May 8, 2025 • 42 mins
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Rejection stings at the core of our identity, challenging our worth and purpose in moments that feel like failures rather than redirections. But what if these closed doors are actually divine protections guiding us away from paths not meant for us?
This bonus episode explores seven powerful truths about rejection that transform our perspective from defeat to destiny. When relationships end, job opportunities slip away, or dreams crumble, we often ask "why me?" But the better question might be "what now, Lord?" This subtle shift moves us from paralysis to purpose, from mourning to meaning.
Through biblical examples like Joseph, whose rejection by his brothers led to saving many lives, and David, who was overlooked before becoming king, we see that rejection doesn't define our future—it refines our direction. God's sovereignty uses our disappointments as detours toward something better, though we rarely see it in the moment.
The practical wisdom shared here reaches beyond spiritual platitudes. From the dangers of venting rejection pain on social media to the importance of processing hurt with trusted friends rather than followers, these insights offer a roadmap for healing with dignity and hope. Remember: there's much more to you than the part that was rejected, and often what feels like rejection is actually protection from what wouldn't have been best.
Whether you're nursing the fresh wound of a breakup, struggling with professional disappointment, or wrestling with long-standing rejection, this message reminds you that heartbreak isn't where your story ends—it's where the Author meets you most personally. Your breaking can become your making when placed in God's capable hands.
What painful door has closed in your life that might actually be redirecting you to something better? This question might just be the beginning of seeing rejection through eyes of faith rather than failure.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Daniel Moore (00:11):
God sees the whole picture, what's ahead, what's
hidden and what we cannotcomprehend at the time.
In His mercy, he allows somerelationships to end,
opportunities to slip throughour hands or plans to fall apart
, not because he wants to hurtus, but because he wants to
protect us, as Isaiah 55, 8-9says.
(00:32):
For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways
my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher thanthe earth, so are my ways higher
than your ways and my thoughtsthan your thoughts.
This week, on Connecting theGap, we're going to throw out a
bonus episode to go with ourseries on rejection seven things
(00:53):
to remember when rejected.
We'll be back with this week'sepisode of Connecting the Gap
right after this.
Outro Music.
Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, bible and book studies
(01:35):
, and we interview peoplesometimes to have a story.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you for joining us thisweek.
If you're not familiar with ourshow, check out our website at
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platforms.
Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the Christianpodcasting app, edify, and you
can also visit us on social, onFacebook and Instagram at
(01:57):
ctgaponline, if you're a fan ofour show, please subscribe, feel
free to leave a comment on ourplatforms, give us a thumbs up
or a five-star review on ApplePodcasts, and we thank you for
doing that in advance.
Well, as I stated here in theintro, I have a bonus episode
for you this week that goes withour little mini-series that we
(02:18):
finished here a couple of weeksago on rejection, and we're
going to get through that herein just a moment.
I do want to let you know thatwe do have a new service that we
are offering.
If you go to our website atconnectingthegapnet or
marriagelifeandmorecom, eitherone of those will get you to
there.
We are now certified Symbusfacilitators for the Symbus
assessment and my wife and I areoffering that now as premarital
(02:42):
counseling, and you can also dothat as postmarital counseling
as well, and if you'd like tolearn more about that, you can
visit our website.
There's a link there forSimba's assessment.
Just click that and that'llgive you all the details.
And again, you can check thatout there on the website at
marriagelifeandmorecom orconnectingthegapnet.
Well, as I said, this week weare going to be doing a bonus
(03:07):
episode that goes with ourrejection series.
Next week, lord willing, we'regoing to be starting a
three-part series on ourmarriage episodes.
We have a couple coming inthat's going to be talking to us
about three different types ofscenarios that they have in
their marriage and we're goingto break those up into a
three-week series.
So make sure you check that out, subscribe so that you won't
(03:30):
miss those episodes.
But for this week we're goingto be talking again a little bit
about rejection and seventhings to remember.
When rejected, jennifer slidinto the passenger seat of the
car as her son, Caleb, climbedin behind the wheel.
(03:53):
They were headed to one of herfavorite spots, a quiet lakeside
trail where they liked to walkand talk when life felt a little
bit too loud.
He handed her a coffee he hadpicked up for her just how she
liked it black, with a splash ofalmond milk.
He had his usual an iced lattewith extra vanilla.
(04:14):
They sat for a moment in theparking lot, drinks in hand.
The windows cracked just enoughto let the spring air in.
Caleb took a deep breath, thenpulled out his phone it's in my
inbox, he muttered then lockedthe screen, tossed the phone
into the cup holder.
I really just don't want tolook.
Yet he had applied to his dreaminternship, a competitive
(04:38):
program that only took a handfulof students from across the
country.
The results had been emailedearlier that morning, but he
hadn't been able to face italone.
So there they were together.
Sometimes facing a possibleletdown is just a little more
bearable when someone's sittingbeside you.
Caleb had poured everythinginto his application.
(05:02):
He had researched, revised,asked for feedback and practiced
interviews with her in thekitchen while making late-night
ramen.
