Elizabeth Gilbert writes about her efforts to become a published writer in her book, Big Magic. Each time she received a rejection letter, she would mail her work to another publisher. She called it an attitude of stubborn gladness. It would seem there are people who take set-backs very seriously, and those who take them less seriously. I’ve tended to be in the former group, feeling set-backs are meaningful (See? You weren’t cut out for this) and foreshadowing (This dream you have will not pan out). I credited them like they were cold, hard facts. Evidence even.
But then there’s Gilbert and other optimists. If they can respond so differently to obstacles, and sometimes find fulfillment on the way, perhaps set-backs aren’t evidence at all. Maybe it’s just the nature of the road on which we can give up or find possibility.
And certainly, when we have God to go with us, we can be sure our journey will have it’s troubles, but none that take us out.
We can be sure our journey will have it’s troubles, but none that take us out.
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isa. 43:2
We can face life with stubborn gladness. Things going wrong doesn’t mean we’re failing or that God isn’t hovering over us with Her blessing. We can press on because we don’t have to pass through the trials alone and our destiny is sure.
