Responding to Redirection
by Mel Tavares, DMin
(Romans 8:28, NIV).
As writers, many of us have experienced the sting of rejection. I recall laboring over a particular manuscript and submitting it, only to experience disappointment, confusion, and frustration. I tried to understand why my strategically picked editors were not eager to make an offer on my two-year labor of love.
My plans to have the book traditionally published did not work out. As it turned out, the rejection proved a blessing. The unpublished, highly researched content became the core of my dissertation work a year later, which was published upon completion. Had the book been published, I would have needed a different research project, resulting in two years added to my doctoral work.
What initially seems like rejection should be positively viewed as God’s redirection. As Romans 8:28 says, we know that all things will work together for good. God’s redirection is his means of steering us into the plan and purposes for our lives.
God has called me to write transformative blogs, articles, devotions, and books. Much of my material is in direct alignment with my Pastoral Care and Counseling degree. I am better equipped to write, having done a deeper dive into the topic of Equipping Families to Thrive in Today’s Youth Culture and using the dissertation material to springboard to my current writing.
If we love God and trust that he is working all things together for our good and according to his purpose, he will bring his plans for us to fruition. What may seem a closed door and rejection from a desired publisher or agent should be received as movement into an even greater purpose for you and the works you have written.
Heavenly Father, thank you for calling us to write. Thank you for redirecting us to the plans you have for us. We submit our works into your hands to be directed to reach the audience you’ve called us to serve. Help me to trust that this shift is your redirection and not a rejection. Amen.
Mel is an award-winning author who writes for sites such as Inspiration.org, is a blogger, contributing author to several books and ghost-writer for church ministry leaders. Her works include a recent Top 100 Amazon Devotional ‘Lessons From The River’. Mel loves coaching and equipping writers, founded a local ACW Chapter, and teaches at Writers Conferences. Website: https://www.drmeltavares.com/
It can be so difficult to accept a rejection as redirection, but you’re exactly right. Thanks for the reminder — it’s one we all need a refresher on multiple times along our writing journeys, no matter where we are in the process.
You are welcome Leigh! I have to constantly remind myself! Praying for you as you write!
This has been most helpful for me today. I have seen God redeem what I thought was “wasted” writing. I’m trusting in what He has shown me in the past and the truth you shared today for my current situation. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Karen! I am thankful the Lord spoke to you through it. Thanks for telling me! It spurs me on to continue writing! Praying for you as God continues redirecting you to the exact audience, method, and message He needs you to write!