“It’s not you, it’s me”
“We regret to inform you we will not be moving forward with your application at this time.”
“We appreciate your submission but your piece has not been accepted for our publication this time.”
It doesn’t matter how kindly it’s delivered, or how neatly it’s packaged, rejection hurts.
Like tiny arrows, negative words—well intended or otherwise—hit their target with devastating precision. Eroding our self confidence, affirming our long held insecurities, and leaving an often permanent mark. Until, before long, an entirely false narrative has been created. A narrative we begin to believe about who it is that we are.
You are not worthy of love
You are not good enough
You are not equipped for this calling.
And then Jesus comes along and with three words: “it is finished,’ puts those lies in the grave—where they belong.
Countering the lies with His truth, He offers us a completely new narrative. One that we can believe in and count on, no matter how our mind may try to trick us, or what the world may say against us. For He sees not as man sees. And He knows us better than we know ourselves.
“You ARE loved,” He says. “So much so that I gave my life for you, and would do so again.
You do not have to keep striving to be good enough. You ARE enough because I created you. You are my masterpiece, I delight in you. And when you make mistakes, I will give you grace. Grace that offers hope in the face of failure, restoration not condemnation. Grace you do not need to earn, but is already yours.
I WILL equip you. I have plans and purposes for you in this world, for your good and my glory. I have given you skills and passions and where there may be weaknesses and vulnerabilities, I will meet them with MY strength so that MY power would be seen through you.“
“I am chosen. Not forsaken. I am who You say I am.” ~Hillsong Worship
Who do you believe that you are? Will you listen to what the world says? Or will you let the affirmations of Jesus shape your identity and be your ultimate truth. The choice is yours.
