There are times in life we face disappointing circumstances that cause us to feel rejected. Has someone ever rejected you but you don’t know why? Perhaps you put yourself out there for an audition or a job interview, but you didn’t make the cut. Moments like this can be hurtful and aren’t always easy to deal with. I don’t think there is a person alive who has not experienced some kind of rejection.
Recently our son had a situation where he experienced personal rejection. It was a tough situation to navigate as a parent. It’s hard enough for adults to work through these kind of disappointments, let alone kids! While talking with our son, my husband Scott gave some great wisdom and insight. He said, “Don’t take this situation as rejection. Recognize it as God’s protection.” The truth of what Scott said really stuck with me.
There are times in life we feel rejected, yet God is protecting us from something that could potentially be harmful, hurtful, or simply not part of His plan for our lives.
Years ago I auditioned for a nationally known singing competition. The audition process was a really big deal and required a lot of preparation. I had to travel across the country, get up early to stand in long lines (in the freezing cold), and do a lot of waiting! When my turn finally came, I felt relaxed and ready. I delivered the song with confidence. But, I didn’t make it! I received great remarks, yet left the audition not really knowing what I could have done better. I wasn’t what they were looking for. As I walked from the audition room back to the main lobby where my husband was waiting for me, I struggled with feeling rejected. My thoughts went something like this, “Lydia, you’re a 33 year old mother of four! You’re definitely not what they’re looking for. Even if you can carry a tune, you’re too old!”
You see, I didn’t initially want to do the audition. In that season of my life, God had me on a very specific journey of breaking fear. Fear was a struggle in certain areas. I was comfortable speaking and leading worship in church. It was my safety zone and what I knew best. Auditioning for a competition of that caliber scared me! It scared me because I knew it would stretch me beyond my comfort. In my spirit I knew I simply had to go through with it because God wanted to set me free from all fear! Whether I made it or not was irrelevant. Auditioning was a huge step in breaking fear and doing something I had said I would never do.
Nevertheless, I felt rejected. How silly of me to take it personally. I wasn’t even trying to make it! So, why did I feel this way? Immediately the Holy Spirit reminded me of a particular scripture I have meditated on countless times.
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. ”
While I walked down the corridor to greet my husband who was anxiously awaiting the results, I recognized that the work God had prepared for me was to take the courageous step and not give fear permission to hold me back any longer. Moving forward in the competition wasn’t the point, nor was it part of God’s plan for that season. In this particular situation, the word of the Lord protected me from falling into a vicious mental trap of rejection, isolation, and fear. God’s used the audition process to break the power of fear in my heart. Even still, I had to trust that the outcome was part of God’s bigger plan for me.
Literally days after this experience I received numerous opportunities to use my gift of music in ways I never could have dreamed or imagined. It’s a good thing I didn’t have a singing competition to worry about! This is one situation in my life where God’s protection was evident. He protected my mind, my emotions, and ultimately my path. Although I felt slightly rejected, I was protected!
Trust God’s plan and walk confidently in the good works He has prepared for you.
If you walk daily with God, abide in Him, and follow His ways, He will cover you with a supernatural protection and keep you from going down the wrong path.
A great biblical example of God’s protection is Joseph. Rejected by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph had no idea why these things were happening to him. It’s evident that God was guiding his destiny even through Joseph’s mistreatment. God knew each of Joseph’s painful steps was bringing him closer to his life purpose.
“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience, but let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.”
Don’t let rejection pull you away from God, let it draw you closer to Him.
“For You have been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in Your tabernacle forever; I will trust in the shelter of Your wings.”
With Love,
Lydia