Expecting to be Rejected

The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; Psalm 118:22

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. John 15:18-20

Over the past two weeks, it has stuck me that Jesus came to the world knowing He would be rejected. He knew He was the “cornerstone”. Yet He also knew the world was going to hate Him, oppress Him, afflict Him, persecute Him, and slaughter Him. Still He came. He still LOVES us.

God allowed us to slaughter Him without a word. God allows us to hate Him even today.

Jeremy and I have been warned that the Digo people aren’t the friendliest. They will be your friend one day and turn their back to you the next day. We are going expecting to be rejected. It is very hard to walk into a situation knowing this will happen. As Americans, this goes against our nature. We don’t play unless we know we will win. We don’t try unless we will succeed. We don’t ask unless we know there will be a positive response. We shy away from rejection. Being very shy myself, it brings me to tears thinking about being rejected. I don’t want to be rejected.

Yet this is where God is leading. I have been rejected in the past two years even in the past two months. WHY? Because God says “I have chosen you out of the world.” My walk with the Lord doesn’t seem to get easier over the years. It is getting more difficult. Many times I have wanted to quit and go back to my “easier” life. What compels me? The love God has for me. The desire to obey the One who loves me completely when the world hates me and rejects me.

I want to encourage you to consider starting a conversation not knowing the response, go and knock on a door not knowing if it will be slammed in your face, or try to befriend someone you consider different. TRY. Unless you try, you won’t know what God has in-store for you. Yes, you will be rejected at some doors in life but keep trying. God has placed desires, passions and even hardships in your life that He wants to use for HIS glory. Are you willing to follow and obey even if rejection comes?

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Jesus answered them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” John 2:19

Christ was crucified. Easter morning came. Death defeated. He is ALIVE today!!!