Ever feel beaten down, rejected, or discouraged?

As an author experiencing nearly two years of rejections and hearing that my agent wants me to edit a manuscript AGAIN, I can relate to the moles in this photo. I get all excited about a story, think it’s ‘just right’, pop up smiling and eager to hear good news, then WHAM, I get pounded back to fix it again. (At least, that’s how I feel. In reality, I know I have an excellent agent who is only trying to bring out my best writing.)

So, what do we do when we feel this way? First, go to the Lord. He knows what’s going on and understands our emotions. Think how discouraged Jesus must have felt with His disciples. They did not comprehend His teachings (Matthew 15:15-16), failed to heal a demon-possessed boy (Matt. 17:16), and abandoned Jesus when He was arrested (Matt. 26:56).

God was so gracious to me yesterday. When I read my daily devotional, it was just the encouragement I needed. It reminded me that the Holy Spirit is our help and our strength. He gives wisdom, grace, faith, and hope.

Instead of giving up, let’s remember, “[B]ut those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31).

We have experienced God intervening on our behalf before and He will do so in the future. Let’s keep on with patient endurance, not giving up, and dare to ‘pop up’ again.

FYI: The book which I signed a contract on nearly two years ago is available for pre-sale now at Lifeway, bhpublishinggroup.com/product/the-greatest-book-ever/.

The Greatest Book Ever! (A Little Book about the Greatest Book) is a rhyming picture book that highlights incredible Bible characters, amazing miracles, and events all to get kiddos excited and motivated to hear and read God’s Word.