Rejection? God's Protection or Redirection!
Rejection is not the end of the world. It’s not. Rejection stings. It cuts deep, and sometimes before your first wound heals salt is added. Rejection has its way of making you feel unworthy; questioning what you did to deserve it. But despite your feelings, God’s plans for you are already outlined.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” -Jeremiah 29:11
He has the blueprint sealed. The architect is waiting on a stamp of approval to come through with some amazing infrastructure in the form of blessings that will simply blow your mind. All you must do is keep the faith!Just recently I received an email notifying me about a Summer Internship I didn’t receive. In my mind, I was like “okay, take it in stride Latressa. Remain positive. Move forward and work harder.” Shortly after, I received news that I didn’t receive a Senior Resident Assistant position when I felt like I was more than qualified. It just felt like another door slamming in my face. And then, right after that, two executive board positions for campus organizations slipped through my fingers. Now I’m like, “Okay Latressa, maybe they saw some things that need improvement. Figure out where you’re weak and put in work. But don’t give up. Keep pushing.”Somehow, it never occurred to me that maybe “It just ain’t my time!” There’s always room for improvement. But, maybe I was trying to rush into things for the sake of my time when it’s always been about God’s time. Maybe, I was trying to do what I wanted to do all the while veering from what God would have me to do. It also took for me to step back and evaluate why it is I wanted these positions so bad. Was it to be noticed? Was the work I would do as a general body member less important than that of someone with a E-Board position? Could I still have the same impact without the title? Could I even handle the demands and responsibility it would take to uphold the position? Or did I just want it because it sounded good?All of this happened within 3 weeks of each other. Yes, my feelings are hurt. I can rest assured that the God I serve has something bigger for me. I can’t see it right now. To be truthful, I’m having a hard time seeing past what I feel and discouragement. But what I will say is, out of a low place for me emotionally and spiritually came an opportunity for me to share with you all how life still goes on. A seed has been planted somewhere within me, as well as within you that with great care will grow.For any of you feeling down about not receiving something you know you deserved; something you worked hard for and dedicated so much time and effort towards. For those of you feeling down about not receiving something you probably didn’t work hard for and assumed you would get anyway by doing the bare minimum simply because of who you are (speaking about myself with this one too). Keep your eyes on the prize. Soon, your season of flourish will begin.With love,Latressa