The Sting of Rejection: God’s Tool for Redirection

Have you ever experienced rejection?  If you are like most people, then I am sure you have.  I certainly have.  It can be extremely difficult to handle.  What exactly is rejection and why does it sting so badly?  Rejection is basically when we are not selected, but we feel we should have been.  I believe rejection stings so badly because it is so very personal. 

It immediately makes you feel like you are not good enough.

It leaves you wondering, what is wrong with me?

It you have ever tried out for a team and made it, you know exactly what I am talking about.  What about that time you applied for the job you just knew you were qualified for, but someone else was hired?  Maybe you were madly in love with someone, but your relationship ended suddenly when they chose someone else over you.  Perhaps, your manuscript, article, album, design, or project was turned down.  But…you tried your best, gave it your all, put forth your very best product, and it was just not enough.  Ouch! 

Rejection can rob us of our joy and creativity if we aren’t careful. 

Rejection has a way of bulldozing into our hearts and awakening our insecurities. 

The good news is that we are not alone!  We have all been there, but most importantly, our loving Savior Jesus empathizes with each of us.  Matthew 21:42 (ESV) reads Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:  “‘the stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?  Jesus was referring to Himself as the stone the builders rejected. 

Let me explain.  In ancient times, when large, stone structures were built, it was the responsibility of the builders to select which stones would be used.  The builders rejected the stones that they felt were not good enough to be used for certain parts of the building.  The Jewish leaders (builders) refused to accept that Jesus is the Messiah; they wanted nothing to do with Him (stones they rejected).  Ouch!  

Do you see the connection?  Every person that rejected, overlooked, ignored, or misunderstood you all represent the builders.  That is not even the best part.  It goes on to say that the stone became the cornerstone!  The cornerstone was the most important and foundational part of the building.  Without the cornerstone, the building would not align or maintain the structure.  How in the world did Jesus go from the stone they rejected to being the foundational piece?  Well, that is how the Resurrection power of Jesus works! 

Dear Friend, don’t you know that the same Resurrection power is working on the inside of each of us that have accepted Jesus into our lives as Lord and Savior?!

So, you see, it does not matter what people think.  It does not matter that we did not make the team, get the job, get the guy/girl or even have our product selected.  God has the power to redeem!  You may be the stone that was rejected today, but a necessary component to that very thing tomorrow. 

The other amazing thing about experiencing rejection is that often times it is God’s way of redirecting us.  Sometimes, we need a little nudge to walk away from people and situations and rejection always seems to do the trick.  We are forced to stop and consider that maybe God did not want that for our lives.  Maybe God needs to narrow our focus, or broaden our perspectives.  Perhaps, you have the right idea, just the wrong people to make it happen.  Maybe your manuscript is great, just for a different audience.  Could it be that the world just cannot see all that you have to offer?  It happens.  Do not get discouraged.  It happens to the best of us.  It happened to Jesus.  Matthew 21:42 ends by saying it was the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes.  I believe God is going to fulfill everything He has placed in your heart and when He does you will only have one thing to say… it was the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in my eyes!  Let Him heal your soul!

Healing from rejection requires time spent with our Father.  Click here to get my free eBook, 7 Beneficial Ways to Cultivate a Deeper Relationship with God, and begin receiving all that God has for you. 

To check out more from Shayla, visit www.ShaylaHilton.com.

Your Sister in Christ,

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we thank you for this day.  We thank you that Jesus shares in our feelings of rejection.  We are so grateful that no matter what the world says or thinks, we are not rejected by You.  We bless you in advance for the marvelous things you are going to do through our lives.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.