By Pastor Lawson Perdue

I have good news for you: when people count you out, God counts you in. Nobody likes rejection, but we all experience it at some point in our lives. How we react to that rejection determines whether we will be overcomers or defeated. I’m here to tell you that God has a good plan for your life (Jeremiah 29:11), and when you follow His ways, He will turn what the enemy meant for evil into something good (Genesis 50:20).

What Does the Bible Say About Being Rejected?

You can find comfort and answers for dealing with the pain of rejection by looking at what the Bible says about being rejected. The Bible addresses family rejection in Psalm 27:10, “When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take care of me.” When you feel rejected and alone, find comfort that “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’ ” (Hebrews 13:5).

Joseph: Rejected by His Brothers but Used by God

In the Bible, we see that Joseph was rejected but later used by God. Most people have heard about Joseph and his multi-colored coat, but soon after he received that gift from his father, his brothers rejected him and sold him into slavery. Joseph could have been emotionally, mentally, and physically defeated, but he knew God hadn’t rejected him. God had given him a dream that his family would one day bow to him. Joseph’s life shows the power of holding onto a promise from God and trusting that God is faithful. At the right time, Joseph was elevated to second-in-command in Egypt, and God gave him a plan to thrive during the famine and save his family. Yes, the very brothers who had rejected Joseph were saved by him.

Bible Characters Who Overcame Rejection

There are several other bible characters who overcame rejection through their relationship with God. Moses experienced numerous rejections by the Israelites whom he was leading to the Promised Land. Rather than allowing the rejection to derail his mission to lead them to the Promised Land, he turned to God, and they spoke as friends (Exodus 33:11).

Paul was rejected and persecuted by the very religious leaders he had once been part of and had persecuted Christians for. Despite the problems he faced, Paul became an apostle who wrote many of the New Testament books and spread the Gospel, traveling far from Jerusalem.

Lessons from David’s Rejection Before Becoming King

We can learn several lessons from David’s rejection before becoming king. He was initially rejected by his brothers when he went to the battlefield and heard Goliath’s taunts against God (1 Samuel 17:29). Then, after victory over Goliath, he found himself rejected by King Saul, who tried several times to kill him. David chose to give honor to the Lord’s anointed and twice chose not to kill Saul when he had the opportunity (1 Samuel 24:1–7 and 26:5–8). Later in his life, David welcomed Saul’s crippled grandson and cared for him.

Why Was Jesus Rejected by His Own People?

Jesus was rejected by His own people, especially the people from His hometown (Mark 6:4–6). The very people whom Jesus came to save rejected His message and ultimately had him killed. Even though He was rejected by the Jews, as He hung on the cross, He forgave them (Luke 23:34).

Can Rejection Be Part of God’s Plan?

Let’s take a look at how God uses rejection as an opportunity for redirection. I know a thing or two about rejection. My own grandfather had promised that I would inherit the family farm, but when he heard that I wouldn’t commit to farming because God had called me to go to Bible College, he counted me out of the will and gave the farm to another family member. That hurt me personally, but God didn’t count me out! In fact, now that I’m on the other side of that rejection and see all the healings and salvations God has blessed Charis Christian Center with, I am glad that family rejection led to redirection and a better plan—God’s plan for my life and ministry!

How God Uses Rejection for Redirection

I sometimes get asked, “How do I handle rejection as a Christian?” My answer is to remember that the Holy Spirit within you is a Comforter (John 14:26) and will guide you to the Truth (John 16:13). I can’t stay depressed or hurt from rejection when I remember to focus on who I am in Christ; I am accepted, redeemed, loved, adopted, and blessed, just to name a few.

God Has Not Rejected You

My conclusion is simple: God loves you and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on a cross to forgive your sins—don’t reject the free gift of salvation. He hasn’t rejected you, so don’t reject Him. Jesus is Lord!

We have a free gift for you—digital Confession Cards: Healing, Provision, Declarations for My Children, A Prayer Over Our Children, and In Christ Scripture. These cards provide scriptures and affirmations to help you declare God’s truth over your life (www.charischristiancenter.com). While on our website, please check out the sermons and curricula available for free download.

If you would like to receive salvation, call our prayer line (1-719-418-4000) and let someone pray with you. We would love to meet you! Join us on Sundays at 8:30 am and 11:30 am and Wednesdays at 7 pm.