The Rejection Letter: It’s an Open Door in Disguise

Award-winning writer Kathy Widenhouse has helped hundreds of nonprofits and writers produce successful content and has gained 600K+ views for her writing tutorials. She is the author of 9 books. See more of Kathy’s content here.

An online devotional for writers

A Word From The Word

I have opened a door for you that no one can close. (Revelation 3:8, NLT)

A Word For Writers

“Sorry, we already have that article in progress with another freelancer,” wrote the editor. “But feel free to send me more ideas.”

It was easy to view the rejection letter as a door slammed in my face.

But the opposite was true.

“Many writers don’t consider that sort of interaction to be a connection,” say Linda Formichelli and Diana Burrell in The Renegade Writer: A Totally Unconventional Guide to Freelance Writing Success. “And they completely blow it off.”

The rejection letter and its invitation were actually an open door, not a closed one. 

John wrote of a similar open door to the church at Philadelphia. The fledgling Christian community faced persecution and for some, eventual martyrdom. Yet the Philadelphia church is the only one of seven in Revelation which is credited with faithfulness. Their steadfast obedience led to additional opportunities – open doors – for ministry and service.

The lesson? God repeatedly places open doors of opportunity for followers who are faithful.

Once my rejection letter disappointment settled, I took the time to unearth the buried message. Rather than shutting me down, the editor indicated interest in other ideas I could offer.

A couple of days letter, I wrote a letter of my own. It read, “Thanks for inviting me to send you more ideas. How about …”

A Wise Word

A rejection letter can be an open door.

A Word To Pray

Loving Father,

You understand the feelings I have when I receive a rejection letter, because Jesus was repeatedly rejected by those He came to save. Let me be faithful. Show me how to walk through the doors you open for me.

In Jesus’s name, Amen.

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