Read 1 Peter 2:4-8

Dear Rejection,

You managed to steal some time in my life that I will never get back.  You ruled my heart in middle school when I didn’t get invited to ‘that party’.  You tore at my identity when I heard adults talking about how bad my parents were.  You even entice me daily when I open social media to a photo of close friends doing things together, knowing I wasn’t invited.  You almost took me to the point of no return when I experienced the ultimate rejection – in the most sacred of relationships.

You will never again have the last say in my life.

Before becoming a Christ follower, I held on tightly to how you saw me.  If I’m honest, you ruled my life.  Surrendering my life to Jesus changed all of that.  Not immediately, but over time, as I spent more and more time with Him.  God’s Word teaches me in 2 Corinthians 5:17 that I am made new in Him.  When I look to Him first, He never fails me.  Where I have failed is each time I resort back to my old ways, instead of turning to the promises in God’s Word, I allow you to have a foothold in my life.

Rejection, you reveal – you clearly show me – what is most important in my life – Is it more important to allow you to steal my joy or to show the world the love I have in Jesus?

Rejection, you refine – God allows you to happen to refine me into something much, much more for His future plans.

Rejection, you can lead to revelation – God knows my future, He holds it in the palm of His beautifully scarred hand.  I believe His plan for me is perfect.  He may take me through some of your darkness to make my light shine even brighter for Him.

Rejection, you are going to happen, as this is a very fallen world.  However, 1 Peter 2:4-8 beautifully explains to me how my reaction to you changes everything.  Peter said it is often the stone that the builders reject that becomes the very thing that God builds up.  I’m clinging to that.  What you meant to harm me, God will use for my good.

Rejection, you do not have the last say in my life.  

Jesus does.