I have this faith that we will be published at some point in time, so where does all the rejection fit into this?
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)
Every rejection letter–last count: 24 over the last five years–makes the book better. Sure, at first we couldn’t see this. Being told you’re not good enough is always difficult to hear….but sometimes its true. In the publishing world, I’d go as far as to say that it is true most of the time. Ouch!
What do I truly desire? To see our names on a book jacket? Not really. What I want is to write the best book possible, a mature and complete work that lacks nothing, according to my abilities. We’ve asked the Lord to block our book from being published until we reach the level of skill He wants us to attain. Shouldn’t we be thanking Him for each rejection as He does what we’ve asked of Him?
This I know to be true: the first time I sit before the computer and write another word after receiving a rejection letter, I am declaring victory! I am persevering. I am waiting in readiness for what God will do. Right now, I have a headache. I didn’t get much sleep last night and the bed is calling my name. Instead of napping, though, I’m going to cuddle up in a big chair with my laptop and churn out my daily quota of 1,000 words.
I can nap afterwards…
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