Q&A with Jen Baker, Author of Power of a Promise

You have had to look back over your life experiences in order to write the book. How was that experience and have you discovered anything new about God and your life journey in doing this?

This has been one of the most ‘transparent’ books I’ve written, as far as sharing bits of my life with people, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! There were moments I smiled, as I wrote about a family event and other moments I cried, as I recalled painful or personal memories. All journeys are filled with ups and downs, positives and negatives, and if I have learned anything – I have learned that God is with us through them all. Writing about my faith journey highlighted his faithfulness to me. I am still amazed at the dreams he planted in the heart of a terrified little girl who was too shy to look at anyone, yet spent her days dreaming of changing nations. Only God.

What inspired you to think of God’s plans as the seasons of a seed? When did you first think of this?

I was approached about writing an Advent book and I was praying about a fresh perspective of a known story . . . and that is when the picture of a seed came to mind. I realised the ‘seed’ of Christ began long before Mary was visited by an angel. This caused me to think of our lives and the purposes over our lives, which were known to heaven even before we were born. I was impressed with that incredible thought, and felt there was a book in there to be explored!

You advise readers to read bible passages and to reflect on what it means to them and how it fits their life- what was the last passage that stood out for you in this way, and what did it mean to you?

Great question! Revelation 3:7-8 says ‘To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.’

This is not the most recent passage to jump out at me, but it is the most recent passage which felt tremendously significant. I had just received some devastating news which had great impact on my future and I was at a loss of what to do. Being upset I grabbed a Bible… and headed for bed! Through my tears I asked the Lord for a ‘word’ and I felt him lead me to this scripture. He reminded me that there was a future for me which was good, and that regardless of the little strength I carried in that moment, he would ensure it came to pass. I have quoted these verses almost daily since that day and they have brought me great comfort over many months.

Do you view your writing as a spiritual practice? How did you feel when you were writing The Power of a Promise? How do you feel about it now?

Another great question! I pray before I write (and often during!) as I want the words to carry an anointing and power to induce change. There were many distractions happening while I was writing the book, but I often felt the words flow quickly and with ease, which was encouraging. Recently I was editing the book on a particularly tough day and I could feel my faith grow in strength as I read – it was fun (and a bit strange) to encourage myself in the Lord through my own words!

What was the hardest part about writing The Power of a Promise? What did you enjoy the most?

The most difficult part was my writing environment. I was limited to my desk at home and there was constant noise from major building works outside both office windows. So, I often wrote with the windows shut (in late summer!), blinds down, earplugs in and headphones on to drown out the noise!

I enjoyed the moments I felt the Holy Spirit writing through me, believing that the words being written would help bring breakthrough to someone in the future. That helped me endure the challenging environment!

What was the most surprising thing that you learned on the journey to creating your book?

I’m not sure this is surprising, but I was reminded afresh of God’s power to transform. I will never cease to be amazed how surrender and obedience to his word and his will transform our lives beyond anything we could dream or even imagine. It showed me how faith was always a part of my Christian walk, but it also showed me how much I’ve learned about faith over the years and how God has honoured this faith walk through each season.

Who have you written this book for?

Those who desire to live a bold and brave life of faith regardless of the fear, disappointment or lack of hope they may currently be facing. Also for those who have a dream – a promise – that they believe is from heaven, yet is still unseen on earth.

What do you hope readers will most get out of reading The Power of a Promise?

I hope readers will get a greater understanding of faith and the power we hold over our futures, as we live a life of faith. Also, that there is a God in heaven who loves them, sees them, hears them, and has plans and purposes for them beyond what they can envision at this moment. Finally, I hope they will get a greater understanding of the seasons we walk through and how each season is vital to their promises being fulfilled.

The Power of a Promise is due for release 6th April 2018. You can pre-order your own copy today.