REJECTED!

"My ex and I decided that we're going to try and work it out...blah, blah, blah." Those were the words I heard from a young man I had been dating. And I was desperately trying to process what he was saying to me while fighting back tears. I thought he really liked me. I didn't respond out of sheer shock. But also, because I was the one that had confronted him because for weeks, he had been acting really strange. Not answering the phone when I called and then when he picked up, he was too busy to talk. Making excuses for why he couldn't see me and then not coming to my birthday party after promising he would. I knew something was up. I felt it in my gut! Part of me didn't want to know but another part of me, didn't want to, had no time to be dragged in a relationship. I preferred to find out the truth before I invested anymore time, energy or emotions. But now my worst fear was coming to pass! I felt so rejected! I was crushed, hurt and angry! And it wouldn't be the last time!

Rejection is defined as the act of refusing or not accepting something or someone, often leading to feelings of hurt and disappointment. Unfortunately, we ALL have or will face rejection in our lifetimes. The youngest of us knows what it feels like. It can show up in various forms, ranging from being turned down for a date, to falling out with a friend or family member, to being cheated on in marriage or to getting divorced.  Or it can show up in professional contexts, like receiving a job rejection or being dismissed from a position or not being accepted into a desired program/school. No matter where it's coming from, rejection STINGS and can often leave us feeling not good enough and dispensable! Nobody likes to feel like they weren't chosen. No one likes to feel unworthy. And if not properly dealt with rejection can lead to emotional and mental compromise and leave spiritual doors open for demonic oppression.

But what if I told you that God specializes in restoring the "rejected"? What if I told you that we shouldn't look at it as being rejected but being redirected? Scriptures speak of many who were rejected for one reason or another. However, in each of those cases the rejection was a catalyst for divine protection, promotion or provision. Cain, the firstborn of Adam and Eve, felt the weight of divine rejection after the murder of his brother, Abel. But after God's judgment of him he was granted divine protection for the rest of his days (Gen. 4:15-16). Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers as a result of sheer jealousy. That rejection proved to be God's divine promotion and provision for the people of Israel in a time of famine (Gen. 37-46). David was rejected by his own father and even the prophet Samuel (at first) as Saul's successor, yet God raised him up to be one of the greatest kings of Israel, being named the "man after God's own heart" despite his failings (1 & 2 Sam.). Jesus, Himself was rejected by His own people according to John 1:11. Yet He is the savior of the world. And that's just to name a few.

These accounts were all placed in scriptures to let us know that we're not the first to experience rejection and we definitely won't be the last. God knows and understands what we feel when we are rejected. But the good news is that He can, will and does use that rejection to achieve greater purpose in our lives! After giving birth after years of barrenness, Hannah (initially rejected for motherhood) declared, "He lifts the poor from the dust and the needy from the garbage dump. He sets them among princes, placing them in seats of honor. For all the earth is the Lord’s, and he has set the world in order" (1 Sam. 2:8) NLT. Yes! He will set your world in order!!! He will set you among princes and place you in seats of honor!! When the world rejects us, God will lift us up!! That closed door is because He wants to open a bigger, better door for you. That opportunity that slipped thru your fingers will leave room for the one that He has for you. That disappointment is a set up for something far greater. And, in my case, that failed relationship made space for the man God had for me! Very shortly after that letdown, my husband and I started dating! And 29 years later, we're still going strong! Imagine if God had not allowed that "rejection"! So, declare with me today, by faith, "I haven't been rejected by anything or anyone, I've been redirected, and I am being restored!"

~Dania Roberts