I opened the letter and read words of rejection. Thanks, but no thanks.
Several months prior, I had sent my first book proposal off to a publisher. It was a step of faith walking to that mailbox and dropping it in the slot. However, I knew this was what God was calling me to do. Then the rejection letter came. “We like your writing, but nobody knows who you are. It will never sell. It does not meet our needs at this time.”
I wondered: Did I hear God wrong?
Why is it that most, including me, tend to think we’ve heard God wrong when we come face-to-face with opposition or difficulty? Click & Tweet! That certainly isn’t what we see in the Bible, is it?
Just think about the Israelites. God had great dreams for the children of Israel. He chose them from all the other nations to be His treasured possession. He freed them from slavery, led them out of Egypt, parted the Red Sea for them to cross on dry land, swallowed up their enemies with the returning tide, fed them with manna from the sky, provided water from a rock, guided them with a fire by night, and sheltered them with a cloud by day.
But when Moses sent in twelve spies to check out the produce of the Promised Land, and they came back with a report of what they considered an obstacle, they wanted to quit.
“We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful and the cities are fortified and very large…We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are…. The land we explored devours those living in it. All the people we saw there are of great size…. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them,” (Numbers 13:27-28, 31,32-33).
It was as if they were saying…Ah, this isn’t what we were expecting. We should have never left Egypt in the first place. We should go back. (Numbers 14:3) A little opposition and they were ready to throw in the towel.
While ten of the twelve spies gave what the Bible calls an “evil report,” the other two spies, Caleb and Joshua gave a faith-filled report. “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it,” they said. “If the Lord is pleased with us, he will lead us into that land…and give it to us. Only do not rebel against the Lord. And do not be afraid of the people of the land, because we will swallow them up. Their protection is gone, but the Lord is with us. Do not be afraid of them.” (Numbers 13:30, 14:8-9).
Guess who the people believed. They believed the ten who didn’t trust God rather than the two who did. The people thought…we heard God wrong.
Caleb and Joshua understood that God had already given them the land. All they had to do was move forward in faith and take it. But because the assembly listened to the “evil report” and gave up when they met opposition, they missed receiving what God had already promised to give.
That entire generation spent the rest of their lives wandering in the desert and finally died there. But when the next generation rose up and believed God, Joshua and Caleb led them into the Promised Land their parents were never allowed to see.
Have you ever given up on what you felt God called you to do because you’ve hit a rough spot? Have you ever quit trying because someone whose opinion you valued discouraged you? Girlfriend, you are no grasshopper.
Here are some modern-day versions similar to that “evil report” the Israelites listened to.
- It’s never been done.
- It’s never been done that way before.
- You don’t have the talent.
- You don’t have the money.
- You aren’t smart enough.
- You aren’t trained in that area.
- So-and-so tried that and failed.
- That will never work.
- You don’t know the right people.
- You don’t have the right credentials.
- You don’t have the right training.
- That’s too risky.
- But we’ve always done it this way.
I kept that rejection letter, but I didn’t stop trying. Twenty-four published books later, I often look at it and smile.
What is God calling you to keep pressing forward with today?
Lord, I’ll admit, I tend to think I heard you wrong when my faith-steps don’t go as smoothly as imagined they would. Help me to remember that hurdles are not stop signs as I run the race of life. Today, I will keep moving forward to do what You have called me to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
What is one thing that you did not give up on when you hit a roadblock? What was the outcome?
Paul wrote, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9 NIV). What is your harvest you are tending right now?
Today’s devotion was adapted from my book, Take Hold of the Faith You Long For: Let Go, Move Forward, Live Bold. Join me and learn how to take hold of all that Jesus has done for you and placed in you. Don’t settle for a mediocre faith that’s less than what God intends. Grab hold of that mountain-moving faith you’ve always long for! This book also includes a Bible study guide.
Comments 22
Thank you so much for these encouraging words. This was exactly what I needed to hear today!
I’m so happy to get this today! I just started another OBS about gratitude and when I read this post today, God reminded me of something. You see 5 years ago, God led me to start my own little in-home business crocheting winter accessories–I knew it was God because every thing I made just turned out even though I struggle to comprehend patterns sometimes. Well, when the pandemic hit this year and the craft shows I go to were shut down, I became discouraged and thought I’d have to give up doing something I love doing. But then God opened a door I would have never thought of and I’m going to be able to offer my wares for not just one day like I do every year, but SIX days!! I am so thankful for God opening my eyes to ALL the things I have to be grateful for and how He makes a way where there seems to be no way. <3 (P.S. these craft shows have given me an opportunity to share my faith and let the light of Christ shine! )
What an awesome testimony! Our God is always working behind the scenes on our behalf when we trust and believe in His promises!
Inspirational testimony. Thank you for sharing!
That is awesome! I have much the same story…God opened the door 4 yrs ago for me to retire and work on my small business with my friend selling our handcrafts. Only other income is my SS. When times are tight…especially this year! I wonder if I made the right decision. But then then God ramps up the online and word of mouth sales and I know He keeps making my dream happen!
Enjoyed ur bk “Take Hold of the Faith U Long 4”. Did this bk with my GIG’S, Sat morn life group coupla yrs ago. May look at it again, as we hav new members. Very encouraging 👏!
Road blocks can take away our
Courage and faith if we take our eyes off of Jesus. We must keep our eyes on Jesus not our circumstances.
Sharon,
God bless you for sharing this story and the truth of who God is.
I keep hitting road blocks and have started becoming discouraged, reading this today was perfect timing.
Praise God for using you to speak truth
Wow so timely!!! Thank you!
Nice Reminder. Thank you for reminding me to bein the attitude of: Peace be still!
Awesome message! God’s timing never ceases to amaze. Thank you for your obedience to write what He speaks to you.
Very timely. Thank you so much for allowing God to speak through your life.
Perfect timing!
Truly, I needed to hear this…
Grateful for you, & to share your story!
THIS SPEAKS!!!
God spoke directly to me through you today. I needed that slight kick in the pants to get going again! ; ) Thank you. God bless!
Inspirational testimony indeed. I needed to hear that this morning. I need to move foreward and Stay bold. Thank you!
Thank you for the message for such a time as this
I like the fact that you kept that letter. I think I probably would have thrown it away but it truly is a sweet reminder for you 😊 knowing you have not written just one but 24 books. Thank you for reminding us to keep on the faith – no matter what we face.
Perfect timing for me too. Thank you so much Sharon, God used you!🙏🏻💜
The bulleted points you mentioned in this devotion of today. They are perfect examples of the person I’ve been through out. But because I trust in the Lord God Almighty, I keep waiting and hoping even though it sounds meaningless and waste of time. Nothing will ever diminish the Lord God, He is. I understand the journey of the vast, dry, arid, lonesome., sometimes cold & windy , unending wilderness. I’ve been there all my life. I’m virtually 50 years, yet I’m yet to see hope, faith, belief, trust and love in action. All my life, I’ve never experienced the meaning of any of them
Thanks so much for such an encouragement and a reminder that as long as we have heard from God we should press on. God bless you.
This was “MUCH” needed! I received this devotional a few days ago but I’m just reading it. God’s timing is ALWAYS best! I am ENCOURAGED!
Thanks S. Jaynes
Blessings be multiplied to you over and over again.