But even with all of his effort, he couldn't shake the doubt.
A few years earlier he had faceda blow that still echoed in his
confidence.
It was his junior year of highschool when he tried out for the
(05:24):
varsity soccer team.
He had made JV as a freshmanand sophomore and had trained
all summer for his next step,but when the roster was posted
his name wasn't on it.
No explanation, just not there.
The coach said he didn't havequite what they were looking for
that year.
It wasn't personal, but toCaleb it felt like a door
(05:48):
slammed shut in a hallway.
He'd been walking down foryears.
His teammates moved on withouthim, practices happened without
him, and though he joined a clubteam later, something in him
shifted.
He started questioning hisability, his worth, his
direction.
That rejection had cut deep.
(06:11):
But over time he found otherpassions writing, photography,
volunteer work with localwildlife programs.
He began to see himself as morethan just an athlete.
He began to see himself as morethan just an athlete.
He grew in ways that varsitysoccer could never have
stretched him.
Now here he was, anenvironmental science major with
(06:33):
a heart for conservation and amind built for problem solving.
This internship would be amassive step forward, but not
getting it.
Well, that would feel just likethat heavy echo of that soccer
cut.
She gave him a quiet nodWhenever you're ready, son.
(06:54):
He picked up the phone again,thumb hovering over the screen
for a long second before heopened the email Silence.
Then he exhaled I didn't get it.
She reached over and placed herhand on his arm.
His eyes were a little glassy,but he didn't look away.
(07:17):
I'm okay, he said softly.
I just really thought this wasit.
They didn't rush the moment.
They sat in that stillness bythe lake, the weight of
disappointment shared betweenthem, and then, slowly they got
out and started walking thetrail.
(07:38):
That rejection didn't undo him,it didn't define him and, just
like before, it would eventuallylead him somewhere unexpected.
And even better Sometimes aclosed door isn't the end.
It's just a turn toward a pathyou hadn't considered yet.
(08:04):
The enemy loves to take thesting of rejection and twist it
into a deep, irrational fearthat God either doesn't care
about us or lacks a good planfor our lives.
This fear doesn't just sitsilently in the background.
It becomes a toxic companionthat whispers lies, seeking to
replace the truth.
We've stood on withhopelessness.
The enemy knows that whateverconsumes our attention begins to
(08:25):
control our direction.
So the more our minds arefilled with rejection, the more
easily he manipulates ouremotions, thoughts and our
choices.
That's exactly where anxietybegins to suffocate our peace,
uncertainty drowns out our faith, and discouragement dims the
light of our joy.
(08:48):
When we're hurting and worn downby disappointment, we often
wonder what to do next.
Well, the answer lies in adeliberate return to God.
We must praise Him with ourlips even when it's hard, seek
Him daily in prayer, look to Himfor guidance, call on His name
continually and remain open toexperiencing His presence.
(09:10):
We must commit to fearing Godover fearing rejection, learning
from His Word, honoring Him inour decisions, drawing near to
Him with our whole hearts andtaking our refuge in His
promises.
These actions are not justspiritual habits.
(09:31):
They are powerful steps thathelp us remove the grip of fear
and place our confidence backwhere it belongs with God, our
Father and King.
We reclaim what fear tries tosteal by actively engaging with
the truth of who God is.
By doing this, we no longergive control to things or people
that were never meant to haveit.
Instead, we make a bolddeclaration that God is our
(09:54):
ultimate authority, our steadyanchor and the one worthy of our
trust.
We don't just survive rejection, we grow through it by standing
firm in God's unchanging love.
Well, this week, to help uslive this out when rejection
tries to silence us or shame us,we're going to walk through
(10:15):
seven truths to hold on to andspeak over our lives.
The first one, one rejection,is not a projection of future
failures.
So often we internalize asingle painful moment and assume
it defines the rest of ourlives.
But God has a different story.
Consider the example of Joseph.
(10:37):
He was rejected by his ownbrothers, sold into slavery and
later thrown into prison forsomething he didn't do.
From the outside, his lifelooked like a series of
devastating roadblocks.
However, in Genesis 50-20,joseph told his brothers you
intended to harm me, but Godintended it for good, to
(11:00):
accomplish what is now beingdone the saving of many lives.
Joseph's rejection was not theend.
It was the beginning of God'sgreater purpose unfolding in his
life.
Another example is David, whowas overlooked even by his own
family.
When Samuel came to anoint thenext king In 1 Samuel 16, David
(11:24):
wasn't even invited to theinitial selection process.
It looked like rejection, butGod had chosen him all along.
That hidden, unseen youngshepherd would go on to become a
mighty king.
Psalm 118.22 confirms thispattern.
The stone the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.
(11:46):
What man overlooks, god honorsin due time.
Even Jesus Christ himself wasrejected repeatedly.
Isaiah 53.3 says he wasdespised and rejected by mankind
, a man of suffering andfamiliar with pain.
Yet his rejection led to thegreatest victory in eternity our
(12:09):
salvation.
His story assures us thatrejection doesn't disqualify us
In God's hands.
