Second in a series
I was asked why I am writing a series on rejection. That’s easy. Rejection is the major reason people come in for prayer or ask to see me. Rejection is a universal malady, we have all experienced it. You have experienced it. I have experienced it. Rejection is so common it requires no definition. We all know what it is – unreciprocated love, mean-spirited words, withdrawn affection, passed over, painfully ignored, left out, not included. And when rejection hits us we are staggered, hurt, confused, bewildered. Rejection takes many forms…
- Someone we truly love drops us for another
- Divorce, with rejection at the very core, rips apart families
- Friends too easily discard us for other friends
- Babies are unwanted by parents
- People are rejected because they aren’t attractive, good looking, pretty enough
- They’re too tall, too short, too fat, too thin, too something
- Children are rejected by parents and parents are rejected by children
- Terrible rejection comes because of skin color or race
- People reject us for what we believe
- Democrats reject Republicans; conservatives reject liberals
- Most men in prison have suffered rejection from absentee dads
On Saturday morning at the Sawdust, a young boy about seven-years old said to me, “You know what? I’m a nerd.” Taken back, I said why do say that? “Because I wear glasses,” he replied, “And I’m no good at sports.” Seven-years old and already suffering rejection.
But not all rejection is bad. Sometimes it’s a lifesaver. Next week I’ll share with you how rejection can turn out for our best. For now, we ask the Holy Spirit to heal our wounds and the pain suffered from rejection.
Prayer Needs This Week…
- Austin Hall, 22 years-old, is in critical condition in ICU, due to a car accident
- Carter Hall (no relation), 16 years-old, fighting bone cancer
- John Burns – starting chemo due to aggressive cancer
- Little Church would be a viable presence of Christ this Friday at Hospitality Night
- Advent services beginning this Sunday
- Former intern Sophie dealing with a severe immune problem
- Wisdom for security in churches, increasingly targeted by gunmen.
This video isn’t for everyone but I found it mesmerizing; Psalm 53 sung in Arabic
https://www.chonday.com/25879/palaramic5/
Keep fighting the good fight everyone.
Pastor Jay