When the Road to Publication Seems Blocked
By
Andrea Merrell
The
road to publication can be a long, arduous journey. While many press on ahead
and overcome the obstacles and setbacks, others lag behind wondering if they’ll
ever make it. They might even wonder if it’s worth the price they have to pay.
I’ve seen a few give up and walk away from their dream and passion.
Let’s
face it, rejection can be difficult. And criticism—even given constructively—is
no picnic. And the waiting can be torture. Watching others rise to the top can
make us envious and cause us to question our own talents and abilities. We
begin to doubt ourselves and focus on our weaknesses, wondering if we even have
what it takes.
When
that discouragement sets in, we are faced with the decision to quit or keep moving
forward, trusting the One who empowers us to do whatever He has called us to
do. God has a plan for us, and His timing is always perfect. Take to heart
these words by Sarah Young in Jesus Calling:
My plan for your life is
unfolding before you. Sometimes the road you are traveling seems blocked, or it
opens up so painfully slowly that you must hold yourself back. Then, when the
time is right, the way before you suddenly clears—through no effort of your
own. What you have longed for and worked for I present to you freely, as pure
gift.
Do not fear your weakness,
for it is the stage on which My Power and Glory perform most brilliantly. As
you persevere along the path I have prepared for you, depending on My strength
to sustain you, expect to see miracles. Miracles are not always visible to the
naked eye, but those who live by faith can see them clearly. ~Jesus
If God has given you the gift of words,
trust Him to open the right doors of opportunity in His perfect timing. While you’re in the
waiting stage, do whatever you can to hone your skills. Take a class. Attend a
conference. Join or start a critique group. Study books on the craft of
writing. Start a blog. Update your blog. Enter a contest. Submit a magazine article.
Write a devotion and submit it to www.ChristianDevotions.us
(that’s where I got my start).
Whatever
you do, don’t quit. Keep writing for the Lord, and remember the words of
Jeremiah 29:11: I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to
take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for (MSG).
How
have you overcome obstacles and conquered discouragement on your own road to
publication? We would love to hear from you.
(Photo
courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Stuart Miles.)
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