God Is Still Faithful - 7-Day Devotional by Christina Bell Àpẹrẹ
Still Faithful in Rejection
If there is one thing I’m assured of, God has a special place in His heart for women. So often, we face rejection. It may occur on the job, in our families, with friends, even at church, but it will usually happen with the one person we have shared our hearts with.
Let us look at Leah. She was forced into a marriage with Jacob through deceit by her father, and immediately she faced a double rejection. The first was from a father who felt the need to put the responsibility of protecting and providing for her off on another man. Then the second rejection within hours came from a man who became angry when he found out she was not what he wanted and demanded a substitute.
She watched as he worked and waited for his reward while doing everything to gain love and erase rejection while being used. This belittling could have destroyed her. But, instead, she quietly waited for redemption. Leah felt the pain that so many of us feel when we're constantly rejected. God would be the one to show her she was worthy of the love.
I, too, know what rejection feels like. I have felt that way so many times before. From being rejected in friendships, thinking I had a best friend in someone who secretly despised me. From wanting and trying to be loved the right way after a broken marriage. I often rushed into non-lasting relationships. I've been rejected and overlooked for opportunities, and I've been denied because I wasn't the right size or didn't have a look they wanted.
But these rejections came from humankind. With each denial, I was in some way encouraged to stand on the promises of God and keep pushing on. When man counted me out, my God strengthened me even more. I held to His word that was true in my heart and spirit. He promised not to leave me or forsake me, and I believed Him.
I love Genesis 29:31 because it says, "And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb."
I want to encourage my sisters and remind them that God sees you and he will not leave you. You will produce and bring forth every good thing he desires for you. True friendship, real love, open doors are all yours, sis, as you press into him.
Prayer:
Dear God, when my sisters or I feel the pain of rejection, comfort us and let us know you have seen the hurt. It is you, Lord, who we will be faithful to us. Lord, we depend on you to pick us up when humankind turns its back to us. Let the world see we are favored in your eyes, and that is all that truly matters, Amen.
Ìwé mímọ́
Nípa Ìpèsè yìí
In this devotional, I want to share how God has been faithful to me through my faithfulness to Him. I want to inspire women who feel like they've lost God's promise. I pray this devotional restores hope and faith in God to the many women whose faith has been snatched by rejection, low self-esteem, divorce, and other misfortunes. - Christina Bell
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