by leaps and bounds

¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16

Rejection… something all of us will go through in our lifetime. I am no stranger to this myself. In fact, I have felt rejection from a young age. I would get close with friends and adore them with all my heart, then for some unknown reason, it would just seem they stopped caring and would fall away from our friendship. It would hurt me so deeply and they wouldn’t even seem bothered.

I never understood why this would happen until recently. It can hurt when those we think care about us and will show up for us… don’t. It hurts when people receive freely from us but when it’s time for them to show up on our behalf, they are nowhere to be found. But, we are not a people without a hope or a Savior who doesn’t understand us. In fact, Jesus went through the worst rejection and persecution. As the scripture states above, He understands and empathizes with us. He was perfect and yet rejected by so many. He was abandoned in His most vulnerable state.

It hurts deeply when those we think care about us don’t show up. But we are not a people without a God who doesn’t understand our pain. So, the next time you’re hurting from being rejected or misunderstood, go straight to Jesus who understands what it’s like. Cry out to Him, be honest with Him, and let Him love on you- let Him heal those wounds.

One thing I’ve had to learn, is that quality is better than quantity. I was always able to make friends, but many times they weren’t true friends. They only wanted to be there during the fun times or the easy times. After what felt like a long season of loneliness and wilderness, the Lord brought me the most amazing, Godly friends I could ever ask for. He truly exceeded my expectations. I may not have a ton of friends, but the ones I do have would show up during war for me. They storm heaven on my behalf, they would go without sleep to pray for me and my family. They are the real deal.

So although I still grieve my old friendships at times, I remind myself that the reason they didn’t work out was probably for my protection. Not everyone can go with you to your next. Those not living for Christ cannot accompany you into your promotion. They can’t go higher in the Spirit if they are not of the Spirit. You need people who can support you in Christ and will be there for you when it counts. It felt like a long, painful journey to get here… but I can promise you that if you’re in the waiting for those right friends, don’t give up hope because at just the right time the Lord will bring them!!! And they will be better than you could have dreamed! Hold fast and let the Father heal your wounds. Wait patiently and let Him work on you so that you can adequately sustain those upcoming relationships.

And remember, He was rejected first and the world will continue to reject you because it doesn’t understand the things of God. But remember, they aren’t rejecting you- they are rejecting Christ in you, and there will be a reward awaiting you for that. Your tribe is coming!!!

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