In life, we often experience things that we don't understand. There seems to be no purpose for the pain we suffer, especially when referring to rejection. Rejection hurts. There is no pain like it, especially when it comes from someone that did (or should) love you. It pierces to the depths of the soul. Rejection can draw you to anger, depression, insecurity, low self-esteem and leave you feeling empty. If you are reading this post, there's a great chance that you've experienced the pain of rejection first hand. A friend who betrayed you. A boyfriend who left you for someone else. A parent who never wanted you. A woman who you thought you would marry who chose someone else instead of you. A job offer that fell through. A hope lost. You put yourself out there- invested your time and money- extended a hand of hope and love, only to be pierced by the sharp edge of an evil eye, a cold shoulder, or even worse, deafening silence.
Personal Example
When I graduated from ORU, I had high hopes and expectations for getting a great job in my field. I had a number of interviews lined up, even one for the day after graduation! I would prepare my resume, get my suit on, self-talk, pray and get in the car and do what I felt was a great job at the interview. In one particular case, I discovered an opening at a Christian advertising and marketing firm here in Dallas. After checking out the website and job description, I just KNEW this was the job for me! I went up to the office with all the confidence in the world, gave them my resume and told them that I was very interested in the position. Over the next few months, I made it through interview after interview and was even given the job and told to put in my two week's notice at the current retail job I had. I was so excited and all of my retail co-workers were too as the countdown began to my new, dream job.
One day, about a week before my first day, the owner's wife called me and told me that they had a financial meeting and wouldn't be able to hire me after all. As tears welled up in my eyes, I thanked her for the opportunity and hung up the phone. The pain of rejection and disappointment flooded my heart. In the days and weeks to come, I humbled myself and asked for my old job back. I just couldn't understand why I had to go through this situation. Why didn't they want me in their company? Why did I do all of those interviews and put in my two week's notice only to be told that I wasn't hired after all? It was a rough season, but looking back, I know that God protected me from focusing my energy into a job that wasn't in line with His plan and purpose for my life. In time, God opened a door for me to work from home as a social media manager, giving me the opportunity to bring in income, take care of my daughter, write and prepare for my purpose. His plan was much better than mine.
The Rejected Stone
Today, I want you to know that Jesus understands your pain. The Bible says that He is the stone that the builders rejected (Psalm 118:22). He came to earth and was rejected by His own people, even to the point of death, but chosen by God (see 1 Peter 2:4; Isaiah 53:3). He was betrayed by Judas, a disciple that walked with Him and was taught by Him. Every day, for thousands of years, the Father has been rejected by people that He loves and created for His glory. Year after year, members of the church close their doors to the work of the Holy Spirit and reject His ministry in order to accept fanfare and bright light shows. God is very familiar with the feeling of rejection, and wants you to know that you are accepted in His arms today. He loves you. He cares for you. He sent His only Son to die for you so that you could be accepted through grace, despite your faults and failures. Even when people reject you, He will be there for you and use the rejection you experienced to direct and protect you.
Protection in Disguise
You see, rejection can be a means of protection in disguise. It's hidden beneath your pain and despair. Be glad that he or she rejected you. Thank God that the job you wanted didn't come through. Rejoice when the school that you applied for sent you a rejection letter. Their rejection closed the door to your plan & opened the door to God's plan. He knows what we need and can work through the pain of rejection to protect us from the deeper pain of being outside of His will.
Another thing to keep in mind is that some people are not rejecting you per se, they're rejecting the God in you. The fragrance of Christ in your life is like a stench to them, causing them to turn away from you in disgust (see 2 Corinthians 2:15). In this case, count it all joy as well, and pray that God will bring that person to a true knowledge of who God is and stop rejecting His open arms of love.
So don't view the rejection of man as the rejection of God. If you have accepted Jesus, He has not rejected you. God says in His word that He will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6, Hebrews 13:5). He has rescued you from rejection.
So my challenge to you today is not to reject God. Don't reject His love. Don't reject His correction. Receive His love. Accept His plan, even when it doesn't make sense. Embrace His purpose for your life and walk boldly into your future.
You are not rejected. You are accepted.
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9 NKJV).
Emonne Markland Leave Your Beauty Mark