Moving Past Rejection: Trusting God to Guide Your Future

Rejection is something we’ve all faced at some point in our lives. Maybe we didn’t get that spot on the team or that promotion at work. Maybe relationships we thought would last a lifetime suddenly fell apart.

Especially in the moment, rejection really hurts. And if left unchecked, it can greatly hinder us in our calling.

But here’s what I’ve learned. God can take our disappointments and restore them in ways we never imagined. He can bring something far greater than what we thought we lost.

Learning to Surrender

From personal experience, I’ve discovered the power of surrendering my feelings of rejection to God. In placing my trust in Him, I’ve seen how He brings better opportunities than the ones I thought I missed.

If you’re struggling to let go and surrender your rejection to God, you might find encouragement in 20 Bible Verses About Surrendering to God.

Let me share a story that I can now laugh about, though it felt devastating at the time.

A Sixth-Grade Speech Meet

In sixth grade, I was selected to represent my school in a district speech meet, a competition designed to help students grow in public speaking. I was thrilled to participate, especially since I could compete using Braille due to my vision loss. I prepared diligently and felt confident after giving my speech.

When it came time for the awards ceremony, I eagerly anticipated receiving a superior rating, the highest honor. But when the results were announced, every other student from my school received a superior, while I was given an excellent rating.

I was crushed—tears and all.

Why the lower score? The judges marked me down for not making eye contact. Despite knowing I was visually impaired and using Braille, this aspect of the scoring wasn’t waived for me.

At the time, it felt incredibly unfair and disheartening. But little did I know, God had a plan.

God’s Restoration

Years later, God called me to speak in front of thousands of people to share His truth and encouragement. That sixth-grade speech meet could have defined my future, but I chose not to let it. Instead, I learned to listen to God’s voice above the noise of rejection.

Even today, public speaking remains a joy and a part of my calling. And while I still face rejection, whether it’s a canceled speaking opportunity or a ministry door closing, I’ve come to understand an important truth:

Not every opportunity is from God, even in ministry. Our goal should always be to seek His will, not just chase opportunities.

Moving Forward After Rejection

Rejection is painful, but it doesn’t have to stop us. Don’t let someone’s “no” define your future. Step out in faith, knowing that if God is for you, nothing can truly stand against you.

As you take steps to move forward, understanding God’s will can provide clarity and hope. Dive deeper into this topic with 10 Bible Verses About God's Will.

Romans 8:31 says,
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Trust in His plans and let Him guide you to something even greater than you could imagine. Rejection isn’t the end. It’s often the beginning of something better.