The effect of rejection on each one of us can be very different, but it is mostly negative. It can make us feel unwanted, unvalued, unappreciated, and abandoned. It can cause us to question who we are, and leave us feeling isolated. Though loneliness is painful, it is also a normal, healthy, human emotion that we all share. In our loneliness, we are not alone.

Eventually, we may find that the rejection was good for us in the long run, because we learned from it and grew stronger, but it doesn’t mean that we bypass the painful experience.

Sometimes moments of rejection point us towards the people God has placed in our lives – our support systems, willing and able to journey with us and help us through difficult times. These can be family, friends, peers or even strangers.

In these moments we can also reach out to the one who loves us the most; God’s beloved, Jesus. He wants to be our friend, someone who we can find comfort and consolation in. Despite the pain that we are experiencing, we are called to trust in his plan to give us a hope.

Plants often need pruning in order to produce more fruit. The pruning cuts heal and enable a more fruitful yield. In a similar way, when we exercise our muscles, the process can sometimes be painful, but once they have healed and recovered, our muscles become stronger and are able to take more load and resistance. These are good reminders for us that often, painful times are times of growth and strength.

God created us, redeemed us, has a special purpose for us, and loves us so much that God wants to spend eternity with us.