Where is God in Rejection?
The sting of rejection can leave scars on your confidence.
If you’re anything like me, you over-analyze every detail of a rejection, scavenging for clues as to what you did wrong.
But rejection doesn’t always point to our mistakes. God uses rejection for many different purposes.
When Something Isn’t Right
As Christians we constantly seek after God’s will and diligently search for the path He has for us.
But what about the times when we’re rejected for something that we’ve prayerfully considered and hoped for? Where is God when the doors close to our dreams or the place that He has led us to so far?
God may use rejection as a way to lead you to a better outcome.
As I waited patiently for a student teaching placement this Fall (the last and final step in completing my teaching certification), I found myself facing a series of closed doors. What was I doing wrong? God would surely provide a placement for me, right?
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Slowly, with much prayer and time spent with God, my heart began to change. I began to see that God was calling me in a different direction during that time. I was faced with a choice. Forge ahead in a path that I’d planned out for myself or with turn to a new path that God was opening up for me.
In turning away from the sting of my rejection, I found an opportunity to pursue a dream that I’d never thought possible. If the doors I’d been trying to get through were opened for me this Fall, I would have never been able to pursue this new path.
Although we may be unable to see the better path at the time of our rejection, God will reward our trust in Him. We must always remember that He has something for us that we may not always see.
Will you follow God’s call in spite of the painful rejection of a closed door?
When Our Hearts Need a Makeover
Many times we are so caught up in what we want that we forget to truly pursue what God wants for us. God can use rejection to mold us into His image.
When we are rejected, we are faced with so many struggles. Insecurities spring up, anger and frustration blanket our hearts and confusion leads to questioning God. In the midst of these struggles, God calls us to trust in Him.
During times of rejection, you may be faced with pains of your past or unhealthy emotions and coping mechanisms that God wants you to overcome.
Rejection opens your eyes to things you may not otherwise see.
[bctt tweet="Rejection opens your eyes to things you may not otherwise see." username="NicoleAKauffman"]
During this time, it is important to give your heart fully to the Lord. Spend time with Him, praying and reading His word. As you stand against Satan and his lies, you will find freedom and healing.
God will show you what areas of your heart He is trying to make new. The pruning process is never easy, but what follows is a joy that surpasses the pain.
Don’t give up! Turn to God in these times!
When We Suffer Alongside Jesus
In Matthew 10:22, Jesus warns about being rejected for faith in Him.
You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved. -Matthew 10:22
How many of you have been mocked or made fun of because of where you place your trust? How many times has a word about your faith turned away a loved one or friend?
Rejection for faith in Christ is guaranteed. Whether a job interview goes south because of mention of Jesus, a family member leaves you feeling unwanted because of your confession of faith, or your friends or coworkers treat you differently for being a Christian, Jesus says that those who stand firm in faith will be rewarded.
Rejection hurts. That’s the bottom line. But, how great is it that we have a God that will use rejection to bring us to a better place? Turn your heart to God, even in times of rejection. Place your trust in Him, even when you can’t see the way. He will prove to be loving and faithful in these times.
[bctt tweet="How great is it that we have a God that will use rejection to bring us to a better place?" username="NicoleAKauffman"]
Think back to all the times God has proved Himself faithful to you before. If you are new to the faith and don’t have a lot of experience to draw on, read the Bible to see God prove His faithfulness over and over again. The rejection of Jesus led to the salvation of all mankind! Imagine what would have happened if Jesus gave up on God?
In all things, God works for the good of those who love him (Romans 8:28).
Put your hope in the Lord and I guarantee you that He will meet you in this time.
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Yes! I have absolutely struggled with rejection for most of my life! But I know that God will use all things together for my good! Praise God that He doesn’t abandon us in our hardest times!
