“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” Psalm 118:22
Being considered as not acceptable causes a variety of levels of inner pain. Initially, the pain of rejection may be paralyzing. We find ourselves unable to move psychologically as well as physically. No one naturally receives the news of being told directly or indirectly,“You don’t measure up to what is desired”. Perhaps it’s the dream job position, once again you have been overlooked after working at the company for fifteen years. Could it be the denial of a mortgage for the “forever” home you finally found or someone made a better offer? Many will agree unrequited love is a rejection in a class by itself. Even loss can be perceived as a form rejection, such as loss of a job or custody of children. For the most part, we all will encounter the unwelcoming experience of pain from some form of rejection. Rejection causes many to fall to their knees in despair. In some scenarios, rejection creates an atmosphere in which unwise choices are made that in favorable circumstances these decisions would have been avoided. Rejection viewed away from God’s counsel diminishes one’s self-worth and lowers our self-esteem. It’s the wrong response to rejection which robs us of our present and future. However, when our outlook is grounded in God’s view towards us, our overall perspective to rejection can aid us in the recovery from the pain.
Our next steps after nonacceptance defines how we see ourselves in the face of rejection. Will we crumble under the weight of another’s opinion of us or continue to stand based on what God says about us? Regardless of the source of rejection or the type, if we do not validate it as the final word in a particular matter or the ultimate authority, we can gracefully move forward despite the pain. We may be limping because of the hurt. Nevertheless, the decision to walk and eventually run again belongs solely to us. Psalms 118:22 teaches the lesson though we are rejected by the world, God’s thoughts pertaining to us overrides any rejection. We only need to be determined to allow what God says overshadow the opinion of others. Knowing God’s perspective requires us to spend time in studying His Word along with frequent time in God’s presence to discover intrinsic qualities given to carry out His will through our lives. As God’s creation, we are undeniable a work of wonder. As we daily renew our minds by the aid of the God’s Spirit, we are able to realize who we are because of whose we are. This knowledge strengthens us to thrive despite past rejection, current rejection and the experiences up the road.
“I will praise You, forI am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works,” Psalm 139:14
“By the grace of God and the assurance of His love, rejection is never personally accepted but always overcomed”_ASA
Chronicles of ASA 