It refines repositions andrepurposes us for something
greater.
Think of someone who didn't getthe job they prayed for, only
to be led to a betteropportunity that aligned more
with their calling.
Or the person whoserelationship ended, only to
(12:33):
later meet someone who is a farbetter fit spiritually and
emotionally.
Rejection is often redirection.
Proverbs 3, 5-6 says Trust inthe Lord with all your heart.
Lean not on your ownunderstanding In all of your
ways.
Proverbs 3, 5-6 says when wetrust God, even our
(12:55):
disappointments become stepstoward His plan.
Another example is the ApostlePaul, initially rejected and
distrusted by the early churchdue to his past.
Paul could have let that definehim, yet it did not.
God used Paul powerfully,despite initial rejection.
In fact, much of the NewTestament is written by him.
(13:18):
In Galatians 1.10,.
Paul reminds us If I were stilltrying to please people, I
would not be a servant of Christ.
Rejection by people freed Paulto be fully committed to God's
will.
So when rejection enters yourlife, don't receive it as a
prophecy over your future.
(13:38):
Receive it as a temporaryobstacle that God can use to
build your faith, deepen yourdependence and redirect you to
His best.
Romans 8.28 stands as apowerful promise and we know
that in all things God works forthe good of those who love Him,
who have been called accordingto His purpose.
One note today may very well besetting you up for an even
(14:02):
greater yes tomorrow.
Let rejection be a reminder notof your shortcomings but of
God's sovereignty.
Your story isn't over becauseone door closes.
God has a way of opening onefar better in His timing.
The second step rejectiondoesn't label you.
It enables you to adjust andmove on.
(14:26):
The way we respond to rejectionis not determined by the
rejection itself, but by theperspective we choose to have
moving forward.
Life offers us a choice to viewrejection through a realistic
lens that leads to growth, orthrough a pessimistic one that
leads to discouragement andemotional paralysis.
(14:47):
A realistic view acknowledgesthe pain of rejection but
understands it doesn't defineour identity or worth.
It allows us to reassess, learnand shift our direction toward
what God might be doing orpreparing.
On the other hand, apessimistic view sees rejection
(15:08):
as a permanent label, a messagethat we aren't good enough and
never will be.
This approach breeds insecurity, self-doubt and leads us away
from hope.
Scripture reminds us of theimportance of how we frame our
trials.
Scripture reminds us of theimportance of how we frame our
trials.
In Philippians 4.8,.
(15:36):
Paul instructs us to fix ourthoughts on what is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely andadmirable.
This is not blind optimism.
It's choosing to dwell on whatbuilds faith rather than what
fuels fear.
Rejection might be real, but sois the grace and the guidance of
God.
Consider the example of Samuelin Israel in 1 Samuel 8.
(15:56):
When the people demanded a kingto rule over them, it wasn't
just a political request, it wasa rejection of God's leadership
through Samuel.
Naturally, samuel took thispersonally, but God told him in
verse 7, it is not you that theyhave rejected, they have
rejected me as their king.
Samuel could have taken that asa personal label of failure,
(16:18):
but instead he adjusted,followed God's direction and
anointed Saul.
Another example is Peter.
He denied Jesus three times, aclear moment of rejection and
failure.
Yet when Jesus restored him inJohn 21, he didn't label Peter
by his failure.
He called him to love hisfollowers and lead the church.
(16:40):
That painful moment didn'tdefine Peter.
It enabled him to grow in graceand carry out one of the most
important roles in the earlychurch.
Proverbs 24, 16 says For thoughthe righteous fall seven times,
they rise again, but the wickedstumble when calamity strikes.
This scripture reminds us thatfalling or facing rejection is
(17:05):
not the end.
Rising again is where victorylies.
Rejection can be a divineredirection wrapped in
disappointment.
When we trust God through it,we'll find that rejection was
not labeling us as failures, buttraining us for faithfulness.
Ultimately, your response torejection is your responsibility
(17:28):
.
You can let it stop you or youcan let it shape you into
someone stronger, more dependenton God and more aligned with
His purpose for your life.
One view leads to defeat andthe other leads to destiny.
The choice is yours.
(17:52):
The third step there is usuallysome element of protection
wrapped in every rejection.
This truth is often incrediblydifficult to recognize while
we're in the midst of pain.
At the moment, rejection feelslike a cruel halt, a loss or a
failure, but when we look backwith the clarity that time and
(18:15):
God's wisdom bring, we oftenrealize that what felt like a
door slammed shut was actuallyGod's hand shielding us from
something that wasn't as bestfor us.
God sees the whole picturewhat's ahead, what's hidden and
what we cannot comprehend at thetime.
In His mercy, he allows somerelationships to end,
(18:36):
opportunities to slip throughour hands or plans to fall apart
, not because he wants to hurtus, but because he wants to
protect us, as Isaiah 55, 8, and9 says.
For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways.
My ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher thanthe earth, so are my ways higher
than your ways and my thoughtsthan your thoughts.
(19:00):
One clear biblical example ofprotection in rejection is in
Acts 16.
