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Kristi Woods

Encouraging Women to Walk Deeper with God

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2 Steps to Remember in the Face of Rejection

July 13, 2015 by Kristi 43 Comments

volleyball
If you’re joining us from Kelly Balarie’s Purposeful Faith, welcome!

“That’s alright. They didn’t need you anyway. They don’t know what they’re missing,” my brother responded. His compassionate answer was a hug to my hurting 9th grade heart and ego.

Puddles formed, a tear was certain to fall soon. Staring down at the worn, off-yellow plastic plate, it’s daisies looking a little less cheery with each passing year, food awaited. On this night, I had little interest in its nutritional showcase. I was full, yet painfully empty. An extra large serving of rejection had been served just hours before.

I was cut from the volleyball team.

As an athlete on my inaugural volleyball tryout, it seemed reasonable to believe the necessary skills would come quickly. The coach, however, didn’t see it that way. Like a fairy tale gone bad, a fear of rejection and I linked arms and sprinted away, not-so-happily-ever-after.  Rejection was a heavy burden to bear for a fourteen year-old.

But rejection’s target isn’t solely teenagers. Not too long ago, it served up a plate of its lies to me, an adult riding the downhill portion of her 40’s.

In July of 2014 I joined a Christian writer’s training group to support the God books and blog posts that were whirling inside me.

Write for magazines! Write for compilations! Ezines are an option, take-home papers too, they coached.

Take-home papers? What are those?! Although I blogged sporadically in the past and self-published a book as a newbie writer a few years earlier while in a “sporadic” phase of writing, these terms were altogether new.

The coaches opened a world of unknown and its writing options. I submitted several stories and devotions, but none were accepted. The rejections began building. Confidence folded inward, cowering behind the computer screen in fear. It felt similar to the volleyball team cut once again. I wasn’t good enough.

I could run down to the market and get a job. I love that store. Wouldn’t that be better?

I’m beginning to feel guilty about not contributing financially. Lord, maybe writing’s a dead-end street, and I didn’t hear you after all. 

I questioned the call. Fear caused me to question God’s plan. The idea of quitting danced in my head. But this time, I didn’t run away.

I ran to the Lord.

Lord, is this you? I’m not so sure right now, but I’ll keep facing the rejections if writing is your will.  The prayer was silent but very real.

Within the week there were three, distinct confirmations. It was God. (I’m smiling as I type this. The Lord is faithful. I love it!)

“Lord, I hear you. I will continue,” was my answer, a smile perched beautifully on my lips. I was ready to battle, even if it meant proceeding with fear prepared to serve its dish. After all, the Lord was on my side.

 The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me? PS 118:6 NIV

Are you facing something new?

Did you hear God call?

Are you questioning whether you heard correctly? Below are two thoughts to aid in answering those questions.

 

2 Steps to Remember in the Face of Rejection

1. Remember the conscious move, asking God for guidance. Running to Him proves to be a trustworthy move every time. If you’re facing fear, consider His wisdom available for you. Simply go to God and ask.

2. Make a calculated decision in the face of fear, with eternity in focus. Continuing the venture into new territory, I learned about and submitted various stories and articles, often proceeding with knees knocking. It was about God, about eternity, not me. Battles in the Old Testament were calculated as well. Think Jericho. They “heard” what to do, then they “did” what God called them to do. The victory wasn’t as quick nor easy as a snap of the fingers. They didn’t eat from fear’s plate. They ate of the Lord’s faithfulness instead. You and I can too. 

My friend, what’s on your plate? Is it rejection or God’s faithful daily, life-giving bread? With the Lord on our side, fear doesn’t stand a chance. Be encouraged and walk boldly in His will for you.  


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Linking with others proclaiming the name of Jesus at Me, Coffee, and Jesus, Purposeful Faith, and Jennifer Dukes Lee, Holley Gerth, Suzanne Eller, and others.

Related

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Fear in the Bible

Do you struggle with Rejection?

Subscribe below to receive the 3-day devotional Removing the Sting of Rejection in your inbox for FREE. Use this devotional to build your spiritual muscles to counter the sting of rejection.

Comments

  1. Jessica Lauren says

    July 13, 2015 at 9:17 am

    Hi Kristi,
    Such encouraging words! Thank-you for the comforting reminder of Psalm 118:6 and your wonderful message that He is on our side, as we pursue His purposes.
    “Make a calculated decision in the face of fear, with eternity in focus,” genuinely and specifically encouraged my heart! Joining you, from Purposeful Faith today!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:42 pm

      He is good…even in the face of fear. Your words bless, Jessica. ty for stopping by.

