"The devil will always try to use rejection to keep us from moving forward."
That's what a Joyce Meyer Ministries post at Facebook stated this morning and this is how one woman commented:
"I think rejection is God's protection. If someone rejects me, it's
because God is protecting me from them. That's just how I see it."
Wow, I love the clarity and truth of that. I immediately recalled the various friends and relatives who've rejected me, said adios forever, and nearly all were negative, critical, pessimistic Christians and do I really want that kind of influence?
Uh, no.
Do you know what the name, 'Debra', means? It means this:
"Bee: seeker of the sweet in Life."
And in one place I read, "People with this name tend to be creative and excellent at expressing themselves. They are drawn to the arts, and often enjoy life immensely."
So honestly, this Debra, especially, doesn't have time for the people-haters, the rigid, the no-fun-look-on-the-dark-side-non-changers. Why risk absorbing all that poison? And why become upset when a hater rejects me? God is only doing me a favor, making certain nothing hinders me from carrying out His specific purpose and helping me live this vital verse:
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it." ... Proverbs 4:23
So today I'm thanking God for helping me guard my heart and for his protection, even when it felt more like grief. If my times are truly in His hands--if I've honestly given every part of myself to Him--I'll remember that He knows best...
... and I'll be at peace with His ways, even when they're not exactly mine.
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I have often thought this too, but this phrasing is great. And thanks for reminding me of it. I was a little "rejected" at work last week and this is a good reminder to apply this to that experience.
ReplyDeleteLove this, Debra. Joyce in TX.
ReplyDeleteBonnie--I'm so glad this was timely for you! I've been meaning to email you to thank you for all your positive, encouraging comments here, many of which make my day and make me smile. Thanks so much--really!
ReplyDeleteJoyce--thanks for letting me know... I think I'll email you soon and be annoying by asking for some new photos of your house. You know how much I love that sort of thing! :)
Thanks again, Ladies! Blessings, Debra
Tis so true...whatever happens is for our best...later, if not sooner. I like to remember what Joseph told his brothers: "YOU meant it to me for evil, but GOD meant it for GOOD!!" Just a couple weeks ago we got a "write off" letter from a relative...we did nothing wrong...but he based his rejection upon what we believe, most of which we have not spoken to him about...he assumes. Well, we know the main one behind the letter: his wife. We understand. We are taking this as a blessing of some sort.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth in WA
Oh my goodness! So perfect!
ReplyDelete