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January 14

Rejection vs Refusal

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.  ––1 Peter 2:9

Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.  –– Psalm 27:10

I hate stereotypes. Here are some about men that are fairly common:

I know ZERO guys who fit all these stereotypes. But how often do we see men portrayed as hollow, bumbling tropes in media and film? Similarly, here’s a malicious stereotype the devil uses all the time to trick God’s men: “When you sin—especially habitually—God eventually rejects you.”

Brother, don’t confuse refusal from God with rejection by God. Here’s what I mean … Let’s say you’ve always dreamed of going on the mission field, perhaps as a tentmaker teaching English as a second language (ESL). However, God has other plans for you that are impossible for you to comprehend at the moment. The devil might try to convince you, however, that God is rejecting you rather than simply refusing to say “yes” to a prayer you’ve been praying.

During the Feeding of the 5,000 Jesus tells the crowd,

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day.  ––John 6:37-40

Do you see any signs of rejection for those who are in Christ Jesus? Neither do I. It’s a fact: The Father’s will is that Jesus will not lose any of those the Father has given to Him. That’s you and me, man of God.

Does God say “no” sometimes? Yes, and typically it’s for our own good—He either has something better for us, or He’s protecting us from a negative outcome we may not be able to perceive at the moment. The next time the devil tries to convince you that you’ve been rejected by God because of your condition (a sinner saved by grace), remind him of your position: Whoever is in Jesus will never be driven away.

Lord, I reject lies of rejection and embrace the fact that You will never leave me nor forsake me.