Paul and his companions weretraveling to preach the gospel
and they wanted to go into Asia,but Scripture says they were
quote kept by the Holy Spiritfrom preaching the word in the
province of Asia, end quote.
Then they tried to enterBithynia, but the Spirit of the
(19:24):
Lord would not allow them to Atthe time.
This must have been confusingand disappointing.
But it wasn't punishment, itwas divine redirection.
Shortly afterward, paul had avision of a man in Macedonia
asking for help, and theyrealized God was calling them
there.
Instead, that very redirectionopened the door to a powerful
(19:47):
ministry in Philippi.
In our own lives we may reflecton times when we didn't land the
job, we weren't accepted intothe school or the relationship
didn't work out, and only laterdid we see how harmful or
misaligned these things wouldhave been.
God was not withholding goodfrom us.
He was guarding us fromsomething that could hinder or
(20:10):
harm us.
Psalm 84, 11 assures us For theLord, god is a sun and shield.
The Lord bestows favor andhonor.
No good thing does he withholdfrom those whose walk is
blameless.
If it was withheld, it wasn't agood thing for us, at least not
for that season.
(20:30):
Another relatable example is indating or friendships.
You may have deeply wanted arelationship to work out, only
to experience rejection andheartbreak.
But as time passed you sawthings about the person's
character, lifestyle or valuesthat would have led to a great
deal of pain or distraction, orvalues that would have led to a
(20:51):
great deal of pain ordistraction.
Once you once called rejection,you now call God's protection.
Rejection hurts, there's nodoubt about that, but it can
also be a loving act of divineintervention.
What feels like a loss may beGod saving you from something
that would have compromised yourpeace, purpose or even your
safety.
You can trust in Proverbs 3,5-6, where it says trust in the
(21:16):
Lord with all your heart, leannot on your own understanding,
and in all your ways submit toHim, and he will make your paths
straight.
So when you're wrestling withwhy something ended or didn't go
your way, try asking somethingended or didn't go your way.
Try asking God were youprotecting me?
You may not see it right away,but over time you'll often find
(21:37):
that His mercy was hidden in theclosed doors.
Rejection may sting in themoment, but in the hands of a
loving and sovereign God, it canbe the very thing that keeps us
aligned with His perfect will.
God, it can be the very thingthat keeps us aligned with His
perfect will.
(22:02):
The fourth step.
It's good to ask the what?
Questions, but less helpful toask why.
When we encounter rejection,disappointment or relational
hurt, our knee-jerk reaction isoften to ask why did this happen
to me or why would they do this?
The focusing on the why oftenlures us into a loop of
frustration, confusion andhelplessness, because most why
questions revolve around thingsbeyond our control, such as
(22:26):
other people's decisions, unseenmotives and outcomes that we
can't change.
On the other hand, asking whatquestions invites growth.
It redirects our attention towhat we can learn, what we can
change and how we can moveforward.
Questions like what is Godtrying to teach me in this or
(22:47):
what can I learn about myselffrom this experience those
questions will shift us frompassive to purposeful.
Those questions cultivatehumility and open the door to
deeper emotional and spiritualmaturity.
Pride tends to fuel the whyquestions.
It whispers it's all theirfault, you did nothing wrong.
(23:09):
It keeps us in a place of blamewhich might feel comforting in
the moment but is ultimatelyparalyzing.
In contrast, insecurity hijacksthe why to say you must be the
problem.
If you were smarter, better,more lovable, this wouldn't have
happened.
More lovable, this wouldn'thave happened.
(23:33):
Both pride and insecurity keepus staring in the rear view
mirror, either justifyingourselves or condemning
ourselves, but neither help usmove forward.
Take Peter in the Bible, forexample.
After he denied Jesus threetimes, jesus didn't meet him
with the harsh interrogation ofwhy did you do that?
Instead, in John, chapter 21,verses 15 through 17, jesus
(23:55):
asked do you love me?
And he asked him that threetimes.
His questions were restorative,not accusatory.
Jesus was asking essentiallywhat are you going to do with
your love now, peter?
He wasn't asking him why didyou mess up so badly?
Those questions pushed Petertowards purpose, not paralysis.
(24:20):
Another question is when Godconfronted Adam in Genesis 3
after the fall, he didn't beginwith an angry why?
He starts with where are you?
And then, what is this you havedone?
Even God himself models the whatapproach not to shame, but to
awaken self-awareness.
Paul gives us another lens inPhilippians 3, 13-14 when he
(24:46):
says forgetting what is behindand straining forward what is
ahead, I press on toward thegoal.
Paul isn't wasting energyasking why did I persecute
Christians or why didn't thechurches accept me right away?
Instead, he shifts his focus towhat God has called him to do
next.
That's the practical wisdomthat we need for emotional and
(25:09):
spiritual forward motion.
Now let's be honest.
Sometimes we ask why?
Not because we're searching forclarity, but because we want
validation for our frustration.
It's like asking why did thatbarista get my coffee order
wrong?
We get riled up over thingsthat aren't worth the energy and
(25:30):
meanwhile we're missing thedeeper what Like what's in my
heart that's making me so easyto offend today.
