Rejecting Rejection

There are a variety of “don’t likes” in the world, and I suppose some are universal. One universal “don’t like” would be rejection. In fact I don’t think I know anyone who likes rejection. Rejection comes in many forms – rejection of an application; rejection after an interview; rejection by a person; rejection by an organization. I’ve been accepted and I’ve been rejected, both recently enough to inspire this issue of Monday Morning Manna. I prefer rejecting rejection and accepting acceptance. Popular author and speaker, Steve Maraboli says, “Every time I thought I was being rejected from something good, I was actually being re-directed to something better.” I can relate. Plus, when I read the Bible, I feel better about rejection. The Psalmist, perhaps unknowingly spoke of Jesus when he said, “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22). In Acts 4:8-12, Peter identifies the “stone/cornerstone” as Jesus – rejected. Likewise Isaiah prophesied of Jesus, that he would be “despised and rejected by men” (Isaiah 53:3). Jesus said of Himself, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected” (Luke 9:22). Even through the Lord was rejected, the Bible says “the Lord will not reject his people” (I Samuel 12:22, NIV). That’s good news! Colleagues, friends, family members, organizations, even society may reject you, but the Lord will never, ever reject you. So, I’m going to reject rejection this week. How about you?

Join me in praying for the following global requests:
• Pray for the family of Italy missionary, Kyra Karr, who was killed in a traffic accident last Thursday in Georgia. The family had planned to return to Europe on Friday.
• Pray for those who minister to international students. Many of these students are moving into their university housing in the next few days. Initial contacts are significant.
• Pray for Europeans and those who minister among them, as they are confronted daily with bad news about the economic plight of Greece, political upheaval between Ukraine and Russia, ISIS and other terrorist attacks, tragedies and natural disasters.
• Join with Robert, Donna, and others in thirty days of prayer and fasting for the Hokkien speaking people of Asia.