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We all have feelings of inferiority. There’s been a time when everyone has felt less than, not enough, or rejected. Rejection is a feeling. Have you ever wondered if you’ll have someone to sit with at the lunchroom? Have you ever felt like an outsider when a certain group excludes you? No one likes to feel left out. Some people will even take measures to ensure that they don’t feel this way. This involves compromising who you are to fit in. Think of High School drama. We continue the High School drama throughout our adulthood if we do not learn who God says we are and walk in it
Our identity comes from Christ. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV Naturally, we don’t feel on top of the world all the time. Often, the “newness” gets lost in the shuffle of the pains of life. However, we can choose to remove the dust and reveal our sparkle once again.
I’m sure Jesus could have felt like the underdog hanging on the cross after being whipped and beaten, but He knew who He was. “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” – Isaiah 53:3.
We must take the example of Jesus. This is where “walking the narrow path” comes into play. Part of walking the narrow path doing good when no one is watching. You’ve once felt like an underdog, right? Have a little compassion for the “outsider.” Be nice to your enemies. These are things that reap eternal rewards. Who cares about the temporary high you may experience for being the star of the show. There is always someone to replace you next year. Then what? Learn to recognize that you were made for more than the world has to offer. Then your perspective will change.
Condemnation comes from the devil. There is no condemnation in Christ! “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1). The second thing we must recognize is that the source of trouble is not God. The devil is also working through that other person to throw you off track. You may be mad at people but understanding that you’re not deserving of condemnation can help you stay focused.
“Then I heard a loud voice in heaven say: “Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Messiah. For the accuser of our brothers and sisters, who accuses them before our God day and night, has been hurled down.” –(Revelation 12:10, NIV).
Satan is the accuser. Really think about what you’re thinking about. God is love. God would not put unloving thoughts in your brain. Maybe you grew up in an unhealthy home and you know nothing different. It’s time to change the script. This is where you must actively pursue God. Pray, read the Bible. Know what God says about you. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8, NIV). Continue growing strong in your faith never looking back because you are close to your destiny.
Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. ‘Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8, NIV). God is always with us (1 King 8:57) but often in times of stress, we drive away from God because we’re frustrated. Of course, that’s what the devil wants. “Resist him and He will flee! Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7, NIV)
Be strong in the Lord. You know that we grow our muscles by lifting more each day. Also, our bodies grow more resilient to sickness as we feed it the right nutrients. Feed your soul the right ingredients. Perhaps, you are in sync with the entertainment industry or the newest celebrity. Maybe you idolize politics. Everyone has idolized something or someone. What happens when that someone or something lets you down?
Drawing near to God is the pathway to peace. Peace is your shield block from feeling rejected. You may be rejected by people but the peace of God sees you through to the end. Just like it did for Jesus. The peace of God enables you to care less what others think of you because you are confident in your purpose.
If we had all the answers, we wouldn’t need faith. We know that
“faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Sulking in your feelings of rejection gets you nowhere. Instead, we must recognize and sort these feelings out, preferably not alone. Whether it’s a counselor, trusted friend, or a piece of paper we must get this mount of despair off our chest. Then get to work.
First, recognize that you are not alone and that there is a real enemy causing these feelings. Second, draw near to God so that you are equipped to handle rejection. Last, flip the switch and bless those who curse you just as Jesus did. By doing this you are honoring God and like pouring flaming coals over any enemies. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” (Romans 12:20, NIV). Taking these helps build your confidence. Knowing your identity ensures that you will never feel left out again!
Thank you for joining me today and looking forward to another faithful Episode. To find out more from me you can check out alisamassey.com.
Thanks again and remember “Our God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think” — Ephesians 3:20.
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