Overcoming Rejection

Have you ever felt rejected to the point where you have found it difficult to move forward? There are times in life where we will all experience rejection whether it be through losing a job, a relationship breakdown, growing up with absent parents among a number of other things. Rejection can be defined as dismissing or refusing someone or something. The results can be very painful. That is why it is important to deal with it in a way that propels us to keep going forward so that we can walk in our God-given purpose.

The Impact of Rejection

Rejection can penetrate deep into our souls, and in some cases, start to define us. This is usually because rejection attacks the person that we are.

My earliest memory of rejection was growing up without my father. This absence led to intense feelings of rejection and abandonment which took a toll on my life throughout childhood, adolescence and even adulthood. For many females who grow up without a father figure, certainly in my case, can begin to place our value in how the opposite sex sees us, leading us to form unhealthy relationships. I found that the more I felt rejected, the more I desired these unhealthy relationships. Rejection can breed so many other negative emotions and behaviours inside of us, including, anger, bitterness, insecurity, pride, fear, anxiety, depression, promiscuity, jealousy and people pleasing to name a few. As you can see, it can play a major part in our lives, what shapes us, the beliefs we have of ourselves and can go as far as altering our personalities.

Jesus, The Stone That Was Rejected

“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone.”‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭118:22‬ ‭

The Bible tells us that Jesus was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah‬ ‭53:3)‬. This without a doubt would have been hard, however He knew that God had a calling on His life and did not give up despite how others treated Him. By His sacrifice on the cross, He redeemed us from the pain of not being accepted by taking it upon Himself. He died so that we could have life and have it more abundantly (John 10:10).

Re-direction

I remember in 2015 applying for a Social Work job. I made it to the interview having passed the application process and written exercise, however I did not end up getting the job. Was I upset? Yes. However God really did bless me and has gone over and beyond with this current job that I am in. Many times rejection can re-direct us to something better. We may not understand why we are being rejected, but we can trust that God will work out everything for our good (Romans 8:28).

“…No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”‭‭ ‭‬‬

Psalms‬ ‭84:11‬

God will never withhold anything good from His daughters. He is Omniscient and knows the beginning from the end. He knows exactly what we need and when we need it. This is why when things do not work out the way that we’ve intended them to, we can trust that God still has a good plan for us.

Gods Protection

As well as re-direction, God can use rejection to protect us from things that may be harmful for us or things that are counterproductive to our spiritual journey. He knows when we are too stubborn to let go, so what does He do? He ends it! Whilst we can only see rejection and the negative emotions it brings, God can see things for what they really are and intercedes on our behalf. That is how much He loves us.

God also promises that He will take care of those who have been rejected or abandoned.

“He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing.”‭‭

Deuteronomy‬ ‭10:18‬ ‭

Here are some steps that I have found helpful to overcome rejection:

1. Putting God First

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”‭‭

Matthew‬ ‭6:33

The Bible tells us that when we put God first, everything else will fall into place. When we have experienced rejection we need to realign our focus back to Him. We can do this by seeking Him through His word. I have also found prayer and fasting helpful, especially when the rejection has become a stronghold.

2. Focusing On Who God Says I am

“I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.”‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭139:14

God declares that you are fearfully and wonderfully made, this is not just in the good times but during rough seasons too. The love that we have for ourselves should not be conditional because Gods love for us is not conditional. He created us so intricately and knew us before we even came into this world. He also paid the ultimate price so that we may live an abundant life, one that is free from feeling rejected. When we get this revelation we will be able to see clearly how valuable we are to Him. Beautiful woman, you have so much worth and God loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3).

3. Knowing That God Has Accepted Me

Gods word promises that He will never leave or forsake us. Gods Word never lies and fortunately for us, He never changes His mind.

“Just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.”‭‭

Ephesians‬ ‭1:4-6‬ ‭

4. Being Reminded That God Has A Special Plan For My Life

Be intentional about extending kindness to yourself. The enemy sows seeds of doubt, however God is for you and He wants you to be reminded that He has a plan for your life that will exceed your expectations.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”‭‭

Jeremiah‬ ‭29:11‬

‭‬‬5. Allowing God To Heal Me

When I have felt rejected, I have found that acknowledging my emotions and sharing the hurt with God helps. God wants us to be vulnerable with Him. I also find that journalling helps, especially when I can’t express the words vocally.

If you are experiencing feelings of rejection, God is wanting you to cast your cares onto Him because He really does care for you and He will surely sustain you.

“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”‭‭

Psalms‬ ‭55:22

In ending this blog post I want to remind you that God loves you and wants to set you free from the bondage of rejection. He also wants to move you into a life of acceptance in Him.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”‭‭

John‬ ‭8:36‬ ‭

I hope this blog post has blessed and encouraged you. Please show some love by leaving a comment, like and sharing if this post resonated with your heart. I would also like to hear your views and experiences of how you overcame rejection or if this is still a process for you.

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With love,
Nkay xoxo