Rejection

 

We all relish congratulatory emails, messages, and speeches, basking in the sense of acceptance and joy that elevates us to cloud nine. The excitement makes us squeal, jump, and shout to express our inner feelings. On the flip side, the feeling of rejection is quite the opposite. It hurts to be turned away by our favourite person, a prestigious company, a highly esteemed college, or even our dear family.

REJECTION, in essence, is not being chosen, being turned away, or not being accepted. I  experienced rejection as an applicant for the Rise program 2022. Despite putting in my best efforts, sacrificing time and conducting rigorous research, I received their rejection email. The message stated that I was a very good candidate but didn't make it to the winners' list. This rejection left me heartbroken and questioning my every move in the application process. 

Did I not do well enough? Was I not worthy of being chosen as a winner? Was my passion and determination lacking? 

At that moment, I felt rejected by the entire Rise team and questioned my worthiness for the position. Despite their encouraging words, my mind fixated on the fact that I didn't make the cut. 

Dear Friend, the truth is, you won't be accepted by everyone or every process in life. However, your attitude toward rejection is crucial. One of the greatest freedoms you'll ever experience is freeing yourself from man's opinion. Don't define your life based on others' opinions and judgments. External reactions and conclusions don't validate who you are. You are unapologetically who God says you are, regardless of any perceived shortcomings.

So, every time you face rejection, rest assured that something greater and better awaits you. There's always room for improvement, growth, and addressing areas where you may fall short. However, never mistake rejection as a sign that something is fundamentally wrong with you and your existence.

HOW TO OVERCOME REJECTION?

Overcoming the feeling of rejection involves applying three principles, especially as a believer, teen, or youth. These principles helped me quickly brush off the feeling of rejection when I received that email.

1. Choose Your Response: Responses to rejection can be positive or negative. Negative responses include self-pity, judgmental thoughts, self-hatred, bitterness, and unforgiveness. As believers, choosing positive responses involves embracing the truth that "all things, both good and bad, work together for our good" (Romans 8:28). Every rejection is an opportunity for improvement and a setup for something better. Choose to give thanks, talk to God about your pain, and positively respond to rejections.

2. Know Your Worth: A temporary experience of rejection is not a validation of worthlessness. Recognize that being refused somewhere is an indication that something better awaits you elsewhere. You are who God says you are—a treasure of inestimable value. Refusal doesn't diminish your worth. Value yourself and believe in your inherent worth.

3. Pinpoint Where You Went Wrong: While the opinions of others don't define your worth, there is always room for improvement and growth. Use rejection as an opportunity to pinpoint areas where you can improve. Work on yourself and address any deficiencies. Don't let rejection define you, but let it inspire personal growth.

4. Know God's Love: The ultimate cure for rejection is knowing the unchanging and unwavering love your Heavenly Father has for you. Human love can change, and promises may come with variables, but God's love is constant and unfailing. Rejection often stems from false expectations, so set realistic expectations for human relationships. Don't place people on pedestals meant for God. Expect less from people, and you'll experience fewer disappointments.

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