“Fear not for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 NKJV

Storms in life can get us down, but God can lift us up!

Where to start? Several weeks ago, I was dismayed, discouraged, disappointed and “dissed”! I had received my first form rejection letter from a publisher. The fact that it is even called a “rejection” letter kind of says it all. I felt rejected! Doubts began to creep in… maybe this isn’t God’s path for me, maybe God hasn’t put this on my heart, maybe it’s only my dream. I began to doubt myself as well. Maybe I’m not a good enough writer, maybe… Stop. Breathe. Pray.

So I did. First I thanked God for my family and friends who have given their unconditional love and support for my new “career”. Next I thanked God for all of you who have read, or liked, or followed my blog. You are all my encouragement.  Then I turned to God’s word and found the above verse. I felt like it was written just for me, for just that time and for just that “rejection letter”. God is with me, He is my God, He gives me the strength to go on, and He holds me in His right hand.

Life provides us with “challenges” and troubles on a regular basis. Some just hit a little harder. I put the rejection letter in a file and moved on. “If God is for me, who can be against me?” I searched for new publishers and editors where I think my stories might fit. I am submitting two of my stories to two new publishers this week and hopefully two more stories in the next few weeks. With God’s help and support, I am strengthened and helped and at peace.

It is amazing how a verse or devotional will speak right to us, where we are, and when we need it most. We all face troubles and setbacks and disappointments and, let’s face it – LIFE. But we have the most powerful helpers; God the Father, Jesus our Savior, and the Holy Spirit our Counselor. We can turn our anxiety and worry over to God in prayer and they are replaced with peace. One of my favorite verses is John 16:33, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

We not only find peace, but are directed to be cheerful. Outwardly, we can display our trust in God and Jesus and the Spirit by being “cheerful” even when things aren’t going our way. By continuing on in the midst of troubles, we can become a light to someone else who may be struggling. So I cheerfully continue on the writing path that God has put in my heart. I will update you whenever I have something to report. Thanks again for coming along on my journey.

This week please find the encouragement, strength, peace and help you need to face your life and it’s troubles with the most high and powerful Holy Trinity.

I truly thank God for each of you! And thank you for joining me today to talk about not being dismayed but finding peace.