It's like standing in front ofa locked door, knocking
continuously, asking why won'tyou open, when all along there's
another open door behind youwith snacks, air conditioning
and life-giving answers, but wenever turn around because we
(25:53):
like being dramatic.
Sometimes we're just not beingdeep, we're just being stuck,
ultimately asking God what areyou saying to me through this?
Or what steps should I takenext?
Invites His presence into ourhealing.
Step should I take next?
(26:15):
Invites His presence into ourhealing.
Even Psalm 139, 23-24 reflectsthis heart where it says Search
me, god, and know my heart, seeif there is any offensive way in
me and lead me in the wayeverlasting.
David wasn't asking why othershated him.
He was asking what God wantedto reveal about Himself.
Asking why others hated him.
He was asking what God wantedto reveal about himself.
So the next time rejection hits, instead of sinking into the
(26:35):
mystery of why, ask themeaningful what that grows you.
It's not weak to be hurt, butit's wise to rise stronger.
And sometimes the most powerfulthing we can do is replace why
(26:57):
me with what now, lord.
The fifth step here is don'thash, bash or trash on the
internet.
Remember the internet neverforgets, and this is a tough one
.
In the raw pain of rejection, itcan be tempting to vent
(27:18):
publicly, to post vague statusupdates, cryptic quotes or sad
emojis in hopes that someonewill notice our pain.
While that may offer amomentary sense of validation or
relief, it rarely leads tomeaningful healing and can
instead create lastingconsequences.
A trusted, wise friend can be asafe space to process our hurt.
(27:41):
They can listen withoutjudgment, help separate truth
from emotion and speakcompassion with discernment.
They know the real you, notjust the reactionary moment, and
won't label you forever basedon what you say when your heart
is vulnerable.
But social media doesn't offerthat kind of grace.
It plays judge and jury withoutcontext, what you post in a
(28:07):
moment of rejection can easilybe screenshotted, shared,
misinterpreted or even broughtback up long after you've grown
past it.
Proverbs 12.18 warns us thewords of the reckless pierce
like swords, but the tongue ofthe wise brings healing.
When we impulsively air ouremotions online, our reckless
(28:28):
words often hurt others andourselves.
That venting session may feeljustified, but it's like
throwing a verbal grenade at adigital crowd.
The damage can't be undone evenafter you've deleted the post.
Ephesians 4.29 adds to this.
Do not let any unwholesome talkcome out of your mouths, but
(28:51):
only what is helpful forbuilding others up, that it may
benefit those who listen.
So let's ask ourselves doeswhat I'm about to post build up
or does it break down?
Does it reflect who I want tobe tomorrow or just how I feel
today?
Who I want to be tomorrow orjust how I feel today?
(29:13):
Consider this you go through abreakup and in your hurt, you
post a meme dripping withbitterness and caption it with a
sad face and cryptic line, likesome people were never real.
To begin with it seems harmlessenough, but people will start
speculating.
Friends take sides, commentspour in.
Suddenly, a private heartbreakbecomes a public spectacle Weeks
(29:36):
later, when you've moved on orreconciled.
Your post is still out there,shaping how others view you, and
it's not just romanticrelationships.
Workplace disputes, church dramaor friendship breakdowns also
tempt us to quote-unquote, letit out online.
But James 1.19 reminds us thateveryone should be quick to
(29:59):
listen, slow to speak and slowto become angry, and that also
includes being slow to post.
The internet moves fast, butwisdom moves slow.
Wisdom considers how today'sreaction will be remembered
tomorrow.
A moment of honesty can becomea moment of humiliation when
(30:20):
shared too widely.
Turn to a trusted friend, notfollowers.
Process in prayer beforeposting in public.
Jesus himself, when betrayed byJudas and denied by Peter,
which are two very deepemotional wounds, responded with
truth and grace, not an onlinerants or crowdsourced validation
(30:43):
.
He brought his pain to theFather in prayer and not to the
mob.
Rejection hurts, but healinghappens best in a safe and
private space, not on a socialmedia thread.
Guard your heart and yourkeyboard.
That emoji of heartbreak orthose passive-aggressive lyrics
(31:04):
posted at midnight may not saywhat you really mean and they
won't help you heal.
Sometimes the most matureresponse is silence, and the
wisest post is no post at all.
The sixth step is there's muchmore to you than the part that
was rejected.
(31:24):
One of the hard parts ofrejection is the unsettling time
gap it suddenly creates.
That once filled space in yourschedule, the conversations, the
dreams, the events that youplanned is now an empty void,
and it can leave you feelingcompletely disoriented.
The rejection might have endeda relationship, closed the door
(31:48):
on a job or dismantled along-held dream, but it didn't
cancel your purpose, youridentity or your potential.
There's much more to you thanthe part that was rejected.
There's much more to you thanthe part that was rejected.
This is an important truth toremind yourself of.
Rejection may touch a part ofyour life, but it does not
(32:12):
define the entirety of who youare.
