“Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelt in the land of Tob; and worthless men banded together with Jephthah and went out raiding with him.” ~ Judges 11:3
REFERENCE:
God always allows anyone to right any wrong in his life and have a second coming so that the glory of his latter will be greater than his former. You may have tasted the bitterness of rejection, still, you can have a comeback, and your second coming will be greater than your first showing. Jephthah rose from the ashes of rejection to become a national hero. Responding to rejection rightly is how ‘the rejected stone can become the chief cornerstone.’
As earlier said, rejection is one battle you will fight on your way to success; it is vital to take lessons from Jephthah on how to give a proper response to rejection for a total life makeover:
a. Relocate: Jephthah relocated to the land of Tob. Move away emotionally (or sometimes physically) from the place of pain. Go where you are celebrated and not tolerated. Jesus went to His own, and they rejected Him, but to as many as received Him, He ministered to. The Jews rejected Paul, and he went to the Gentiles. Hang around those who see your worth, gifts, beauty, etc. Shift in your mind and refuse to dwell on their rejection.
b. Relationships: Getting into the wrong relationships is easy when people reject you, but finding the right ones can restore your broken spirit. Jephthah joined the wrong gang but felt accepted and important; he found welcome and a cure for loneliness there. Find people who fill your tank. Build healthy relationships and new friendships. Most of all, build your relationship with God – where you will find your most helpful welcome.
c. Release Your Gifts: A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. You are not useless (like rejection says); you have great potential, hidden beauty, and gifts. Jephthah released his bravery and deployed his leadership and strategy skills. Bandits in the bush were privileged to see what no one in his house saw. So, dig deep down; you can run a business and become a life coach, great wife/husband, writer, singer, or preacher.
You were not made to be stopped by any setback. When God planned your life before you were born, there was no point where He had writer’s block and said, “Well, I can’t go beyond this point.” He didn’t get stuck on your story. There is life for you beyond rejection; get it and live it.
We will continue with steps to respond to rejection in the next episode.
PHOTO QUOTE
ADDITIONAL TEXTS:
PRAYER:
+ Lord, I ask for the grace to attract people who will value me and call out the king in me into my circle of friends.
+ I call forth every good thing that God has placed in me. I will not disappoint destiny. My gifts, talents, potential, and calling shall shine in Jesus’ name.
