Hope in Hard PlacesSample

Man’s Rejection, God’s Protection

In my military career, rejection emerged as an unexpected adversary, challenging my resilience and faith. Reflecting on an incident 21 years ago, after five years on active duty, I was interviewed for a position aligning with the natural progression of my military journey. Despite exceptional ratings, outstanding references, and single status for undivided focus—I faced an unforeseen rejection that shook the foundations of my military path.

Time to Grow

The blows of rejection, especially in a society emphasizing our worthiness, felt like punches that brought me to my knees. Lacking the maturity needed at the time, my initial response was anger and accusation. I lashed out, sulking and losing focus on my current responsibilities. Bitterness threatened to derail me from my mission.

Our limited understanding makes it challenging to discern what is best for us. In the two decades since, God became my guiding light, imparting powerful truths about rejection.

Only God, with His depth of knowledge, breadth of experience, and purity of love, can determine our true path. The rejection from that job, now a distant memory, remains a mystery. However, trusting that God made the right decision to redirect my path, I see the beauty in His plans—plans that unfolded with love, family, overseas assignments, and even being on the ground during the historic invasion of Iraq. These plans led to two remarkable sons, the camaraderie of fellow Army Wives, and a deepened relationship with the One who will never reject me.

In Christ

Through Christ, we are accepted into the family of God and given an eternal inheritance. God never rejects those who humbly seek reconciliation. With that acceptance comes a mission—the mission to make Our Father's love known throughout the world.

Now, facing rejection carries less weight as I draw on two decades of God's faithfulness. I've witnessed Him turn past rejections into stepping stones toward something better. More than that, I recognize that when the world rejects me, it rejects Christ first. Running to my heavenly Father for the comfort of eternal fellowship, I rise from rejection, fortified by the assurance that our fellowship with God and His family is eternal.

Adapted from a Planting Roots Article by Liz Giertz.