The time that rejection seemsto steal is actually time that
can be redeemed for rediscovery,growth and healing.
In Ecclesiastes 3.1 it saysthere is a time for everything
and a season for every activity.
Under the heavens.
That means even seasons of losshave purpose, not to strip us
bare but to shape us inpreparation for something
(32:34):
greater.
I mean think of David when hewas a shepherd boy.
He wasn't invited to theprophet Samuel's big anointing
ceremony.
At first, his own fatherthought he wasn't significant
enough, but God told Samuel in 1Samuel 16, 7,.
David didn't let that rejectiondefine him.
(32:58):
Instead, the quiet obscurity ofthe fields became a time of
preparation for the battlefieldand, ultimately, the throne.
Who we are becoming in thequiet spaces might be the most
powerful part of our journey.
Another example is Naomi in thebook of Ruth.
After losing her husband andsons, she saw herself only
(33:21):
through the lens of her pain,saying in Ruth 1.20,.
Don't call me Naomi, call meMara, because the Almighty has
made my life very bitter.
But God was not done with herstory.
Through Ruth's loyalty andBoaz's favor, naomi's life was
restored.
The part of her that had beenbruised and emptied was not the
(33:44):
whole of her story.
Her legacy lived on throughRuth's line, the lineage of
Jesus.
When you're left with extra timeafter rejection, it's natural
to feel left out and feel lost,but it's also an opportunity.
What gifts have you neglectedthat God might be now calling
(34:06):
you to develop?
What passions have you shelvedbecause your schedule didn't
allow space for them?
This new margin can become alaunch pad, not a graveyard.
Paul 139.14 reminds us I praiseyou because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.
(34:27):
God didn't create you for justone opportunity, one
relationship or one path.
His design for you includesmany layers, many expressions of
calling and more seasons ofusefulness than your past could
ever limit.
So when rejection removessomething from your life, it
doesn't remove your value.
(34:48):
It may just be clearing thespace for something in you that
has been waiting to emerge.
You're still gifted, you'restill called, you still matter.
Let this new time help revealmore of what God has written
into your story, because there'smuch more to you than the part
(35:08):
that was rejected.
And the seventh step don't letthis heartbreak destroy you.
Let this breaking actually bethe making of you.
Let God use it in good ways tomake you stronger and take you
further.
God's ultimate desire in anyrelationship marriage,
(35:30):
friendship or partnership is notsolely happiness.
He's after holiness, growth andpurpose.
As much as we may want to builda beautiful life together with
someone simply to enjoy it, godoften invites us to step into
something deeper—partnershipwith Him in kingdom work.
He didn't bring us togetherjust for the comfort of
(35:53):
companionship, but to shape usthrough the relationship and use
our union, or even ourunraveling, for eternal
significance.
If God had allowed everythingto remain perfect and easy.
We might have grown strong inour own abilities and become
resistant to relying on Him.
Our independent strength, whileimpressive on the surface,
(36:16):
would have eventually crippledour effectiveness for kingdom
assignments.
Real kingdom strength is forgedin surrender.
It rises from weakness and isrooted in a deep dependency on
God.
The breaking of us becomes themaking of us, as 2 Corinthians
12 9 says my grace is sufficientfor you, for my power is made
(36:40):
perfect in weakness.
It's through the very breakingthat God's power can be
displayed and our testimonydeepened.
Heartbreak is not a foreignconcept to the Christian life.
It has been part of differentseasons in my own marriage Times
, when love was stretched thin,when words wounded deeper than
(37:01):
we knew they could and when thedisappointment of unmet
expectations felt overwhelming.
Those moments seemed to exposenothing but weakness.
But God used them and what heproduced through our willingness
to forgive, grow and cling toHim was a strength we couldn't
have developed in seasons ofease.
(37:22):
For those whose marriages orsignificant relationships didn't
survive the heartbreak, pleaseknow these truths aren't
reserved for couples who arestill together.
God is not done with you.
The ending of a relationship isnot the ending of your value.
Relationship is not the endingof your value, your purpose or
(37:45):
God's presence in your life.
Even in that pain, god stillwalks with you.
Psalm 3418 says the Lord isclose to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed inspirit.
Crushed moments don't cancelyour calling.
In fact, they may carve adeeper space for God's presence
to dwell.
You might feel angry, confusedor devastated.
(38:09):
Maybe you've pounded your fiston the steering wheel, screamed
into your pillow or comparedyour journey to others who seem
to have it easier.
And you know God sees it all.
He's not afraid of the jaggededges of your hurt.
To others you may seem like toomuch, too raw, too hurt or too
broken, but not to God.
(38:31):
He does not recoil.
He draws near.
He covers you in grace andgently gathers each broken piece
.
Isaiah 61, 3 promises that Godgives beauty for ashes, the oil
of joy for mourning and agarment of praise for a spirit
of despair.
He specializes in restoringwhat we thought was lost forever
(38:54):
.
When we allow Him to access toour pain, he doesn't waste it.
He works through it to developsomething deeper Character,
perseverance, wisdom, empathyand purpose.