      Reply
  2. Michelle says

    July 13, 2015 at 10:31 am

    keeping eternity in focus… The biggie that jumped out at me. I was just writing about the fear of rejection this morning. Keeping my eyes on the prize helps me not to worry so much about the rejection of man. It is God’s approval I am after.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 12:38 pm

      Yes, yes, yes. Keep your eyes on the prize, girl. He has much in you and will do much through you…just as He already has. See you next week! 😉

      Reply
  3. Kim Jones says

    July 13, 2015 at 1:11 pm

    Hi Kristi – So thankful you are standing your ground and doing what God says instead of what you think anyone else says! Your words were encouraging to me today. Thank you. What a joy to find you at Kelly’s amazing feature today! kim from Hunt & Host

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      It’s a joy to join you on Purposeful Faith today, Kim. You’re a blessing.

      Reply
  4. Crystal Storms says

    July 13, 2015 at 3:51 pm

    Kristi, your bravery continues to amaze me, but I pray it inspires me as well. Let me remember this as I walk boldly in what God has called me to do: “It was about God, about eternity, not me.” Thank you, my friend. : )

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      Yes, it’s ALL about eternity, ultimately. Thanks for your visit and continual encouragement, friend.

      Reply
  5. Gayl says

    July 13, 2015 at 4:15 pm

    Hi Kristi! I’m your neighbor at #WordsWithWinter. I appreciated reading your words. I have not yet submitted my writing anywhere yet, but I have contemplated it. I love your reminder to go to God. If there is fear or insecurity we really just need to go to Him. He will give us strength and show us His will. It’s so easy to plow ahead thinking we know what to do, but it’s so important to go to him first. Blessings to you!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 4:59 pm

      Hi Gayl! Be encouraged, breeze right past those fears. With Him, anything is possible. 🙂 Blessings to you as well.

      Reply
  6. Lois Flowers says

    July 13, 2015 at 5:12 pm

    Kristi, like you, I have felt the sting of getting cut from the volleyball team (my rejection was in eighth grade AFTER I made the seventh-grade team-groan) and the sting of rejected writing. I love how you persevered and ran to God, and I’m so glad your call to write was then confirmed. I needed to read this today. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 13, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Our stories are similar, Lois. God is good through the sting of rejection.

      Reply
  7. Carolyn Dale Newell says

    July 13, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Thank you for visiting my blog today. Your post will encourage many as we struggle with rejection and doubt our calling.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:03 am

      Stay encouraged, Carolyn. You definitely encourage me.

      Reply
  8. Kia Stephens says

    July 14, 2015 at 6:51 am

    Kristi, this is such a transparent post about the struggle with rejection. As a newbie blogger, speaker, and author hopeful I had no idea how much the theme of rejection would permeate this journey. I am not at the place where I can say it is getting easier yet but I am learning to thank God for the lessons He is teaching me with every no. Be blessed! – Kia

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:04 am

      Learning to thank God for the lessons is a wonderful place to rest, Kia. Keep writing and remain focused on the One. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Kristine says

    July 14, 2015 at 6:57 am

    Oh Kristi, all I can say is – WOOHOO!! I am going to hold on to this post and read it again when rejection makes me want to quit. And it has, a few times in fact. But you are right, when we go to God, He will give us the confirmation we need. Awesome!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:05 am

      lol…I’m woo hooing with you, Kristine. Go God, go!

      Reply
  10. Christy Mobley says

    July 14, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Kristi, I know you hit a nerve in most all of us. We need to know that we all share the feelings of hurt and fear of rejection. This is a tough field God has asked us to hoe. Thank you for the encouragement and advice.
    Blessings,

    Christy (the other Kristi with the different spelling!)

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 14, 2015 at 11:07 am

      You’re bringing a smile, girl….or should I say Christy with the spelling most folks try to tag onto mine…for real. Your’s must be the popular version. 🙂 “A tough field to hoe” – love that one. Blessings to you.

      Reply
  11. Meg Gemelli says

    July 14, 2015 at 2:51 pm

    Kristi,
    I love that you give us tools to walk away with. Keeping eternity in mind…that’s the part that becomes weak in me in times of uncertainty or stress. I envision myself in 40 years…a 70-year-old me who never tried writing the words God gave and lamenting over what could have been. It’s enough to force an, “Ok, I’ll write scared.” I think we do a lot of things initially scared, until His calming confirmations come and the smiles are inevitable. I’m thankful for your message today!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 14, 2015 at 5:35 pm

      Yes, smiles are inevitable. 🙂 Your words are a blessing, Meg.

