Note: I have a little cousin, Aileen, who is battling cancer, and she is only 6 years old. The doctors have done all they can do. I am asking you to set your faith in agreement for the healing virtue of Jesus Christ to manifest in her little body and eradicate the cancer!
Today, we continue our series entitled “Laser Focus,” with the point being that we should live with a Laser Focus on the Fixed Purpose God established for us before the world began.
This is the main scripture we will be looking at this year:
(Proverbs 4:25 TPT)
Set your gaze on the path before you. With fixed purpose, looking straight ahead, ignore life’s distractions.
We are also looking at these scriptures as we consider the life of Joseph.
(James 1:2-4 TPT)
2 My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can!
3 For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up power within you to endure all things.
4 And then as your endurance grows even stronger it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.
(Gen 37:25-28 ERV)
25 While Joseph was in the well, the brothers sat down to eat. They looked up and saw a group of traders traveling from Gilead to Egypt. Their camels were carrying many different spices and riches.
26 So Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we get if we kill our brother and hide his death?
27 We will profit more if we sell him to these traders. Then we will not be guilty of killing our own brother.” The other brothers agreed.
28 When the Midianite traders came by, the brothers took Joseph out of the well and sold him to the traders for 20 pieces of silver. The traders took him to Egypt.
So, what does this mean for you today? A few things.
1. Learning to deal with rejection is part of maturing as a believer.
— When strangers attack you, it is painful. But it is even more painful when the people closest to you do it. Joseph was betrayed and attacked by his own brothers. The people closest to you can cause you the greatest level of pain!
— If you are called to do something great, especially something new, you will be misunderstood. Get ready for criticism and possibly even rejection because many people criticize what they do not understand.
— Joseph was called to do something no one else in his family was called to do. It’s easy to see why the favor on his life was misunderstood by his brothers. While I was in the Army, God called me to open doors for US Army Signal Corps Warrant Officers that had never been opened before. Because I was doing something new, and because the favor of God was on my life to do it, like Joseph, I was misunderstood. My point here is that if you are going to do what God called you to do, especially if you are called to blaze trails, you must be willing to deal with criticism, backbiting, strong opposition, and even rejection. Unfortunately, this is all part of your maturity process as a man/woman of God.
— Our text says that we can reach the point where we are completely mature, with “nothing missing and nothing lacking,” but in order to do so, we must develop patient endurance. We cannot be moved by what people say or do. We cannot be phased by rejection or criticism. Part of developing Godly patience is developing the ability, by the grace of God, to press through rejection and pain!
— Remember, rejection from others often reflects their insecurities or lack of understanding, not your lack of calling or purpose.
— Consider Jesus, who faced immense rejection, as your ultimate example. His path reminds us that being misunderstood is often part of the package when it comes to fulfilling God’s plan.
2. How to handle rejection from others while doing what God called you to do.
— Embrace each experience of rejection as an opportunity to lean more into God’s grace and less on human approval.
— Recognize that rejection can serve as a redirection, guiding you closer to where God wants you to be.
— Use moments of misunderstanding as reminders to validate your identity in Christ, not in the acceptance of others.
— Reflect on the fact that some of the greatest Biblical heroes were rejected by those closest to them but were still used mightily by God.
— View rejection as a filter, distinguishing between who and what aligns with God’s purpose for your life. In other words, rejection helps you filter out the people who are not called to be with you for the long haul.
— When people show you who they truly are, believe them and be thankful that they exposed themselves now.
— Keep your heart and motives pure; serve and love others even when they don’t understand or accept you.
— Pray for those who reject or misunderstand you, following Christ’s command to love and pray for our enemies.
— Acknowledge that God’s approval is sufficient; seeking validation from people is a race you’ll never win.
3. How you wait can impact how long you wait.
— Joseph was betrayed by his own brothers. He was sold into slavery all because he had a dream from God. While Joseph was dealing with the sting of rejection and betrayal, he had to protect his mind and his heart. He had to continue to believe God without getting BITTER! If you get bitter, your bitterness will become a blessing blocker!
— Don’t ever allow a root of bitterness to grow in your heart because of anything anyone did. Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and thinking the other person is going to die. All it does is hurt you!
— People may not like the fact that you have been PICKED by God for your PURPOSE! They may talk about you because they are insecure. This is happening because they don’t know who they are. They don’t realize that God PICKED them too. But never allow the insecurity of others to cause you to operate on their level or to harbor bitterness and resentment in your heart. If others don’t like the favor of God on your life, and they attack you for it, PRAY FOR THEM and KEEP GOING! Keep the dream alive in your heart! Their poison cannot stop your purpose! You may be DELAYED, but you will not be DENIED!
— Understand that harboring bitterness can delay God’s plans for you, while forgiveness accelerates your progress.
— Recognize that your attitude during the wait influences your character development and preparation for what’s coming.
— Believe that God is working behind the scenes, even when progress isn’t visible. Your faith during the wait honors Him, keeping you OPEN to God’s best.
— Practice gratitude in your current season. Thankfulness can shift your perspective and help you see God’s hand at work.
— Keep serving God and others, even when your situation seems stagnant. Service is a key to unlocking your next level.
— Avoid comparing your journey to others. God’s timing for your life is unique and perfectly planned.
— Use your waiting period as a time to deepen your relationship with God. Draw close to Him. Intimacy with Him is never wasted time.
— Strengthen your faith through the Word. Scripture will be your sustenance and help you build your strategy while you wait.
— Seek God’s peace to guard your heart and mind. It will protect you from the toxicity of bitterness and impatience.
— Remember, God’s delays are not denials. He’s preparing you and your promise, ensuring everything aligns perfectly for His glory.
Declaration of Faith:
Father, I reject rejection and refuse to meditate on it in my heart.
I embrace forgiveness, releasing bitterness to unlock my blessings.
I affirm my identity and calling in You are irrevocable despite my flaws.
In every season of waiting, I choose gratitude and service, making the most of my NOW while I wait for what is NEXT!
I maintain a heart of worship and thankfulness, even when progress seems invisible.
I refuse comparison, celebrating the unique timing and path You have for me.
My relationship with You deepens in the wait, strengthening my faith, determination, and resolve.
Your peace guards my heart, keeping me from bitterness and impatience.
I trust Your delays are not denials but preparations for my greater good.
I declare GREATER IS COMING FOR ME, as I am rooted in Your purpose and plan.
I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
This is Today’s Word. Apply it and prosper!
