Deep Despair by BJ Bassett

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, “Weren’t there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?”

They replied, “Certainly, Your Majesty.”

 He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.” Daniel 3: 24-25 NIV

 

One of the devastating times in my life was when I had a signed contract to write a young adult book on Queen Esther of the Bible. I was excited as I dug into the research, wrote, and revised. I finished my project feeling good with the results, only to receive a rejection.

How could it be? I had a signed contract, after all. I searched through my files and pulled out the contract, and reread it only to discover the fine print, “If we don’t like it, we do not have to publish it.”

 I was so low I could not think about anything else or even function, so I went for a walk and questioned my ability as a writer. When I returned from my walk, I didn’t feel any better. I could send the manuscript to another publisher, but the rejection letter left me feeling unworthy. So my Queen Esther story went into a box and is stored in my garage.

When we are in the pit of despair, God is with us, just as he was with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. God didn’t take them out of the fiery furnace. He was in their midst in the fire.

Are you in despair? God is always with you, even during times of deep despair.

My Lord, I know You are always with me, even during times of despair, and I am grateful. Help me remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the future. Amen.

B J Bassett

Reprinted from

The King’s Daughters

 

 

B. J. Bassett encourages others as an author, teacher and speaker. Her books include a contemporary novel, Gillian’s Heart; a historical novel Lily; Sweet Charity; A Touch of Grace—The G.R.A.C.E. Ministries Story; and coauthor of a children’s devotional My Time with God, Focus on the Family, Heritage Builders, with over 55,000 copies sold.

 

As a contributing writer, publications consist of Writer’s Handbook 2000, The Writer, and The Focus on the Family Guide to Growing a Healthy Home, Wolgemuth& Hyatt, Publishers, Inc.—consistently on Bookstore Journal’s Best-selling Christian Books List from November 1990 - February 1991, and voted the 10 Best Books for 1990 by Today’s Christian Woman.

 

Magazines, devotional booklets, curriculum and newspaper publishers include Focus on the Family, Woman’s World, The Quiet Hour, Pathways to God, Devotions, Harcourt Brace, WordAction, Gospel Publishing and Times Standard (newspaper).

 

She teaches writing workshops at Umpqua Community College, Roseburg, OR and at writer’s conferences. As a speaker for Stonecroft Ministries, she tells her story of rejection and acceptance, not only in life, but as a writer as well. She also offers book talks, including discussion questions and shares the journey -- from the seed of an idea to a published book.

 

Memberships: ACFW and Oregon Christian Writers (OCW).

 

She enjoys reading, jigsaw puzzles, knitting, munching warm scones oozing with butter and strawberry jam and sipping earl grey tea