An image of purpose in the mirror

‘Sometimes you have to encourage yourself, speak victory during the test. ‘

Words from a gospel song

There are few of us if any that can go through life without being on the receiving end of rejection or the rage of others. However when we pass through these situations, we can be on the way to our God revealed purpose, while He protects and positions us, to build possibilities.

I preached a sermon on the topic of rejection in one of my seminary classes, taking the scripture from Luke 4:28-30 (NRSV) where Jesus dealt with this issue, called The Rejection at Nazareth. When they heard this, all in the synagogue were filled with rage. They got up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they might hurl him off the cliff. But he passed through the midst of them and                                          went on his way.

Yes, life does present circumstances where we face rejection. My mother Mary was someone who encountered this as well, especially being a single parent.  Even now for some of us the dis might be no response to our emails, texts or calls, no invitation to a meeting at the church, or the lunch gatherings at work. There are also times we’ll be denied the job we applied for, the relationship we desire, or gain the acceptance we want. If dealing with those plights weren’t enough, still we may encounter the rage of others because their perception is that ‘we think we’re something’ with our nice words or big ideas.’

In the text, when rejection happened to Jesus, but he passed through it and went on His way to fulfill his purpose. Because God had other plans for His only begotten son. Sometimes we too have to be rejected to get on our way to something better or bigger that God has in store. Once His plan is in place, we’re anointed and favored for the right season of all working together for good. Now we can probably look back and see how that person, situation or position was not for us or in line with God’s purpose for our lives.

Once Jesus passed through the crowd, He could then go about His Father’s business. For now he had GPS, God Provided Safety, for the completion of His destiny. Jesus didn’t try to get back at these folks, which He had the power to do. We too may encounter enraged people who will gang up on us to run us out of the relationship, family or church. But we can’t let their emotions or mold of us mess us up and divert us from purpose.

So think about how you will pass through those situations of rejection.  My mother did this from a place of sheer faith and determination, not letting doubters detract her from raising us the best ways she could.

And now I do as well, not letting naysayers or others keep me from doing the work God has purposed me to do. Yes, the struggle to do so remains but I stay tuned to my personal GPS, God Purposed Salvation.