Hello Friend,
Recently, I received a rejection email on a proposal I sent over to interview a woman I admire greatly on my dream sheet to collaborate with. That sounds dramatic (lol), but using the phrase “turned down” sounds too nice. When I get a “no” the word “rejection” seems more suitable to match my insides. 𝘔𝘢𝘺𝘣𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵’𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘮𝘦.
On the same day, I got asked to interview a woman who wasn’t on my dream sheet at all, but someone I admire and am more closely aligned with in this season. 𝘐 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘴𝘩𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴, 𝘎𝘰𝘥, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘴.
Over the years, God has allowed me to “work out” the muscle of rejection.
Parent rejection
Love relationship rejection
Housing rejection
Friend rejection
Job rejection
School rejection
(rinse and repeat)
This doesn’t include the “abandonment” thread that runs through my personal story and the LIE I have to fight OFTEN: I’m only good for loving, using, and leaving.
Maybe you relate.
Rejection hurts every . single . time, but I must say, over the years, I’ve learned to pull the stinger out of my arm faster. Not because I’m older and wiser, but because I’ve experienced God’s presence in the valley of rejection. My bounce back is faster because in the valley I’ve experienced God picking me up off the floor through His people; praying and coming to my aid. God soothes me through the reading of His word and the truth-filled melodies I sing. I recall I am God’s beloved and that He has a plan for my life. God is bigger than any rejection we will face.
In scripture, we see Jesus being rejected over and over:
Friend rejection (Judas- Luke 22)
Hometown rejection (Nazareth-Luke 14)
Colleague rejection (Religious leaders- The Gospels)
Community rejection (Naysayers, doubters-The Gospels)
Jesus was rejected over and over in his three years of ministry. Not only was He rejected, but some of his closest friends abandoned him, over and over. Only a handful were at the cross on the day of His death.
Friend, it’s ok to feel #allthefeels of rejection and abandonment. Those moments . . . those seasons . . . sting! At the same time, I want to remind your heart, rejection and abandonment were NEVER God’s intention for us! We can feel the sting of rejection AND have hope because God is making ALL THINGS new. In His kindness, God can take those rejection and abandonment moments and resurrect the situation, our season, and our Hope! What seemed dead, over, and hopeless can come back to life!
Contemplate-Journal-Pray-Surrender
1. Where have you recently experienced rejection or abandonment? (CONTEMPLATE)
2. Write all the emotions that come along with your areas of rejection or abandonment. (JOURNAL)
3. Ask God to meet you in your rejection and heal the wounded parts of you. Confess any sin that might surround your rejection (unforgiveness, bitterness, pride). (PRAY)
4. Surrender your expectations and plans for how God SHOULD resurrect the rejection in your life and submit to God’s will, way, and timing. (SURRENDER)
Until we come face to face with our Father, we will experience rejection in this life.
Remember
God resurrecting our rejection may not look like what we think it should. Resurrecting our rejection often looks like God growing us, shaping us, refining us, teaching us, and bringing us to our knees. Resurrecting doesn’t always mean restoring what was.
God never rejects us. He never closes the door or changes His mind about us. We don’t have to wait to be chosen or measure up to a certain standard to receive the gift of Him. God will never abandon us or forsake us. Praise God!
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Rev 3:20 NLT
Through the rejection and abandonment valleys in your life, my prayer for you is that you keep rising. May you not get swallowed up in the pit of despair and hopelessness, but stand firm in the truth. Fix your eyes on the sustainer and perfecter of faith. Put on your armor, surround yourself with a “body of believers” army, and traverse the mountain.
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Heb 12:2 NIV
May you allow God to resurrect your rejection.
Love to you,
Rachael Wade
Oliveus.net
@rachwade