Write2Ignite

If you’re reading this, chances are, you’ve encountered rejection.

When I first started writing, everything was unicorns and rainbows. I wrote my first children’s story and took it to a conference; certain I’d bring home good news. Well…

The editor said my story was syrupy sweet and not publishable.

Was she right?

Absolutely.

Did I realize it at the time?

Absolutely not.  It stung! But I was a newbie.

Over the many years since then, I’ve received more rejections. I have a spreadsheet. While the rejections are more anticipated, they still don’t feel great, especially if there was an opportunity I was excited about.

There isn’t a perfect way to navigate rejection. It’s okay to feel disappointed or confused. God understands these feelings and meets us in them. Often, we are harder on ourselves than God is.

Deuteronomy 31:8, NLT – Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.

I know this sounds cliché and we’ve likely heard it before: God never leaves us, even in disappointment. He’s familiar with rejection Himself. Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by mankind…” However, His rejection led to our acceptance! Reciting truths: I’m loved, accepted, cared about, helps combat the voice of writerly doubt in our heads. So, no matter what happens in our writing lives, we are accepted—even when the voice of rejection says things like:

Well, God doesn’t want me to do this, I guess.

I’ll never make it.

Who was I kidding to even try this?

Will I ever get it right?

These things can feel true, but they aren’t truth.

Romans 5:8, NIV – But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

That voice hit me hard a while back after I got a rejection from an agent that I was so sure would offer representation. We’d talked at a conference; she’d asked for an R&R—and I felt super hopeful. But…

I’d love to tell you that I recited truth right away and I immediately got on my knees and thanked God for knowing who I was supposed to partner with, and I was waiting for His perfect timing.

Psalm 18:19, ESV – He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me.

That would be a lie. I wish I’d done that.

I got 2 garbage sacks; and I piled my notebooks, conference notes, book dummies, vision board, etc. inside. I’d considered tossing them, but my hubby put them in a closet while I cried. I didn’t think I could keep going. I had a fit.

Something profound happened afterward: I got on my knees and gave “up” my writing to God, realizing that I’d tried so hard to make a dream happen, that I’d made it an idol.

Rejection, while painful, is a tool that shows us what is lacking in our relationship with God. And it’s an opportunity for growth. My writing improved because of rejection, but more importantly, my relationship with God has grown because of rejection.

Romans 8:1-2, NLT – So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

You see, I’d taken what was a desire from Him and forgotten to abide with Him. I relied on myself to find opportunities and make things happen. I didn’t intentionally think, “Oh, I’m going to do this by myself,” I just kept trying too hard. And I certainly didn’t mean to make it an idol—I was still reading my Bible—but I didn’t realize how much I’d tried to make it on my own merits without trusting Him for the results.

While it’s true that sometimes God asks us to take a break from something or redirects our steps, it’s also true that as we seek Him, He will give us the desires of our heart. If there are words in our hearts, then we should write them and pursue growing in craft. It may not mean instant publication, but it is an invitation to obedience and connection with our Creator.

1 John 3:1, NLT - See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are!

That way, when we encounter rejection, it doesn’t sink us—it becomes a tool to direct our steps.

Proverbs 16:9, ESV – The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.

Nothing that happens to us is wasted. Rejection served a purpose in the life of Jesus, and it serves a purpose in our lives as well.

Marci Whitehurst is a former educator, theater and speech coach, a children’s author, rancher’s wife, and mother of three who lives on a cattle ranch in Montana. Her passion is sharing His Light and Life with a wounded world through stories, poems, and blog posts. She blogs about connecting with the kid inside all of us at www.marciwhitehurst.subtack.com. She can also be reached through her website at www.marciwhitehurst.com. Find her on X(Twitter) at @marciwhitehurst and on instagram @marci_whitehurst.