I hate rejection. I didn’t really notice how much of an aversion I had to it until recently. It’s something I’ve started to notice in just about every aspect of my life. It’s hard for me to talk to people I don’t know, because I’m afraid they won’t like me. I don’t like applying for certain jobs that require a skill that I’m not the strongest in because I don’t want to fail and then be rejected by my supervisors. I’m hesitant to start new things because I don’t want to fail, and then be tossed to the side because I have nothing beneficial to offer.
The other day we had an assignment in leadership track to go out in the city of Gainesville and see how many times we could get rejected. It was extremely difficult at first. I was hesitant about approaching people and asking for things, or just starting a conversation because I was afraid they would dismiss me, which was the entire point of the assignment! After a few interactions it got easier. I was both rejected and accepted in my interactions with people and my fear of rejection became smaller. All too often I find myself putting my value in being accepted by others, when I need to remember that I’m accepted by God, and my identity and value is in Him and Him alone.
When we remember that our identity is in Christ, we are able to step out of our comfort zone and do things that may involve us being rejected by others. Nobody can discount our worth because it’s found in Jesus. So as I challenge myself I also challenge you: be bold, take risks, and be ready to see God move.
