Day 23: Growing Through Rejection

We ended yesterday with a win-win: knowing that not all sacrifices will be seen or applauded, and that’s okay. What about when your sacrifice isn’t just unseen, it’s flat-out rejected?
Let’s be real: Rejection stings! Especially when you're leading with humility, serving with intention, and giving your all to something God has called you to do.
You’re not alone.

Moses Knew Rejection Firsthand

In Exodus 3:7–10, God called Moses to lead the Children of Israel out of slavery in Egypt. After some back-and-forth and reassurance from God, Moses [reluctantly] accepted his mission (Exodus 4:16–17) and returned to Egypt. So imagine his dismay when Pharaoh didn’t listen.

What's worse? Pharaoh mocked Moses and Aaron, calling them distractions (Exodus 5:4–5). Then Pharaoh made life more complicated for the Israelites (Exodus 5:6–8). The people turned on Moses, saying, “You have put a sword into [the Egyptians'] hands, an excuse to kill us” (Exodus 5:19–21 NLT).
That moment could’ve broken him, but it didn’t. Yes, Moses questioned God and felt discouraged, but he stayed in the fight.

Even so, the cycle of rejection was unrelenting. Pharaoh even changed his mind after finally letting the children of Israel go (Exodus 12:31-37; 14:5–9).
As if that wasn't enough, the people Moses led out of slavery soon started a habit of complaining, rebelling, and resisting his leadership. It seemed as though rejection followed Moses, but so did purpose.

Rejection Is Part of the Journey

We’ve all felt the same kind of rejection that Moses felt, especially when we were sure we had done everything “right.” However, that reminds me of one of my favorite quotes from Michael Jordan:

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

So, how do we grow through rejection?

1. Prepare for both success and rejection.

We plan for the win, but rarely prepare our hearts for the letdown. Rejection isn’t failure, it’s feedback. Yes, it still hurts. So…

2. Validate your own feelings.

It’s okay to feel disappointed. Don’t suppress your emotions. Process them in healthy ways: go for a walk, journal, pray, talk to your counselor, or confide in someone safe.

3. Identify what is causing the pain, not who.

Blaming others leads to bitterness. Instead, take a deeper look at your reaction. Use tools like the “5 Whys” technique to identify the root cause of the issue and develop a meaningful countermeasure. Reflect on your scenario and ask, "Why does this matter to me?" Here's a quick example:

Example:

That guy cut me off!

Why does this matter to me?

Because it was my turn!

Why does this matter to me?

Because it isn't fair!

Why does this matter to me?

Because he's taking advantage of me.

Why does this matter to me?

Because I'm tired of being taken advantage of.

Why does this matter to me?

Because I know my worth, and I don't like it when people make me feel like I'm less than I'm worth.

This is how we identify the root, and from that root, thoughts, emotions, and causes are generated. Focus on that root and seek guidance from your counselor to develop new neural pathways and change your perspective.

4. Shift your PERSPECTIVE.

Your perspective fuels your perseverance. Shift how you view:

Pressures of life. Life's pressures are meant to make you more resilient, not break you.
Energy. We must live a life of hope and anticipation to create sustained positive energy.
Relationships. Be authentic and transparent with your personality, characteristics, and values to foster genuine relationships, rather than transactional ones.
Seasons. Just as the four seasons are associated with climate changes, life’s seasons change based on the world around us. We must be aware of, adapt to, and welcome these many changes.
Patience. Our belief that everything will work out just fine drives our hope and anticipation, which in turn expands our capacity to accept delays without negative emotions. Let’s normalize waiting with anticipation.
Endurance. Earlier, we discussed how the pressures of life help us build strength. Consistently building strength over time creates endurance.
Chance. Life is full of risks, but I encourage you to believe in yourself and take a chance.
Time. Time is one of the most precious nonrenewable resources we have, so we should avoid wasting it by ruminating on adverse past circumstances; instead, we should invest time wisely.
Inspiration. Your inspiration is the wind beneath your wings during thriving times and the force that drives you through valleys during low times.
Victories. Celebrate wins! I don’t care how “small” they may seem.
Emotions. We have complete control over how we respond to a given circumstance.

5. Learn from it and adjust.

Ask: What is this rejection teaching me? Then take the lesson and apply it to your next shot.

6. Take another shot.

You will recover, grow, and lead again. Don’t let rejection stop your progress; let it refine your purpose.

The Foundational Truth

Your calling is bigger than others’ approval. Lead boldly, even when you’re not accepted.
Show up and serve despite the circumstances. Try again!