How I Followed the LORD's Vision to Create INCREASE Magazine™ - My Journey from Doubt to Divine Success
- Jan 27
- 4 min read
As I sit here reflecting on the journey of INCREASE Magazine™ in celebration of our 13th anniversary on January 28, 2025, I am astonished by how far we have come. It all began with a vision from God that felt monumental and weighed down by fear and self-doubt. Little did I know that this would spark a transformational journey from feelings of inadequacy to experiencing divine success.
When I first received the call from the LORD about launching my first award-winning book, Anointed by Fire: The Anointing is in the Instructions, I was entirely overwhelmed. This moment occurred just days before Christmas in 2011, and I felt as if I were being tossed into a roaring river. I remember standing in my kitchen, pouring my heart out and expressing my fears. "GOD, get someone else to do it!" I pleaded, wishing for the weight of this vision to rest on someone I believed would be more qualified.
Despite my initial hesitation and feelings of unworthiness, that urge wouldn’t leave me. Surrounded by the chaos of doubt and imposter syndrome, I felt paralyzed and convinced that I wasn’t ready. Every negative thought acted as a chain, preventing me from embarking on the incredible adventure that lay ahead. However, the divine call was relentless. I soon realized the only way forward was to confront my fears.
With a heart full of trepidation, I made the choice to obey. As I began to write, something miraculous happened. In just one weekend, I published my first book and sold over 200 copies! The enthusiastic response was a powerful confirmation that my journey was indeed guided by a higher power.
Building on this momentum, I ventured to create a 32-page magazine right from my kitchen table. What once felt daunting soon turned into a source of joy, all thanks to divine guidance. I witnessed how quickly opportunities can arise when you align with your purpose.
Reflecting on those early days, I recognize that the path has not always been smooth. Over the past 13 years, safeguarding the trademarks received from Heaven was often an uphill battle. I learned that each blueprint from God is unique. When you are called to fulfill His purpose, challenges are inevitable.
Warfare, struggle, and even copyright infringements have tested my determination. Each struggle has imparted invaluable lessons about staying true to the divine vision. With prayer guiding my way, I learned the significance of minimizing outside distractions. Having the LORD as my marketing strategist has proven to be my most potent asset. After all, He is the Author and Finisher of my faith and the source of my INCREASE!
Through this journey, I have gained a deeper appreciation for transparency and vulnerability. Sharing both struggles and triumphs has forged a community rooted in faith. Readers from diverse backgrounds connect with the message of overcoming doubt and realizing potential. This bond is what ignites my passion for the work I do.
Today, as we prepare to celebrate the 13th anniversary of INCREASE Magazine™, I find joy in the divine tapestry woven through each issue, article, and shared story. This journey has been about more than just the magazine; it has touched countless lives, witnessed remarkable transformations, and showcased that God can use anyone willing to surrender to His will.
As we mark this milestone, I want to encourage anyone who feels unqualified or overwhelmed by their divine calling. Your journey may be filled with uncertainty, but if God has given you a vision, embrace it! Your obedience can lead to outcomes that glorify Him in ways you never imagined.
So here’s to you, dear reader! If you find yourself fearful or recalling moments when you wished to back away, remember that you are equipped for what God has called you to do. Embrace your unique path, and keep pressing on, no matter how steep the mountains may appear.
The trials and victories I have experienced have shaped not only my purpose but also my understanding of God's will. As we step into another year filled with new opportunities and projects, I invite you to journey alongside us. Celebrate the miracles and breakthroughs, for each issue of INCREASE Magazine™ embodies the promise of new possibilities and the power of faith.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INCREASE MAGAZINE! WE ARE TURNING 13! Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. May we continue to inspire and uplift one another, guided by the divine vision from above. Let’s keep sharing our stories authentically, growing together, and witnessing the increase that comes from faith and obedience.
As I reflect on the past 13 years, I am deeply grateful for every challenge and triumph. Thank you to everyone who has supported this dream. Each reader, contributor, and collaborator has played an essential role in making INCREASE Magazine™ a reality. Let’s embark on this new chapter together, trusting in the LORD’s brilliance and the divine blueprint He has laid before us.
With love and hope,
DR. D. ELIZABETH VARNUM
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
PUBLISHER
Comments