From The Crucible (by Pastor Linda Pugsley)

So many people are caught up in the painful response to rejection – from poor or lacking parental love, by a mate, among friends at school or work, etc. Rejection comes in many forms and starts very soon upon our entrance onto this planet. The brokenness of the human nature, passed down after Adam’s rejection of God and eventual separation from Him, is a recurring “soul cancer” in society.

In response to rejection, some people turn inward, become awkward and isolated and develop anti-social behavior. Others turn to life’s handy anesthesia (sex, alcohol and drugs) to numb their pain. All alone, cursing God, shaking a fist at the One they think is an unfeeling elitist who is way off in the comforts of heaven.

Oh, how wrong they are! God does know rejection. Jesus’ life was defined by rejection! Just think of it…His neighbors scoffed at Him, His family wondered about His sanity, His closest friend betrayed Him, and a screaming mob of fellow Jews traded Him off for a criminal! Isaiah tells us He was, “Despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering.”

Jesus didn’t run from rejection…He let God the Father embrace Him when He felt abandoned, love Him when He felt the sting of hatred, and comfort Him when He felt betrayed. And you can do the same. Let God cover you with His mantle of protection and safety from the rejections in this world. Don’t turn to pain-numbing, problem-increasing methods. Turn to God, in Christ, Who knows your pain and will stay there with you through it all. Endure the fire…it’s producing pure gold!

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