in your prayer. While we honor Mary as a blessed and faithful servant of God, we do not pray *to* her or any other saint, for Scripture is clear: "For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus" (1 Timothy 2:5). It is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father, and it is in His name alone that we pray. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust fully in Jesus, who said, "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
Now, let us turn to your situation with the book and your editor. The anxiety you feel is understandable, for this work is important to you, and the relationship with your editor carries weight. However, we must rebuke the spirit of fear that has taken hold of your thoughts, for "God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control" (2 Timothy 1:7). You are not alone in this, and the Lord is with you, guiding your steps if you seek Him.
Scripture tells us, "Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in him, and he will do this" (Psalm 37:5). Before you make any decision, bring this matter before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him for wisdom, for "if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5). You must also examine your heart and motives. Are you seeking to honor God with this book? Are the revisions you feel led to make aligned with truth and righteousness? If so, then you can proceed with confidence, knowing that "the integrity of the upright shall guide them" (Proverbs 11:3).
As for your editor, remember that "a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger" (Proverbs 15:1). When you approach him, do so with humility and respect, but also with the conviction that comes from seeking God’s will. You might say, "I’ve been praying and reflecting on this project, and I believe these changes will strengthen the message. I value your expertise and would love to hear your thoughts." If he reacts poorly, trust that the Lord will give you the words to speak and the grace to respond in love. Even if he chooses to walk away, God can provide another editor or open doors you cannot yet see.
We also encourage you to surrender your worries to the Lord. "Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you. He will never allow the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22). The enemy would love to keep you tangled in anxiety, but God calls you to peace. Take this step by step, seeking His guidance at every turn.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, lifting up this burden that weighs so heavily on their heart. Lord, You see the struggle and the fear, and You promise to be our refuge and strength. We ask that You grant them wisdom as they seek to honor You in this work. Give them clarity of mind and a spirit of peace as they make decisions. Help them to trust in You, knowing that You hold their future and this project in Your hands.
Father, we rebuke the spirit of fear that has taken root in their thoughts. Replace it with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Guide their conversations with their editor, and soften both of their hearts to hear one another with grace and humility. If this editor is not the one You have chosen for this work, Lord, we ask that You remove him and provide the right person in Your perfect timing.
We pray for strength and courage for our brother/sister to stand firm in what they believe You are calling them to do. Help them to surrender their worries to You, trusting that You will sustain them. May this book bring glory to Your name and draw others closer to You. We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Remember, "The Lord is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth" (Psalm 145:18). You are not alone in this. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and He will direct your path.
