Rejection/Protection.

My room-mate and I were recently discussing "rejection". According to my pastor (and I agree!!!), God has to "hurt us" deeply in order to use us greatly. I believe that if you want to be used “greatly” for God, then you are going to have to be put through some stuff-allow Him to test all your “anxious thoughts”. When I asked God to sift me and mold me into whatever He chooses, I didn’t know how bad it was going to hurt, or how long it was going to take, and I was certainly surprised (and horrified) at things that have happened and will continue to happen along the way-like the people He will place in your life ONLY to be used as lessons and then remove them (not fun). In my opinion a lot of it just doesn’t seem to be fair (or even right!), as my heart had and had become entangled in many of these lessons-but He didn't ask for my opinion. I guess at the end of each day I HAVE to GIVE Him everything, that’s all I can do.

Now to get back to the rejection thing, here is a DIRECT verbatim excerpt from my very private journal (don’t tell anyone!):

2/12/09
~Angela and I discussed “rejection” this evening. In my opinion God uses “rejection” as PROTECTION, as in a situation where a guy may “reject” you, a friend, a job, an audition, a loan-all these things are God’s protection-His way of saying, “I’ve got something better for you, hold tight!” I expect nothing less from Him, He has our BEST interests in mind at all times-although He will allow you to go your own way (and choose not to obey Him), and maybe that way will “work”, but it wasn’t His BEST. I want God’s BEST for me, no settling-best husband, best job, best friends, best dog :o). Best doesn’t always mean "amazing in the world’s eyes"-best to God may be no husband, a job in Africa w/few friends, and a goat for a pet :o). In any case-I choose God’s best for me, I will wait on Him to bring it about, I will stand firm and continue to grow in Him each day.

Remember: Rejection often times means protection-don’t get it twisted.

I like this song in reference to all this-read the lyrics(I took it upon myself to change a few):

I set out on a narrow way many years ago
Hoping I would find true love along the broken road
But I got lost a time or two
Wiped my brow and kept pushing through
I couldn't see how every sign pointed straight to You

[Chorus:]
Every long lost dream led me to where You are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into Your loving arms

This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to HIM

I think about the years I spent just passing through
I'd like to have the time I lost and give it back to You
But You just smile and take my hand
You've been there You understand
It's all part of a grander plan that is coming true
[Chorus:]
Every long lost dream led me to where You are
Others who broke my heart they were like northern stars
Pointing me on my way into Your loving arms
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road
That led me straight to HIM

Now I'm just rollin' home into my Lover's arms (HALLELUJAH!!!)
This much I know is true
That God blessed the broken road that led me straight to HIM
Amen!!!

(Credit to the Rascal Flatts-Bless the Broken Road :o))