She looked at me with pity as tears gathered in my eyes. Despite the editor’s kind nature, her rejection of my manuscript crushed me. And I couldn’t stop the emotion that trickled down my face.
Just one year prior, the same editor told me to complete my manuscript and bring it to her at the next conference. I followed her instruction by teaching a ladies’ Sunday school class and writing one lesson per week over an eight-month period. Satisfied with the final product, I presented my entire "book" printed on linen paper.
Come to find out, this editor’s company recently had published a Bible study on the book of Esther. They didn’t need another one. Though I understood her predicament, disappointment surged through my spirit.
Our written words form a bridge between our hearts and our readers. They enable us to communicate thoughts, feelings, imaginations, and more. We pour hours of time and creativity into our projects, which become extensions of our inner selves. Sometimes our material is received favorably while at other times it’s turned down. Either way, we feel the impact.
How would the Lord have us respond to positive feedback? With humility. Gratitude. And joy. He’s opening another door for us to glorify Him.
On the other hand, how does God desire us to receive rejection? With humility. Gratitude. And hope. He’s closing a door … for now. In His sovereignty and wisdom, He might open that door later, so we must persevere. Or, He’ll close it completely, re-directing our steps.
The Lord will show us the way.
I continue to write even though I didn’t receive the answer I longed for almost 12 years ago. That experience and many others along the way have shaped me. I’ve learned the value of persevering through rejection, pressing forward, and pursuing opportunities as God opens doors. While my journey doesn’t appear as I once envisioned, it looks exactly like the Lord planned.
Rejection hurts. But God ultimately uses it to beautify our writing journey. It enables us to embrace each success with greater delight, plus it develops a deeper Christlikeness within us.
Jesus understands rejection better than anyone, yet His journey resulted in victory. And because of Him, ours can too.
Note: “Persevering Through Rejection” first appeared on June 4, 2019 at www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com.
Rejection hurts. But God ultimately uses it to beautify our writing journey. via @emilywickhamPH @MaryAFelkins #ChristianWriter #Rejection #WritingCommunity #SeriouslyWrite
EMILY WICKHAM seeks to stir hearts toward Jesus. She writes for Journey Magazine, a LifeWay publication, speaks at ladies’ events, and shares “Devotions for Women” videos on social media. Emily encourages Christian women plus equips Christian writers on her blog, www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com. She is the author of one Bible study, which was translated into Spanish in 2016. Emily, a resident of North Carolina, is Mark’s wife of 29+ years. They are the blessed parents of four children and one daughter-in-love. God’s faithfulness and love inspire Emily on her journey through life as she purposes to exalt Christ through written and spoken words.
Connect with Emily:
Website: www.proclaiminghimtowomen.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/emilywickham.author
Twitter: www.twitter.com/emilywickhamPH
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/estherstudy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/emilywickham.author
Whether you’re a Spanish-speaking sister who longs to grow closer to Christ, or you’re looking for a Spanish Bible study to use for outreach in your community, please consider using Alcanzando la Justicia. It guides women through the book of Esther, challenging them to grow in righteous behavior—to make God-honoring choices each day. Daily prayers, Scripture readings, observation sections, author reflections, and application questions are included. This workbook is designed for individual or group use and contains instructions for following a one month, ten week, or thirty-one week schedule.
See Emily’s website for special offers or purchase the book on Amazon.
