Wilt Thou pursue thy worm to death?
'Tis in this way' The Lord replied
'I answer prayer for grace and faith'" -John Newton
The most difficult moment of rejection went something like this. I was sitting at a table next to the person who I have cried so many tears over and prayed so much for. When he reached across me to fist pump another guy in agreement to the lack of single women to date. All I could think at that moment, was, “Um, I am right here. Can’t you see?” Nonetheless, as I said, I am not to his tastes. I can’t possibly imagine why he doesn’t think we could work or understand fully why God has given me this thorn, but I thank God for all he has used it to accomplish in me.
This continual rejection is painful, true, but in does not compare to the rejection Christ experienced. I am friends with the man, but I do not have any sort of deep close friendship as Jesus had with his disciples. Jesus spent three years with his disciples, but not just casually, they spent those years traveling from place to place. Any one who has traveled some, knows how quickly you bond with those you are with and how deep those friendships can grow. Yet, despite all Christ did for them. Despite all the time they listened to him teach. Despite, agreeing that he was God; they all deserted him. Not only that, but Judas betrayed him and Peter denied him three times. And yet, even now, he is rejected. Many are called, called to come to Christ, but many harden their hearts against him and turn away. He is not to their tastes and therefore not worth their time. His rejection is not only continual, but on a massive scale that we couldn’t possibly comprehend. When he is rejected the end of the person is destruction; their rejection leads them to where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth. For this reason Jesus wept over Jerusalem. For this reason he so passionately opposed the Pharisees and calls people to repentance. For this reason his rejection is unlike any rejection we will ever feel.
To get to the point; for us to be rejected is nothing. Many fear rejection, but it is simply another way we get to share in the sufferings of Christ and more fully rely on him. It doesn't mean it doesn’t hurt or God doesn’t care, rather it is an opportunity to take captive our thoughts and remember Christ’s rejection. To remember eternity and the commission that Christ has given to us to make disciples. If you can relate to my experience my advice to you is to do these very things. It has never gone well for me when I fail to see things in light of the cross and in light of eternity. To make a great deal of my pain only leads me to my own pity party and away from Christ and the call he has placed on my life. Our chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever and that can be done even in the midst of rejection. It is only when I do take captive my thoughts, fix my eyes on Christ, and not wallow in my own pain that I find joy and peace.
I implore you to not desert Christ in the midst of suffering, but to fix your eyes on him. Whatever the pain, whatever the reason for it, seek first his kingdom and find the peace you so desperately long for. Remember, how quickly feelings and circumstances can change and hope in the Lord. Bless His great name for he is good, always. Take captive your thoughts so that you do not drown in a sea of emotions and fears. Most importantly remember the sacrifice Jesus made for you in atonement for your sins on the cross. Be awed by his sacrifice and see how quickly everything else grows strangely dim. Love Christ because he first loved you.
I pray, my friend, that this might encourage you. That you might see the good hand of God and the strength of the Lord that is given to his children. I pray the you may set your heart and mind on the things above and that our Father may grant you peace in all ways at all times. May the joy of the Lord be your strength and you stand firm in the faith, even as it is purified like gold through his refiner’s fire. “Now may our God and Father, and our Lord Jesus, … establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all saints”