Rejection hurts. We will do anything to belong, even if it causes us harm. When acceptance doesn’t happen we talk ourselves down. When friends betray us we crawl into the pit of despair and start decorating our dungeon. When peers break promises we launch a personal assault and tear down our worth. This mental quick sand is the last things we need. Get out of the sinking sand and back on the firm foundation. Stand on the Rock, Jesus Christ. Let Him do the heavy lifting.
Sometimes we trick ourselves into thinking that this type of pain only happens in High School. The truth is that regardless of age, mean happens. Rejection doesn’t discriminate. I’m reminded of the Apostle Paul as he wrote his second letter to Timothy from prison. Desperate and abandoned by his friends, he had every reason to throw the biggest of pity parties. Yet in his vile prison circumstances, he finds strength to encourage Timothy.
This is real treasure. The kind that can’t be stolen by thieves or injured by ‘friends’ that leave us behind. How did he do this? Jesus Christ is how. Paul wasn’t seeking the approval of people. He knew that he was already loved and accepted by God. Please notice that this didn’t change the pain he experienced. He suffered greatly. His heart ached and he was lonely. However, he was never alone. He was never forsaken by God. God carries us through brokenness. We will hurt but our hurt doesn’t define our worth. So friend, lets be outcasts together for the King! Get into His word and find comfort and purpose. Cry if needed but never quit.
- “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me May it not be charged against them.” (2 Timothy 4:20)
- “Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
- “For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
