Facing rejection hurts, and when it strikes, it can be devastating. Jesus is our greatest example of overcoming rejection.
God’s Remedy for Rejection – Equipping Our Hearts
You need a bigger platform, more traffic, and many more followers. This is the response I received after submitting my book proposal to a third literary agent.
This was tough feedback, not only for myself but for many other Christian writers. Not surprising either. To have a bigger platform means implementing a much stronger brand identity. If it sounds mindboggling… It is! Social media algorithms are ever-changing and are hard to strategize. And the process of obtaining better website visibility through search engine optimization (or SEO) is paralyzing.
Sorry for the shop talk language!
Nevertheless, you won’t find me sulking or lamenting over the feedback I received. The old Jennifer would have overanalyzed, made a batch of brownies, and stress ate my way into a depressive sleep. Today, I am praising God for receiving such a response.
Most literary agents or publishing houses will not circle back with a response if they are not interested. I know it is harsh, but it is the way this industry works. Rejection, with or without feedback, can send you spiraling down an emotional rollercoaster of thoughts.
Rejection is hard, no matter where it comes from.
It’s something we all experience. Whether it comes from a family member, your spouse, a friend, or a co-worker, rejection happens! And when it occurs, it can range from a slight inconvenience to emotional devastation.
Right now I am finding myself knee-deep in the dredges of many “NOs” and you may be too.
Together, we both should be PRAISING GOD! It seems strange; I know. So how are we supposed to do this?
Fighting the lies
The reality of rejection is real, deep, and can be isolating. It can make you feel less than, not worthy, and unwanted. It can feed your soul tirelessly with toxicity if you let it. This hurt can control every future thought and action.
When we find the complications of life becoming too much, we often push away, paralyzing ourselves. Obsessing over things outside of our control. This self-torment will not get us one step closer to our goal.
The will of God is for us to see His glory in the purpose of our lives. Each day, we have the choice to look at outside circumstances. This choice influences our thoughts, actions, and our spiritual walk. We create plans based on what we see and not on the plans of our invisible God.
God’s word is the key to unlocking the freedom we need. The purpose of our lives is the purpose God instilled in us.
Yielding to the hands of God
The Bible tells us in Romans 8:6 ESV, “For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Storing up God’s word gives us the ability to discover transformation. It influences the ways we think, feel, and act. The Bible is precisely the formulated treatment our bodies need to sustain life.
I am consistently returning to two key scriptures I have penciled in on my daily planner.
Proverbs 16:3–“Commit your work to the Lord, and He will establish your plans.”
Colossians 1:17–“He is before all things and in Him, all things are held together.”
These verses remind me to adjust my approach when I visually choose the wrong mindset. I encourage you to write them down too.
When rejection occurs, we have two choices:
1) to sit in defeat and allow it to change our lifestyle or
2) recognize the freedom Christ gives to our situation.
When we pray for guidance, protection, and God’s will over our lives, He will often steer us in a different direction. God’s plans are much different from our own. When we can acknowledge our faith by pursuing the hope we have in the certainty of Christ, we end up with more than we could ever ask for.
Here is something else to think about.
Jesus was rejected many times as He did the will of His Father (God).
- The Romans rejected Him.
- The Jews despised Him.
- He was rejected by His hometown.
- His brothers even rejected Him.
Though rejection was evident in His life, He did not allow it to define Him. Instead, He continued to love. Spoiler alert– every time Jesus was rejected, God was there!
Jesus knew His identity and, through God, we know ours.
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
What an AMAZING and special description!
We are His children, chosen as His very own, and not the world’s possession.
Today, we need to stop creating “what if” schedules when we get turned down. Instead, we should be surrendering our circumstances to Jesus and staying focused on His word. Our obedience will allow us to see God’s glory first and our circumstances second.
Let’s Pray Together
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank you for sending your son, Jesus, as our greatest example of your love. While He was rejected many times, He continued to show grace and love. Give us the ability to do the same. We ask that your presence be known as we continually work for your glory.
In your precious name, we pray, Jesus–Amen!
When the pain of rejection ignites, the word of God will extinguish its disposition.
Read More on Jen Schreiner
- Embracing Uncertainty – How to Deepen Our Relationship with God
- How to Move Forward When You Feel Stuck
- Recognizing Our True Enemy: A Call to Focus on Faith
- The Power of Godly Friendships – 5 Key Qualities
- Why Isn’t God Answering My Prayers
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