What is your biggest dream? Maybe it's to see all the National Parks in the world, or win the lottery? For others of you, maybe it's to finally meet that special someone, have kids, and live happily ever after? Or maybe, your biggest dreams are yet to be envisioned. You're a daydreamer and long to accomplish things this world says are impossible. No matter the dream, what happens when you face setbacks, opposition, and disappointment? What happens when God says 'no'?
Rejection in the 21st century often feels like a failure. Let's be real. It doesn't feel good, and you can't help but wonder what you did wrong and what's wrong with you. The reality is that sometimes rejection can actually be divine protection, even if it doesn't feel that way at the time. We all struggle with rejection in some way, shape, or form. It hits hard because we yearn for control, affirmation, and a sense of belonging.
Joseph, David, and Paul all knew this well, each facing their own 'no' until God said it was time. Joseph was told that he would be king, but then faced imprisonment and years of defeat and delay. David wanted to build a temple for the Lord, but was told his son would do it instead. Paul asked God to take away His thorn in the flesh, but God said, "No, my grace is sufficient."
Like these three men, facing rejection gives us a choice: We can throw in the towel in defeat, or learn to reframe disappointment as God's redirection toward something better. Joseph and his family were restored. David's son Solomon went on to build a great Temple. Paul learned perseverance and became one of the greatest forefathers of faith. Because the 'no' wasn't the end—it was an invitation to trust God's timing and greater plans.
If you're facing rejection today, here are three ways to see it as a redirection.
1. Rejection Protects What You Can't See
I know how rejection can make you question your worth, identity, and decisions. Jesus faced this, too. He followed God's Will, and yet this included having Him die on a cross for our sins. Thankfully, though we plan our steps, God is the one who leads, guides, and directs them (Proverbs 16:9). And you know what? I praise God for all the things that didn't turn out the way I planned. Why? Because His ways are always better. There's a reason, even if I can't see it yet or never will.
I want to be clear that rejection sucks, no matter what light you put it under. There will be a sting and a period of mourning. But refuse to stay in this place. Because sometimes, God's 'no' is mercy and goodness in disguise. It doesn't mean your hopes and dreams will never happen, but that there's a reason why they shouldn't happen right now.
As human beings, with limited insight and knowledge, we only see the closed door. But God sees the entire pathway past that door. When something falls through, whether it's a job, a relationship, a dream, or a publisher, I want you to be reassured that it's not a punishment or a failure. It might just be protection from what you cannot see.
When I'm discouraged, I recite Psalm 84:11 over and over again, and I pray it comforts you now in whatever setbacks or disappointments you're walking through:
“The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right" (Psalm 84:11).
Rejection is less about us and more about love from a Father who says 'no' or 'not yet' because He has His best in store.
2. Rejection Refines Your Calling
Though it doesn't take away the initial sting of rejection, learning to see it as refinement can help. It sounds simple, but every 'no' or 'not yet' makes room for what we're called to say 'yes' to. While this often causes strife, confusion, and pain, it ultimately pushes us to dig deep roots as we ask the Lord to lead and guide us where He would have us to go. Rejection as refinement strengthens our message, our character, and our purpose. It fosters resilience, perseverance, and endurance, and helps us remember why we initially pursued something.
Friends, rejection is not the end of the story, but it will be if you allow it to define you. Instead of seeing rejection as failure, see it as part of your stepping stones in the journey of your training. Think about Joseph, David, and Paul, yet again. Joseph was in a literal pit. His brothers were jealous and wanted to kill him. David experienced many seasons of wilderness and waiting. Then, when God gave him a dream, he was told his son would do it instead. Paul was zealous for Christ, but landed himself in prison too many times to count. For each of these men, their setbacks shaped them for a purpose.
I know it doesn't feel like it now, but sometimes, rejection is saying "Hold on. You're still in progress. Something better is coming, but I'm not finished with you yet." As Psalm 138:8 so beautifully reminds us, "The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands" (ESV).
3. Rejection Redirects Us Towards God's "Yes"
We've probably all heard this statement: When one door closes, another opens. But you know what? We don't get to know or predict when and how those other doors will open. It could happen now, but it could also not happen for another lifetime. What we do know is this: Good is good. God is loving and kind. God is faithful. And He will use even this to redirect where we're supposed to go when.
I've faced many slammed doors in my 29 years on this earth. But every single one showed me that wasn't the way or path for me to follow. It forced me to lean on the One who opens them, and when He does open them, I will continue to lean on Him even beyond. This mindset of rejection shifts us from a place of striving to surrender. It requires us to depend on Christ alone to strengthen us and answer our prayers, rather than on strategy, algorithms, followers, or outcomes. Yes, we're called to work hard and do our part, but it's God who sees the long game. It's God who will produce the results. It's God who will lead you in this season to exactly where you're meant to go.
Hearing 'no' isn't fun, but it can prepare you for a 'yes' in the future. A 'yes' you couldn't imagine in your wildest dreams. God's promises to us are yes and Amen (2 Corinthians 1:20), but they might not look like what we asked for or could ever imagine. Instead, they will be better:
"For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV).
Through protection, refinement, and redirection, God will still answer our prayers. So don't grow weary of waiting. You're not alone in the journey, and I'm right here with you. Pressing on and holding onto hope and asking God to help me see every ounce of rejection as His divine redirection. I'm still weeping and mourning. I continue to pour out my heart before Him. But I trust Him. And I hope you will do the same.
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