      Reply
  12. Lux says

    July 15, 2015 at 5:13 am

    It’s so easy to be blinded by the pain of rejection. These are great things to remember. 🙂

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:38 am

      You’re right, Lux. It is easy. Thankfully, God’s strength overcomes that “ease”. Thanks for visiting.

      Reply
  13. Janet Benson says

    July 15, 2015 at 6:19 am

    “They didn’t eat from fear’s plate. They ate from the Lord’s faithfulness instead.” Such beautifully encouraging words! This will give me a good mental picture and help me make the conscious decision in the future not to “eat from fear’s plate”. God has used you in this, and you have blessed me! Visiting this morning as your neighbor at Coffee for Your Heart.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Praise the Lord, Janet. Whatcha gonna eat today? 😉

      Reply
  14. Brenda says

    July 15, 2015 at 6:52 am

    Love those tips, Kristi. “Running to God proves to be a trustworthy move every time.” Amen. Reconnecting with the Voice of the calling, and moving forward in that calling to each next thing…I can’t think of a better way to live. Thank you for these words of encouragement today, friend. (((Hug)))

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Reconnecting with the Voice….love it. Your words are a blessing, Brenda.

      Reply
  15. Betsy de Cruz says

    July 15, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Thanks for sharing your story, Kristi! Boy can I relate! I was never “good enough” in sports as a kid. (Much worse than you, probably, because I never made ANY volleyball team!) And I’ve sent a few stories and articles that have been rejected. Want to keep pursuing that. But just like you, when I ask God for confirmation to keep writing, He gives it to me!

    #TellHisStory

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:40 am

      He’s faithful to give, isn’t He, Betsy?

      Reply
  16. Tiffany says

    July 15, 2015 at 1:55 pm

    Such encouragement, Kristi! And this –>”They didn’t eat from fear’s plate. They ate of the Lord’s faithfulness instead.” Oh, that just speaks right to my soul. Both in my calling as a writer and also just in my everyday life. There are so many things I run from in fear – change, choice, work – but God is ever faithful and always fills us with what we need. Thanks for that reminder, friend. Always so blessed by your encouragement.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:42 am

      Fear is stinky, eh? But faith? Well, you’re a gal of a big ‘ole batch of it standing in front of a God who overflows with faithfulness beyond our imagination. That’s a relief for any of us. Whew!

      Reply
  17. Christine Duncan says

    July 15, 2015 at 3:47 pm

    Gosh, this applies to so many corners of my life… thanks for being transparent and championing everyone who has ever had to face rejection to endure with His heavenly endurance!
    As always, love visiting your words, Kristi! Thanks you and big hugs.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 16, 2015 at 6:43 am

      Hi Christine. Big hugs back to you. 🙂 Your words bless.

      Reply
  18. Suzie Eller says

    July 16, 2015 at 9:30 am

    Look at all of these comments. You are building a thriving community! So proud of you.

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:37 am

      Thanks for your encouragement, Suzie. It has taken effort, as you well know, but behind the effort is a big God opening doors. Plus, these gals rock. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Liz says

    July 16, 2015 at 2:16 pm

    Amen! It was, is and will always be about eternity! Not about me. Thanks for your encouraging words to go to God and with His help power through rejection!

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Eternity…yes, indeed. Thanks for stopping by, Liz.

      Reply
  20. Melanie Redd says

    July 17, 2015 at 8:30 am

    What a great word of hope, Kristi!

    I love this thought, “Running to Him proves to be a trustworthy move every time.”

    I think we’ve all been there as bloggers and writers – wondering if we heart right, needing to reconfirm with God.

    I came over on Blessings Counter, and your post has indeed blessed me today. Thanks for sharing.

    Melanie

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:39 am

      Thanks for stopping by, Melanie. Praise God for the blessing.

      Reply
  21. Debbie Kitterman says

    July 17, 2015 at 8:54 am

    Kristi, such powerful words speaking straight to my heart today. I am so very glad to find you today. I especially love this: “They “heard” what to do, then they “did” what God called them to do. The victory wasn’t as quick nor easy as a snap of the fingers. They didn’t eat from fear’s plate. They ate of the Lord’s faithfulness instead. You and I can too.” Thank you for the reminder to stand on what God has called us to do and He will be and is always faithful! Your neighbor at #DanceWithJesus and #Blessingcounters

    Reply
    • Kristi says

      July 17, 2015 at 9:40 am

      He’s faithful, Debbie. As you well know, he’s faithful.

      Reply
  22. Deb Wolf says

    July 18, 2015 at 11:19 am

    I needed this Kristi! Sometimes it’s too easy for me to give up. Thanks for this great reminder that if it is something God wants for me I should keep going. Blessings!

    Reply

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