Life as a Christian teenager or young adult may be difficult, especially when you're trying to find your place in the world. Rejection, whether from friends, family members, or strangers, may be devastating and leave you feeling confused and alone. But, as a Christian adolescent, there are strategies to deal with rejection and develop in your faith. In this post, we'll look at a few of them.
I remember meticulously doing everything required and applying for my Masters program in a prestigious university. I had no plan B. This was the only college I applied to and I was very confident that I would get in because everyone including my friends and professors thought so. However, after my graduation from the Bachelor program, when it was too late to apply to any other college, I received a response from the college that I had applied to saying that I did not make it. Everything came to a staggering halt. It was the first major rejection I had faced in my life and I was devastated.
Understanding Rejection
Understanding what rejection is and why it occurs is the first step in dealing with it. Rejection can feel like the end of the world. It could leave you feeling lost, alone, and hopeless. Rejection is painful regardless of where it comes from, whether a job interview, a romance, friendship, college application or simply social circumstances. Rejection is a natural aspect of life that everyone goes through at some point.
When I was dealing with the rejection of my college application, I felt like being rejected as a person. Rejection might be a difficult and emotional event, but keep in mind that it does not define you.
Grieve and Feel
When faced with rejection, it is common to experience a range of emotions such as despair, rage, and disappointment. Let yourself feel these emotions and process them in a healthy manner. Crying, journaling, or talking to a trusted friend or family member are all options. It is critical to acknowledge and handle your feelings rather than bottle them up.
Turn to God
When faced with rejection, one of the most crucial things you can do is turn to God. He is constantly at your side, and you can rely on Him to assist you get through any difficulty. Pray, study the Scriptures, and seek advice from other Christians who can provide support and encouragement. Remember that you are not alone, and that God is always willing to assist you.
Turn to Your Support System
When my friends saw that I was devastated over the rejection I was going through, they immediately did everything they could to make me feel better by taking me out, encouraging me and supporting me. They tried taking me to a restaurant to get my mind off of things but I ended up sobbing in the middle of the crowded restaurant! Anyways, you get the point. Get yourself a circle friends you can cry and vent to. Having a support system is critical. Surround yourself with individuals who are optimistic and understand and support you. Seek out friends and family members who can provide words of support and encouragement.
Build Your Resilience
Rejection may be devastating to your self-esteem and confidence, but it's vital to realise that it's not a reflection of your value. Utilize rejection to strengthen your resilience and grow as a person. Learn from your mistakes and apply what you've learned to better yourself and your approach to future circumstances. It's critical to remember that rejection is a chance to learn and develop, not a failure.
Forgive and Love
When faced with rejection, it's easy to get enraged and resentful. But, as a Christian, forgiveness and love are required. Realize that everyone makes errors and is human. Choose to forgive and love those who have rejected you. Offer them the same love and grace that God has shown you.
Rejection is Blessing in Disguise
Little did I know that few months down the line, I would end up thanking God for the rejected college application. God granted me admission in another prestigious institution which I wanted to get into for a long time!
Do you want to know what rejection really is? Rejection is God closing a door because of two reasons. 1. It is not the door meant for you; 2. He has a much more beautiful and glorious door waiting for you to walk through! Trust God. Rejection can be painful now; but it is a blessing in disguise.
Conclusion
Remember that God loves you unconditionally and is always there for you, even when you are facing rejection. He has a beautiful plan for you and in order for Him to fulfill it, He has to close doors that you are trying to walk through because they are not meant for you. The pain of facing closed doors is momentary, but they are a blessing in disguise!