Rejection can surface in quiet, unexpected ways. I remember serving in a church leadership group where, month after month, our team was never chosen to advance to the next level. Even though we were faithful, consistent, and committed, the pattern stirred up old feelings of being overlooked. In my opinion, those moments can reopen past wounds and revive a fear of inadequacy that never fully disappears.
It reminded me how rejection never really disappears on its own. It waits. It whispers. And if I’m not careful, it shapes how I see myself, others, and even God’s plans for my life.
The enemy knows this very well. He knows that whatever consumes me can begin to control me. He twists rejection into fear, and fear into doubt about whether God really has a good plan at all. That kind of thinking will distort truth if I allow it to stay unchecked.
So I’ve learned I must take that power back and consciously declare that God is in control. When rejection stirs up inside me, here are three truths I hold onto.
1. One rejection is not a prediction of the future
It is important to acknowledge the hurt. Pretending it doesn’t exist only delays healing. But I don’t allow one moment, one failure, or one setback to define what comes next. I refuse to treat it as a permanent label.
Rejection may have already stolen enough from the present. I will not let it steal from the future too. Instead, I choose to replace negative thinking with praise for the God who delivers me.
2. There is often protection hidden inside rejection
This is hard to see when I am in the middle of the pain. But looking back, I can see how God has redirected me more than once for my own good. Doors that slammed shut were actually doors that led to harm or limitation.
In His mercy, He has allowed some things to fall apart so that better things could be built. Sometimes rejection is not punishment. Sometimes it is protection.
3. This is a setback, not a life sentence
The emotions that feel overwhelming right now will not last forever. They will ease as long as I allow truth to lead instead of fear. If I give rejection the power to define me, it will haunt me for years. But if I only allow it enough power to refine me, then healing will come.
I don’t have to fully understand every circumstance. I only have to trust the One who is bigger than all of them.
On that day in the restaurant, the news ended in relief and joy. But I also know that tomorrow may bring something harder. That is the reality of life. Rejection and trouble will sometimes find me again. But God does not only rescue me from some of my troubles. He promises to deliver me from them all.
And that truth is enough to make me say a big, grateful Amen.
Prayer
Father God, I do not understand every situation I face, but I do know that You are good. Help me replace the fears that try to consume me with Your truth. I know You love me. I know You are for me. And I choose to trust You with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Attribution: Inspired by the chapter “Three Things You Must Remember When Rejected” from Embraced by Lysa TerKeurst.