It was said at a writer's conference... concerning submissions being considered for publication...
If you want a quick answer... I can give you a quick answer: No!
A Yes takes time... you have to wait...
You have to wait for a Yes... but waiting can feel oppressive... just let me know how it comes out... even if it's bad!
The end of a matter is better than its beginning...
Ecclesiastes 7:8
But shouldn't we be more concerned with the journey... than the outcome...?
We all want a Yes... but the lovely thing about being in Jesus is that it's ALL GOOD... everything a victory in Christ... even the No...
In CS Lewis's book... The Screwtape Letters... the end always throws me... the hero of the book... the main character pursued... dies... blown up by a bomb in battle... this end is portrayed as a WIN for God... and a tragic loss for Satan's side because the man... he died in Christ... his departure from the world depicted... as if a scab had fallen from an old sore... the hero set free from war and doubt through death... opposite from the world's view that inundates us each day...
The world urges us to see good only in life... healing... success... BUT...at one time or another... we all die... we all get sick... and we all fail... and for Believers... it's all part of the journey... not that we are to be cavalier about crisis... heartache... trials... we are to mourn with those who mourn... offer compassion... and mercy... yet we are not to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope...
So since we know it's ALL GOOD... in the end... shouldn't we just enjoy the trek... or at least be patient... trusting God with what there is to learn... and who and what will grow from each unknown circumstance...?
As we painstakingly watch people struggle... with...
sin...
sickness...
circumstances... of all kinds...
remember the patience of the farmer... the hope... the assurance of growth... and see an opportunity to exercise faith... pursue hope...
Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
who have set their hearts on pilgrimage.
Psalm 84:3
(my emphasis)
An attitude of journey... pilgrimage... with Him as our strength... helps us to wait... hope... know for sure... that the end of the matter IS better than its beginning...
For in Christ... it's all victory... even if in this world it looks dead... and fruitless... for those IN CHRIST... it's a win...
Even though the fig trees have no blossoms,
and there are no grapes on the vines;
even though the olive crop fails,
and the fields lie empty and barren;
even though the flocks die in the fields,
and the cattle barns are empty,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord!
I will be joyful in the God of my salvation!
Habakkuk 3:17-18
NLT
Father God... keep me focused on You... the good that is to come... the hope... and assurance...found in Christ.... I choose to journey... patiently... trusting in You... for strength...
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