If you're in that vulnerableplace today, let it push you
closer to the one who will neverreject you.
Let your mourning become adoorway, not a dead end.
(39:18):
Let your tears become the waterthat softens your heart again,
not the flood that drowns yourhope.
Job 23, 10 says but he knows theway that I take when he has
tested me.
I will come forth as gold.
That's your story too.
You will not stay shattered.
(39:39):
Step by step, hand in hand, youwill come forth stronger, wiser
and more anchored.
As we conclude this episodethis week, remember that
heartbreak is not where yourstory ends.
It's where the author meets youmost personally.
Let the breaking be the makingof you, not because the pain was
(40:01):
good, but because God is and heis faithful to complete what he
started in you.
Not a single moment of yourhurt is being wasted in His
hands.
Keep on walking.
Healing is coming and victoryis on the horizon.
Well, that's going to do it forthis week's episode.
(40:23):
Please subscribe to be sure thatyou don't miss any of our
episodes here at Connecting theGap.
I'm Daniel Moore.
Thank you, guys for listening.
This show really wouldn't bepossible without you.
If you're a fan of the show,please leave a review on the
Apple podcast, or if you'd liketo help us out, just give us a
few seconds and give us afive-star click and please
(40:48):
subscribe to us on your favoriteplatform, and those links are
in the show notes.
Well, that's all for this week,and we believe that God's Word
never fails us.
God's Word has stood the testof time and, through Jesus'
death on the cross, he hasconnected the gap.
You've been listening toConnecting the Gap podcast.
I'm Daniel Moore, the host forthis podcast, and I personally
thank you for listening.
Each week In this world, thereare many disconnects that cause
chaos in our lives.
This podcast is birthed fromthe desire to share hope and
(41:10):
restoration of the power of thegospel by being transparent and
open in our biblical walk withGod.
Each week, we take a fewmoments as we navigate God's
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We upload a new audio podcastevery Thursday and a video
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(41:31):
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(41:51):
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We hope you are blessed by thisministry.
This is a production ofConnecting the Gap Ministries.
God sees the whole picture, what's ahead, what's
hidden and what we cannotcomprehend at the time.
In His mercy, he allows somerelationships to end,
opportunities to slip throughour hands or plans to fall apart
, not because he wants to hurtus, but because he wants to
protect us, as Isaiah 55, 8-9says.
(00:32):
For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways
my ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher thanthe earth, so are my ways higher
than your ways and my thoughtsthan your thoughts.
This week, on Connecting theGap, we're going to throw out a
bonus episode to go with ourseries on rejection seven things
(00:53):
to remember when rejected.
We'll be back with this week'sepisode of Connecting the Gap
right after this.
Outro Music.
Welcome to Connecting the Gap.
This is a podcast aboutmarriage, bible and book studies
(01:35):
, and we interview peoplesometimes to have a story.
I'm Daniel Moore, your host.
Thank you for joining us thisweek.
If you're not familiar with ourshow, check out our website at
wwwconnectingthegapnet and thereyou'll find all of our
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Our YouTube and Rumble linksare there.
We're also on the Christianpodcasting app, edify, and you
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(01:57):
ctgaponline, if you're a fan ofour show, please subscribe, feel
free to leave a comment on ourplatforms, give us a thumbs up
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doing that in advance.
Well, as I stated here in theintro, I have a bonus episode
for you this week that goes withour little mini-series that we
(02:18):
finished here a couple of weeksago on rejection, and we're
going to get through that herein just a moment.
I do want to let you know thatwe do have a new service that we
are offering.
If you go to our website atconnectingthegapnet or
marriagelifeandmorecom, eitherone of those will get you to
there.
We are now certified Symbusfacilitators for the Symbus
assessment and my wife and I areoffering that now as premarital
(02:42):
counseling, and you can also dothat as postmarital counseling
as well, and if you'd like tolearn more about that, you can
visit our website.
There's a link there forSimba's assessment.
Just click that and that'llgive you all the details.
And again, you can check thatout there on the website at
marriagelifeandmorecom orconnectingthegapnet.
Well, as I said, this week weare going to be doing a bonus
(03:07):
episode that goes with ourrejection series.
Next week, lord willing, we'regoing to be starting a
three-part series on ourmarriage episodes.
We have a couple coming inthat's going to be talking to us
about three different types ofscenarios that they have in
their marriage and we're goingto break those up into a
three-week series.
So make sure you check that out, subscribe so that you won't
(03:30):
miss those episodes.
But for this week we're goingto be talking again a little bit
about rejection and seventhings to remember.
When rejected, jennifer slidinto the passenger seat of the
car as her son, Caleb, climbedin behind the wheel.
(03:53):
They were headed to one of herfavorite spots, a quiet lakeside
trail where they liked to walkand talk when life felt a little
bit too loud.
He handed her a coffee he hadpicked up for her just how she
liked it black, with a splash ofalmond milk.
He had his usual an iced lattewith extra vanilla.
(04:14):
They sat for a moment in theparking lot, drinks in hand.
The windows cracked just enoughto let the spring air in.
