Sometimes we hesitate to step out creatively because of rejection. A few quotes from Alice Bass, author of The Creative Life bears this out:

“We love to create, long to create, strain to create something that expresses our soul. But the minute we step out, we know we are inviting misunderstanding and rejection.”

“But God invites us to be led in triumphal procession through life. By our offerings we can be the fragrant aroma of Christ to God and to his people.”

Not everything I write is received the way I’d like. But I still hope to spread His sweet aroma through humble offerings. As God inspires me and opens doors, truth is often rejected. Time after time, I learn not to take these things personally.

Tell me, have you ever experienced rejection because of your message? How did you respond? Writing is a bit risky. And yet for me personally, Isaiah 61:1-3 holds such wonderful reasons to press on in His strength:

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”