BY REV. DORAL PULLEY, Today’s Church Tampa Bay
“Jesus said unto them, did you ever read in the scriptures, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner: this is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes? (Matthew 21:42)”
Rejection is a part of the human experience. You have experienced some form of rejection in your life. Perhaps rejection was prevalent at a certain stage of your development: childhood, adolescence or adulthood. Maybe the rejection was crystalized in a particular relationship with parents, siblings, teachers, classmates, colleagues, coworkers, etc. Possibly you were rejected because of your age, gender, race, culture, height, weight, complexion, hair color, orientation, socio-economic status, criminal background, family dynamic or for no specific reason that you can identify.
Joseph and the expectant mother, Mary, were in their hometown, Bethlehem, for tax purposes. The local hotels, motels and inns were booked. Because there was no room for them in the inn, their accommodations were the manger with the horses. Mary gave birth to Jesus, the Wayshower, in a stable and he was wrapped in swaddling cloth. Although they were rejected by the inn staff, they were accepted and celebrated by the Wise Men and the shepherds.
Your ability to handle rejection determines your success in life. See rejection as a Divine placement from God. When you feel rejected in one area, look for the lesson or the blessing of acceptance in another area. Be aware that when one door closes, another or an even better door opens. As one relationship comes to an end, take a deep breath, learn from the experience, and anticipate something new and improved.
Rev. Doral Pulley is the senior pastor of Today’s Church Tampa Bay, 940 5th Ave. S, St. Petersburg (Staybridge Suites) and 5107 North Central Ave., Tampa.
