Goodreads giveaway

I have had an interesting time using the Goodreads giveaway. For the past week I have watched as people have entered the giveaway draw for my book, with the hope that they might win a book for free. 

I as usual, got the wrong end of the stick, and thought that I would have some input as to who would win the book. So each evening I looked at the profiles and either ticked or crossed out those that seemed to genuinely want to read my book, and those that were just out to get a freebie.

Out of 446 hopefuls, I found 14 who read Christian fiction! I also had a favourite who I really thought would embrace my book. This was the person I wanted to send my freebie to. 

The final day came and I was informed that a winner had been chosen. Then I realized that I had no say in the matter and was just needed to send off the copy to the name and address supplied. The person was not on my list of possibles, not even on my probables. I went back to look at the profile and realized that I had been only looking for a Christian who openly proclaimed that they were. Therefore I was doing a disservice to those that might be, but didn't declare it, or those that were not but might be searching. 

Who in the end was I to choose. I had offered my book, that was the agreement. I judged all of those 446 people with my opinion, which was bias and calculating as I wanted to find someone who would do a good review because it was a book that they were interested in. 

What about all those others? Was Jesus calculating in who He chose as disciples? Was he bias in who he called to follow Him? Did He just give His book to those that would read and digest it because He knew that they would give Him a good review? 

Maybe the person who was the winner needs this book more than the person I had chosen? I apologize if you were the person that won my book. I sincerely hope that you enjoy it and that the message is one that uplifts you and brings you closer to our Father in Heaven. Or if you do not know Him, you will have found a Friend to turn to as and when you need to. 

Yes of course I love good reviews. But sometimes we need to take a step backwards and ask who are we doing these things for, us or God? I have said from the start that my book is to promote God and not me, perhaps I need to listen to my own teaching on this matter!

Thank you Father for this lesson. 

God bless

Margaret