By Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites
“I don’t understand why they chose another book when three publishers at the conference said they liked mine.” I confided in my good friend Sharon.
My heart broke and I felt overlooked.
Do you feel that way when you work so hard on a project out of obedience to God and nothing happens?
I needed to get to the heart of my disappointment and not become bitter. I didn’t want to be jealous when a friend’s book is picked for an award or publication and my manuscript grows cobwebs.
As I prayed some verses went through my head.
Romans 12:15 “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.”
I said, “Lord, I do want to rejoice with my friends but what about me, I’ve been obedient to your calling?”
I continued to pray, and the Spirit impressed on my heart Ephesians 4:31 “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.”
“How do I do that Lord when I’ve worked so hard to be obedient and I don’t see anything for my efforts?”
As I continued to pray and acknowledge my discontent with God’s decision to keep my book on hold, he reminded me of the verses,
Ecclesiastes 3:1 “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Philippians 2:3-4 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
I repented of my selfish attitude and asked the Spirit to help me be joyful in obedience, without worrying about the outcome. My heart is changing to desire God’s best for his kingdom. If my friend’s book is what is needed now, Praise God.
Yes, I still struggle with waiting on God, but I know that my last minute is his perfect timing. I sometimes feel pained when my book submission gets rejected, I remind myself, obedience is my calling, not publication.
Are you being obedient to God’s calling to write? Do you feel overlooked by God?
Join the conversation.
Cherrilynn Bisbano is a coach, editor, and partner at The Write Coach Team.
As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest.
Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers ACFW.
She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. You can find her published in Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to Selah nominated, Breaking the Chains, Heart Reno, and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books.
Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award. She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 21 years.
Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats.
The Conversation
My sweet friend, I went through that for many years. I started writing in 2003. By 2006, I was getting requests for full manuscripts. Yet, it wasn’t until 2013 that I signed a contract. My first book came out in 2014. God has His time and place for each of us. It’s not easy, especially when you know your work is ready. I had an eye-opening experience that made me KNOW without a doubt that it was God keeping the door shut. So I relaxed and kept writing. By the time I got that first contract, I had 4 books ready to go. I didn’t have a hard deadline to meet. I was ahead of the curve. Praying for your journey.
Thank you for your honesty. And for putting to words what a lot of writers feel. May God give us the courage to press on.
Cherrilynn, wow, you hit the nail on the head. Oh my, how many times have I had to pray for forgiveness for feeling resentful or jealous when I see others announcing contracts on social media and while I remain unpublished. Ugh! Like a punch in the gut. Then, one day, His still, small voice whispered into my spirit, “Wait upon the Lord.” God’s timing isn’t my timing and I had to come to grips with that. Be obedient to His calling and be ready when He opens the door. Celebrate and be joyful that God opens doors for every individual in His perfect timing. My time is coming, but I must remain vigilant and continue writing.
Great post. I LOVE your comment, “obedience is my calling, not publication.” Powerful words for all of us to remember. Obedience is key. Blessings! 🙂
Enjoyed your post. I’m sure a lot of us can relate.