For Such a Time as This by B. J. Bassett

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
    and do not rely on your own insight.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

            I began writing devotionals in 1982 for my local newspaper, The Humboldt Beacon. The weekly column was titled An Inspirational Thought. Later I wrote devotionals for many Christian publications and have continued to write them for Pathways to God since 1987.

            Two years ago, I felt called to write a book of 366 devotionals. My working title was Your Crown Awaits—A Women’s Devotional. My inspiration was a photo of a young girl adjusting her crown. With our recent pandemic, I may change the title of my book to For Such a Time as This.

            Devotionals provide us with hope, courage, and direction. They inspire and bring us closer to God, deepening our faith.

            During times of trials, we need to put our complete trust in God. He knows what we are experiencing as well as the outcome. God’s Word needs to be our first resource. There are also books and blogs that inspire and encourage us.

            My prayer for us is to trust God, find courage, direction, draw closer to Him, and deepen our faith during this pandemic.

Heavenly Father, I put my complete trust in Your will for my life always, even during this time of isolation and waiting. Give me courage and direction. I ask to be faithful as You are faithful. Amen.

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea.