Monday, February 13, 2012

Climbing Out of the Pit

Whenever there's a mining accident, many people are needed to free those trapped underground. It takes the same kind of support to pull someone from the depths of despair.

Ideally, we wouldn't get into such trouble. Alas, we live in a fallen world with an enemy, who does all he can to snare us in a trap.

My merciful Heavenly Father once again came to my rescue. He reminded me that He'd never leave me nor forsake me. As I poured out my concerns to Him and WAITED for His answers, peace evicted panic.

Did the discouraging thoughts keep trying to get my attention? You better believe they did. When they came, I told them, "Go see my Father. He's handling that matter."

With gratitude welling up in my heart, my emotions calmed, and I began to think clearly. The words of comfort, love, and encouragement from the scripture and my writing friends soothed the tender areas.

One friend reached out and did a guest blog post to lighten my load. (Thanks, Karen!) Another friend's interview filled in two more blogging slots. Taking it slow, I began to write again. The momentum I'd lost grows day by day.

Instead of quitting, I'm entering my manuscript into the ACFW Genesis Contest. Hold me accountable on that one! It's still touch and go. My devotional writing is going forward, and I plan to query another agent.

I'm making time to take care of myself. With proper rest, exercise, and nourishment, my body has shaken off the persistent physical miseries of the past months.

Thank you, dear friends, for your posts that lift my spirits, for your loving words, and for hanging in there with me as I climbed out of this pit.

Do you have any words of wisdom for those who wonder if the stories God has put in their hearts will reach their intended audience?


19 comments:

Karen Lange said...

I think you hit on the best advice - turn to the Lord, and then, keep moving forward. He always sets things to rights when we trust Him. Continuing to cheer you on! Glad to be of help with the guest post. Hanging in there with you, girl. :)
Hugs and blessings,
Karen

Nancy said...

I'm so glad you worked through this mess. It always helps to have loving friends who understand what you are going through and to know that God has a plan, even a plan for your current situation.

Cindy R. Wilson said...

I'm glad you're taking things slow AND taking care of yourself. And yay for the Genesis! I'll be rooting for you!

Loree Huebner said...

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself. It's so important for writers to remember our health too.

Congrats on entering the contest! Woo Hoo! I'm cheering you on!

I think the secret is not to rush. Take things one day at a time.

Melanie N. Brasher said...

I really appreciate your honesty, Susan. We've all walked through this discouragement. I believe there's a place for your words, and I'm excited that you're entering the Genesis!

Sarah Forgrave said...

"Go see my Father. He's handling that matter."

I love this line, Susan. So thankful for the rest He provides just when we need it.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Everyone -

God has shown me His love in some amazing ways today, and your comments are the brownies to cap it off. I've been alternately laughing, crying, and praising God for His goodness.

Your friend,
Susan :)

Terri Tiffany said...

Your words touched me. I am not able to write now for whatever reason. I agree we must take care of ourselves first. Glad you are!!!

Linda O'Connell said...

Sometime it is okay to let our field go fallow. It allows renewal. My best on your entry.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Terri -

Perhaps you're in a transition period. Those times can be confusing and difficult. The gift has not left, my friend, but rather it's awaiting further direction from the Creator. :)

Love & Prayers,
Susan

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Linda -

Thank you. As soon as I officially enter the Genesis (hopefully tonight), I'll resume editing my chapters. I'm halfway through the book.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Marja Verschoor-Meijers said...

Thanks for your honesty Susan, hope you're feeling much, much better now! I am struggling through a manuscript for my Dutch publisher at the moment... I often think about life before writing, haha, that was when I was three years old :)

Rhonda Schrock said...

Pray, pray, and pray. Then hang with other encouragers who can put some of their own "life" and courage into you, helping to refill your tank.

I've also been discovering that taking care of myself physically is SO important. That (to my surprise) turned out to be a big component of my discouragement, and I'm feeling better now.

Blessings, friend, and so glad to hear that you're "coming back."

Jaime Wright said...

Yeah! I'm glad you're entering Genesis and keeping on keeping on!

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Marja - I don't go back quite that far, but it sometimes feels like it. :)

Hi Rhonda - When I don't get to the gym, get enough sleep, and eat properly, I notice the difference almost immediately.

Hi Jaime - Good to see you! How are you doing?

Blessings,
Susan :)

Diane said...

I am proud of you and glad that you are putting your trust in Him. Can't wait to see you get the nod you deserve.

Hugs :O)

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Diane -

Thanks so much. I'm glad the Lord is patient and merciful.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Carol J. Garvin said...

I'm not sure how I missed your series of posts on this subject, Susan, but I'm glad you mentioned them on my blog. I've been catching up, and murmuring in understanding as I read. I'm usually a pretty optimistic person but those times of drought and discouragement still turn up occasionally. The support of friends is a wonderful help in getting through them.

After reading Ann Voskamp's "1000 Gifts" I began keeping a thanksgiving journal as a faith-strengthening tool, and it made such a difference to me, This year I chose "joy" for my focus and have been printing out Ann's monthly Joy pages on which to record my daily discoveries. It helps make my walk of faith more intentional and constantly reminds me how much better my days go when I let God control them.

I don't know if my novels will ever be published, but I'll continue to do my part and leave the rest up to him. I'm sure he has a plan.

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

Hi Carol -

A thankful heart helps chase the shadows away. I'm recording the many daily events we so often take for granted.

Blessings,
Susan :)