Today’s Post By: Rae Lynn DeAngelis
I am not someone who deals with rejection very well. I take it far too personally. Since becoming a Christian, God has definitely done His level best to toughen me up in this area, but after more than my share of practice, my tempered exterior is still paper thin.
Thankfully, God hasn’t given-up on me, and He continues teach me through my mortal weakness. I’ve heard it said that God will continue teaching us these painful lessons until we pass the test with an A.
Thankfully, our Teacher sympathizes with our weakness and understands our worldly troubles all too well. “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.” (Hebrews 4:14-15)
God came to this earth through Jesus, and because of this truth our Lord really does understand what we are going through. If anyone can relate to our times of hurt and rejection, it’s Jesus. “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” (Isaiah 53:3)
“He is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.” (Acts 4:11)
God has already provided us with ample warning of the fact that we will be rejected from time to time. “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.” (John 15:18)
Jesus goes on to explain why we must suffer these aversions. “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.” (John 15:19)
We live in the world, but we are not of the world. We belong to God, and because of this fact, we will suffer rejection, disdain, and yes – even hatred.
Rejection hurts! I’m not going to lie. But I do take some comfort in know I’m in good company because Christians around the world are experiencing the same thing.
Lord, I know this world is not my home, and for this reason I will continue to face painful and trying situations, but I do pray that one day I will skillfully soar through my times of rejection with truth and grace, finally earning your coveted praise “well done good and faithful servant!”