Article

Rejected to accepted

We’re made to face rejection. That’s a weird thought right? Often rejection is what we fear the most, concealed behind our desire to fit in, keep up with the latest trends and be accepted by those around us. This fear can become so great it starts to alter our behaviour, our actions and even our relationship with Christ. But what if I told you, just like Him, we’re called to be rejected. 

As followers of Jesus, we’re called to stir things up, to go against the norm, to be change makers and to be gospel bringers. Facing rejection, looking a little bit silly and not following the crowd are all key parts of this. If we’re not facing rejection, then maybe we’re not pushing ourselves enough to be the game changing body of Christ He has both made and called us to be.

It’s not the rejection that defines us, far from it, it’s what we choose to do in the face of it.

If we’re not facing rejection, then maybe we’re not pushing ourselves enough to be the game changing body of Christ He has both made and called us to be.

It’s these times when we’re pushed that we test our faith and step it up a gear. Rejection can be the catalyst for greatness. If we didn’t face struggles we wouldn’t be growing, relying and delving deeper into our relationship with Christ. We all experience it at some point, some more than others, but no matter the type of rejection you’re going through, use it as a chance to grow, a chance to stand out and a chance to thrive alongside Jesus.

Throughout Acts Paul is seen to face rejection a number of times, but it’s also here we’re shown the valuable lesson that it’s not simply them versus us, its Jesus facing the same rejection alongside us. Rejection can be a lonely time, but if we focus on the fact He is there with us in all things, that He is with us wherever we go and whatever we face, this feeling of loneliness then amounts to very little.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9

I’m not going to sugar coat it. Rejection can and will be tough. But we need to be aware of it, expect it and most importantly, look to Christ when we’re in a season of it. Rather than facing rejection and allowing it to define us, the words in Joshua 1:9 held close to our hearts, our sights set firmly on Jesus and our feet directed by the Holy Spirit, we need to run into it, fuelled and equipped by Christ to use it as a catalyst for greatness.

Don’t focus on the fact you’re being rejected, focus on the truth that through Him we’re accepted.

For many across the world, including the persecuted Church, rejection is a huge part of everyday life. Pray that every follower of Christ facing rejection can root themselves firmly in Him, find safety and refuge in His love and have their footsteps directed by the Holy Spirit. That we don’t fear rejection but we see it as a catalyst, a game changer and a chance to thrive.