Rejection is a gift

It's all a matter of perspective.

Rejection can either be a crippling fear that causes people to run from the very things they dream of, or it can be a gift from God. But it cannot be both.

A majority of those who will read this blog post will connect with the notion that rejection (whether from people, a job interview, a sports team try-out, a home or car loan...I could go on) isn't only an initial fear that begins in the mind when the rubber is forced to meet the road; but would also testify to it's ability to breed a depression-like comatose disposition that prevents one from ever attempting to "try-try-again".

It begins when as a child, we discover a hidden talent and someone who adores us, encourages our gift and drops the first hint that we should "try-out" or "apply for" some organized group that cultivates said talent and/or encourages healthy competition around it. This same series of events occurs in early adulthood when we venture out for a job or fall in love and again later in adulthood when we attempt to invest in property.

Then the inevitable happens; pride is crushed when the door slams shut in our face. When our name doesn't occur on the list, we get the call that says someone else was chosen, when he or she says we just aren't what they were looking for or when the person behind the desk says we were denied. Sometimes these slammed doors come as a complete surprise, but for anyone who has been living for some time, it might have been such a repetitive habit, that the slammed door is anticipated.

If half of us were completely honest, we'd agree that after so many closed doors, we tend to not get our hopes up (despite the encouragement from our friends and loved ones) because we've become so accustomed to the cycle, that we believe it's our fate in life.

But again, this is only one vantage point (although it can be the most prominent one). If you've found yourself in any of the aforementioned scenarios, but also consider yourself a Believer, I'd like to submit another vantage point around rejection. The twelfth chapter of Romans challenges us to adopt a different mindset around the natural occurrences that happen in our fallen world.

So consider this:

• If Joseph hadn't been rejected by his brothers, he would have never ended up in the palace serving Pharaoh and eventually overseer of the land. 
• If Ruth hadn't faced initial rejection by her mother-in-law (Naomi who encouraged her to go the easy route), she would have never crossed paths with Boaz (who would later marry her and redeem her family). 
• If David hadn't been rejected (numerous times) by Saul, he would have never had a chance to trust God would make him King (in His own timing).

These are only a few instances of rejection in the Old Testament. Ironically, each of these persons not only faced rejection but these same rejection-based stories contributed to the lineage of Jesus. 

Now, with that in mind, consider that rejection can be a part of the divine purpose and will of God. 

• It can be that the closed door is the very protection He provides to shield us from self-destruction. 
• It can be that the closed door helps us see an open door that we might not have otherwise seen.
• It can be that the closed door gives us a chance to humble ourselves and seek His face.

In this respect, the closed door (rejection) is a gift!

What we cannot deny is the truth of God's promises. That He gives "good gifts" to His children; that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly; and that He provides the desires of the heart that delights in Him [Matthew 7:11; Psalm 84:11; Psalm 37:4]. All of these promises are 'yea, and amen' (ie: true) regardless of rejection (or in light of).

So my charge to you is when the dark cloud of post-rejection depression moves in to dump its torrential rains on your disposition, submerge your mind in the refreshing downpour of God's truths that come from a heart that cares for you. Though our natural inclination is to submit to the natural feelings that accompany rejection, we must fight against the enemy's tactic and believe, instead, the report of the Lord (even if He hasn't shown the full report to you as of yet).