God bless,
Patty
Definitely, Patty! Thanks so much for stopping by 🙂
Nicole,
First of all, I love to see your smiling face when I come here to visit. It is a welcoming encouragement. 🙂 And this topic of rejection, oh, it is such a necessary topic to bring before the Lord, isn’t it? When I was struggling years ago as a brand new believer, not knowing enough about God’s love yet or about the way he was a good good father, I found myself broken from yet another rejection. I didn’t handle it well. Yet through His Word and consistent prayer God revealed that the root of rejection was stealing joy from my heart, from my life. That if I believed that He was exactly who He said He was then I could trust Him and know that He is working all things out for my good and His glory. I still don’t like the sting of rejection, but thank God I am much more secure in my status as His and like you I can choose to rejoice in the opportunity that a change in direction may bring.
Grateful for the new opportunity for you and that you shared this at the #gracemoments link up!
Blessings,
Dawn
Thank you, Dawn! And that is definitely a powerful testimony about overcoming rejection! Thank you for sharing that here and for stopping by!
Thank for the blessing of the wonderful article, I am facing rejection from my Mom due to her preference for my younger brother it is only by God’s grace I am not broken in pieces although it does sting at times but my family is toxic and it’s taken many years and solid relationship with God to accept that my family is solely in God’s hands as I am as well
Thank you for sharing, Rena. I’m so sorry to hear about this struggle and yet encouraged that God’s grace is shining through. Your testimony is an encouragement to me. I pray that you will find reconciliation and healing with your family in God’s perfect timing <3
I was thinking about this today as I was scrubbing my shower. Thinking back to something that happened YEARS ago that was so painful….then I started listing GOOD things God put in place instead. Great post, Nicole.
Oh my goodness, this is so true. I’m such a planner when things don’t go they way I think they should I often get discouraged. This is a great reminder that God is in control.
oh gosh, some of my biggest growing moments were through rejection so although painful, I’m not sure I would trade them.
Great point, Sarah! As much as we want to escape the grip of rejection, looking back we can see how God used it for good. Thanks for sharing!
I remember a sermon where the Pastor encouraged us to look at how we handle rejection. If we could let rejection be a lesson in prayer and submission to the Father, and we don’t let it wound us …then His love would be the shield of faith that would quench the fiery darts thrown our way.
This is such a necessary reminder to walk with God, to rest in Him. Thank uou
Such great encouragement, Dawn. Thank you for sharing 🙂
He never said it would be easy just worth it in the end. We need the opposite. Good and bad, happy and sad, love and hate.
Very true, Candy. Thanks!
Well, yay that you’re able to have a new, exciting path to go down. 🙂 Isn’t it so true that He uses what we perceive to be “rejection” as just a tool to point us toward all the good things He has waiting for us somewhere else?! 🙂 He’s a good, good Father. <3 Thanks for sharing, Nicole, and thanks for linking up with #ChasingCommunity today! ((hug))
Yes, Brenda, definitely! But He is so good to us, even in those moments. Thank you for stopping by today 🙂
Oh boy…”rejection”. Ouch. It hurts. So badly! But you brought light to that word…what a great reminder that God can use our “rejections” to bring us closer to Him and to a better place in our lives. A place we may never have found otherwise. Thank you for your words!
Thank you, Rochelle! I’m so glad you stopped by 🙂
Rejection is hard to swallow but can save us from ourselves at times. Christ faced rejection His entire life. He understands, He knows. I love the “me too” of our Savior.
Great word, Nicole. Thank you. Michele
Great points, Michele!
Rejection is a booger. And we know who is behind it. But when the Holy Spirit unearths its lie, God does undig a treasure. It’s a beautiful thing He can take us to ~ amen. Enjoyed visiting today via #chasingcommunity.
So true, Kristi! Thank you!
God will work everything for our good, even using rejection. Wonderful encouragement here!
Nicole,
After going through a troubled marriage and divorce, rejection and the fear of rejection is a big one for me. I’m thankful for all that God has done to heal my heart and help me to look to Him for my acceptance and love because He is truly the only one who will never reject us.
Thanks for the post,
xoxo
Sometimes it takes a painful experience to teach us to turn to Him in the midst of rejection. I’m so glad you discovered His love in that moment, Sherry. Thank you for sharing!
Definitely! Thank you, Kelly!