I feel called to write and speak. I’ve argued with God about this call because I am not the most eloquent with words and I tend to say “so” and “like” like way too much.

Because I need support in this area I joined Compel Training which is a ministry of Proverbs 31. They equip women in the art of writing and speaking.

Every year they put out a devotional challenge. Every year I make myself enter because regardless if I win it helps me work on my writing skills with the feedback provided.

I have never won a devotional challenge but I do grow every year. Last year I did not make it into the final round of the challenge and this year I did. Though I didn’t win, it’s encouraging to me to know my writing is improving.

I’m sharing this piece of the story to let you know that I, too, have been rejected multiple times. Every time it stings. But instead of staying in that pain I ask God to teach me something.

Here are 3 simple truths he taught me about rejection:

Man’s rejection is God’s redirection. Sometimes we think we are supposed to be a part of a ministry, get that certain job or have those group of friends. When, in reality, God has a bigger and better plan for us. So much of our journey is him watching our character to see if we will trust him even when the answer is “no”.

He works all things together for good. Even though I have submitted multiple articles with most of them ending in a “no” I have grown as a writer because of being willing to put my work in front of critiques. I read a quote that summed this up nicely:

For every setback you’ve had, reflect on what you’ve learned. Trust that your “yes” will come and your “no’s” will have helped you get there.

Your work is not your worth. 

This one is something I know in my head but don’t always know in my heart. When I experience a “no” in regards to something I worked hard to create it feels like a sucker punch to the gut when someone rejects it. Those of you who are business owners or creatives (writers, speakers, singers, podcasters, etc) you know exactly what I mean.

Can I encourage you to press on?  Keep moving forward. Stand on those sea of no’s until you get the right yes.

If you would like to read the article I submitted for the devotional challenge you can read that here:

Release Fear & Receive Favor

In this with you,

Rachael Joy