Seven Steps to Healing-Step Four: Dealing With Rejection

By Pastor Steve Reeves 

Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his sons since he was a child of his old age, and he made him a fine woolen tunic. His brothers saw that it was he whom their father loved most of all his brothers so they hated him and could not speak to him peaceably.” Genesis 37:3-4.

Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery.  They hated him. They rejected him.  Oh, how rejection stings.  It hurts.  In some form or fashion, we all have experienced rejection and felt the effects that it brings. Rejection is a part of life that affects each of us at some point and it's not limited to only one instance.  

I can recall when I was rejected for a promotion.  I believed with all my heart I deserved it and was qualified for it, and yet, another person was given the position.  I felt God had let me down.  One day in prayer, I reminded God I was His and I had served Him with all my heart and soul. I called God out and reminded Him of His Word: “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee; ask and it shall be given; you have not because you ask not...do you believe?”  After this articulated prayer, I remained silent for a moment and I heard clearly the voice of God speaking to me. He said: “It is not your time.” It still left me angry but I accepted His Word.  I went into my boss' office the next day and expressed my disappointment and how I felt I was treated unfairly.  My boss said “Steve, it is not your time.”

This was confirmation of what God had already spoken in my spirit.  With this I was settled in, knowing I was in the will of God. The following year, I was asked to interview and didn't have to apply for the job.  It was my time and I was given the job.  I had to come into alignment with the part of rejection that can destroy a person: Hatred.  I dealt with it by acting peaceably with even those who didn't select me and the following year, I was selected for a promotion. I knew I was “the head and not the tail,” and I also knew God has a set time for everything.   

How do you deal with rejection?  Deal with it peaceably and don't allow hatred or bitterness to come into your life.  When they come into your life, they don't come alone, they bring sickness, and all sorts of illnesses.  Set your mind free and know God has the best plans for your life.  

Shalom