One Step From Victory

Never give up. God is bombarding me with that message. Several months ago, my sister recommended I send some of my short stories to a devotional magazine for kids. She felt I could adapt almost any one of my blog posts...of which I now have over a thousand. I've been posting now every day for four years. Anyway, I adapted a couple of stories and sent them to the editor. After a couple of months I received a reply. Rejected.

Ok, so I admit Despond kicked me hard. I locked myself in the bathroom and cried. I couldn't even write a simple devotional for kids. Who was I trying to kid that I had any talent at writing? After I soaked a few towels with my tears, I crawled whimpering back to my computer.

"Thank you for reading my work. Could you perhaps tell me why it was rejected?" I didn't expect an answer. However, the editor graciously wrote back. Too abstract and too many messages for the young audience. Keep it simple (stupid.) (She didn't add stupid...but I did.)

"Could I revise and resend?" I asked, rubbing my red nose.

"Yes!"

I sent the revised story. They sent me another rejection. This time it was because portions were not quite believable. I had matured, though. I said, "Oh well," and probably only soaked one towel with tears this time.

Well, then my poor mama had emergency surgery and I spent a month in NY during the frigid winter to help her recuperate. While cross-country skiing, I thought of another story. So I revised the one I had previously sent, making it more believable, and added the new one. I sent them both to the editor.

Two months passed. I had totally forgotten about the stories. Then yesterday morning I  was on a run. I had just finished praying, thanking God for blessing after blessing that I often didn't notice or took for granted. Then, I glanced at my phone. I had a message from the editor of the kid's magazine. I sighed. Another rejection probably to spoil my day. I was going to wait till I finished the run to read the message, but then just couldn't stand the suspense. I gasped as I read the editor's email. Congratulations! We have decided to accept both your stories....

I ran a little faster, my head a little higher, my arms pumping a little more vigorously. It is not like I get much money for the stories. But something (Someone) kept nudging me not to give up, not to think failure meant hopeless. Failure can be just one step closer to hope if used properly. All the mighty saints of God experienced failure, and all of them moved beyond it by trusting in God, and not giving up. They all felt like giving up, but they wearily chose to trudge on anyway. That made all the difference. Take heart, friends. You might be just one step away from victory.
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Deuteronomy 20:4 

For the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’

Philippians 4:13 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

John 16:33 

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

James 1:12-14 

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Psalm 108:13 

With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes.

1 Corinthians 10:13 

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.