Rejection hurts, especially when it comes from those you are close to. I am learning as a leader that rejection is unavoidable. You can’t make everyone happy.
When I signed up to follow Jesus I hadn’t a clue what was in store for me. But the straighter my walk with God became, the more I got a glimpse into His plans for me. Leadership is part of that plan, among other things.
At the beginning of 2011 God put one word on my heart – truth. I told God I would speak the truth about His Word. I would lead in truth. I would speak truth to the broken. It’s May and so far I have kept good on my word. But I haven’t done so without hitting walls.
If you haven’t figured it out yet, speaking God’s Word isn’t exactly popular amongst everyone. With truth comes rejection. With rejection comes pain. With pain comes dependence on God. With depending on God comes truth in His Word.
All rejection leads back to Him and the promise that if “God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31.
Remember, when you sign up to follow God, you’re signing up for some rough roads. Guess what? It’s all worth it!
How do you handle rejection?
Hi Sundi Jo,
This is so on time for me. I just found out I’m getting laid off from my job with only 1 week of notice. I’m feeling very rejected right now. However, I have drawn closer to God this past week and am thankful for that.
Thanks for putting into words what I’ve been feeling.
Amanda
So sorry to hear about your job. Love that it has drawn you closer to God though. Being completely dependent upon Him pays off. He will provide. He always does. Praying for you.
Thank you for the prayers, yes, I’ve been trying to keep that at the forefront of my mind that I’m not my provider, God is.
Not well! I think being accepted by everyone is something I’ve spend my whole life striving for. It’s exhausting. But being rejected is even harder on me. I just try to remember that they’re not rejecting me, they’re rejecting God and that’s not a place I’d want to be.
Agreed. Life is so much easier when we stop worrying about being rejected. If only it was that easy.
Great honesty Sundi,
Rejection always hurts, but it does bring us into a humble reality, and it does keep us from pride. Me anyway?
I think the trick is to always expect it, once you have had a lot… and too always remain hopeful?
We live in that tension between the now and the not yet… I think healthy community is the only way to live in this tension.
We can’t do it on our own… not possible. What do you think?
Thanks
Geoff
Thanks Geoff. You’re right that it does bring a humble reality. It keeps us in check as leaders for sure. Expecting it but remaining hopeful can be hard, but I would agree with you.
Thanks for sharing!