This post has been revised and is part of Frank’s new book, Hang On, Let Go: What to Do When Your Dreams Are Shattered and Life Is Falling Apart.
Frank Viola | Beyond Evangelical
Official Blog of Author & Speaker Frank Viola. Digging below the surface and moving beyond the shallows in today's Christianity.
Reframing Rejection
The Gospel of the Kingdom is Now Hate Speech
Thank you so much for the article, that is spot on! It is a part of our maturing process, to handle rejection in a Christlike manner. Not to scream and complain like a Child! I am learning… from transitioning from being a man pleaser, attention seeker and trying to earn love – to living outside of the institutional Church, and experiencing “rejection” and misunderstanding from other believers including close relatives sometimes cut like knives. But it draws me closer to Christ and His love and acceptance, and I have even experienced what you write, that he opens new doors (often meaning other people).
That is something I’ve been told over the years, but have terrible difficulty with it. I guess that when it comes to handling rejection, i pretty much suck at it. So, because of that, I bawl my eyes out, and cry out to God over it of it, and have to really trust God over it. And much of that is a huge battle.
The kind of questions I ask are: What have I done, what can I do to fix it, and etc. And when I’m told “nothing,” I’m left standing feeling totally numb and dumb founded with having a sense of uselessness. And I can honestly say that this is definitely not much fun.
The hurt that goes with it is totally unreal, and wish i wasn’t here.
At one time not so long ago, I experienced a rejection that was so bad, that I questioned God over it, and wanted to pack it in and throw away being a Christian. But the voice of the Holy Spirit, as it were, just simply said, “What is there that is better than what God has given you?” And to be honest, the answer was, “nothing.” So, I had to come a the place of acceptance (which was really hard), and just put my life in His hands.
Blessings,
Stephen
My own personal situation regarding my immigration status, I have been waiting three years, however, I gave this over to the Lord way back at the beginning, what I have in return is a real peace that passes all understanding and the knowledge that God has something amazing for me yet to come.
Ref Acts 16:6-10. First Paul was “rejected” by the Holy Spirit from going into the province of Asia. So Paul kept moving west. Next he was “rejected” by the Holy Spirit from going into the province of Bithynia. So again Paul kept moving west. Eventually he reached the coastal town of Troas where he had the vision of the Macedonian calling him to come over. When he did, Paul established the first Christian church on the European continent in Philippi. The key was to keep moving. It’s like the old metaphor of sitting in a boat. If you just sit still, the rudder won’t do anything for you, but if you keep moving, the rudder can guide you to your destination.
Thanks Frank, I love to read these short articles you write from personal experience.
This one speaks to my wife and I so clearly about such matters we are currently facing.
I believe the Lord is teaching us His ways in the very scripture you shared, Hebrews 10:9. I like the way you opened up this scripture in the article through what the Lord taught you in finding a publisher for your book Insurgence. It’s a wonderful reminder of God’s great goodness.
An encouraging and timely message in a nutshell.
“A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11
Hi Frank, all,
Thanks for the insightful words brother….
We have been seeing this theme of rejection quite often, first in Genesis with Joseph and now in Exodus in the life of Moses.
Moses is first rejected by his brethren when trying to help settle a physical altercation and ends up fleeing Egypt only to return 40 years later to lead the children of Israel out of bondage. But only after the Lord has reshaped him into a vessel ready, and fit for His use to accomplish His purpose.
This all leads us to our Lord Jesus, rejected by his brethren and ultimately crucified, but resurrected and accepted by His Father who now accepts us on his behalf.
God bless,
Bud……..
Very encouraging word there, Frank.
The last story about the candy bar reminded me of my earthly Dad so much.
He was a great father, like our Lord.
Great article brother. Very helpful. I encounter rejection every day on the job. I will seek to understand that God has a purpose in it.
This was great and right on time! Receive rejection as a Gift. Awesome
Great examples of what it means to walk in trust, to abide in our Lord Jesus. Thanks for your encouraging words Frank!