Caleb took a deep breath, thenpulled out his phone it's in my
inbox, he muttered then lockedthe screen, tossed the phone
into the cup holder.
I really just don't want tolook.
Yet he had applied to his dreaminternship, a competitive
(04:38):
program that only took a handfulof students from across the
country.
The results had been emailedearlier that morning, but he
hadn't been able to face italone.
So there they were together.
Sometimes facing a possibleletdown is just a little more
bearable when someone's sittingbeside you.
Caleb had poured everythinginto his application.
(05:02):
He had researched, revised,asked for feedback and practiced
interviews with her in thekitchen while making late-night
ramen.
But even with all of his effort, he couldn't shake the doubt.
A few years earlier he had faceda blow that still echoed in his
confidence.
It was his junior year of highschool when he tried out for the
(05:24):
varsity soccer team.
He had made JV as a freshmanand sophomore and had trained
all summer for his next step,but when the roster was posted
his name wasn't on it.
No explanation, just not there.
The coach said he didn't havequite what they were looking for
that year.
It wasn't personal, but toCaleb it felt like a door
(05:48):
slammed shut in a hallway.
He'd been walking down foryears.
His teammates moved on withouthim, practices happened without
him, and though he joined a clubteam later, something in him
shifted.
He started questioning hisability, his worth, his
direction.
That rejection had cut deep.
(06:11):
But over time he found otherpassions writing, photography,
volunteer work with localwildlife programs.
He began to see himself as morethan just an athlete.
He began to see himself as morethan just an athlete.
He grew in ways that varsitysoccer could never have
stretched him.
Now here he was, anenvironmental science major with
(06:33):
a heart for conservation and amind built for problem solving.
This internship would be amassive step forward, but not
getting it.
Well, that would feel just likethat heavy echo of that soccer
cut.
She gave him a quiet nodWhenever you're ready, son.
(06:54):
He picked up the phone again,thumb hovering over the screen
for a long second before heopened the email Silence.
Then he exhaled I didn't get it.
She reached over and placed herhand on his arm.
His eyes were a little glassy,but he didn't look away.
(07:17):
I'm okay, he said softly.
I just really thought this wasit.
They didn't rush the moment.
They sat in that stillness bythe lake, the weight of
disappointment shared betweenthem, and then, slowly they got
out and started walking thetrail.
(07:38):
That rejection didn't undo him,it didn't define him and, just
like before, it would eventuallylead him somewhere unexpected.
And even better Sometimes aclosed door isn't the end.
It's just a turn toward a pathyou hadn't considered yet.
(08:04):
The enemy loves to take thesting of rejection and twist it
into a deep, irrational fearthat God either doesn't care
about us or lacks a good planfor our lives.
This fear doesn't just sitsilently in the background.
It becomes a toxic companionthat whispers lies, seeking to
replace the truth.
We've stood on withhopelessness.
The enemy knows that whateverconsumes our attention begins to
(08:25):
control our direction.
So the more our minds arefilled with rejection, the more
easily he manipulates ouremotions, thoughts and our
choices.
That's exactly where anxietybegins to suffocate our peace,
uncertainty drowns out our faith, and discouragement dims the
light of our joy.
(08:48):
When we're hurting and worn downby disappointment, we often
wonder what to do next.
Well, the answer lies in adeliberate return to God.
We must praise Him with ourlips even when it's hard, seek
Him daily in prayer, look to Himfor guidance, call on His name
continually and remain open toexperiencing His presence.
(09:10):
We must commit to fearing Godover fearing rejection, learning
from His Word, honoring Him inour decisions, drawing near to
Him with our whole hearts andtaking our refuge in His
promises.
These actions are not justspiritual habits.
(09:31):
They are powerful steps thathelp us remove the grip of fear
and place our confidence backwhere it belongs with God, our
Father and King.
We reclaim what fear tries tosteal by actively engaging with
the truth of who God is.
By doing this, we no longergive control to things or people
that were never meant to haveit.
Instead, we make a bolddeclaration that God is our
(09:54):
ultimate authority, our steadyanchor and the one worthy of our
trust.
We don't just survive rejection, we grow through it by standing
firm in God's unchanging love.
Well, this week, to help uslive this out when rejection
tries to silence us or shame us,we're going to walk through
(10:15):
seven truths to hold on to andspeak over our lives.
The first one, one rejection,is not a projection of future
failures.
So often we internalize asingle painful moment and assume
it defines the rest of ourlives.
But God has a different story.
Consider the example of Joseph.
(10:37):
He was rejected by his ownbrothers, sold into slavery and
later thrown into prison forsomething he didn't do.
From the outside, his lifelooked like a series of
devastating roadblocks.
However, in Genesis 50-20,joseph told his brothers you
intended to harm me, but Godintended it for good, to
(11:00):
accomplish what is now beingdone the saving of many lives.
Joseph's rejection was not theend.
It was the beginning of God'sgreater purpose unfolding in his
life.
Another example is David, whowas overlooked even by his own
family.
When Samuel came to anoint thenext king In 1 Samuel 16, David
(11:24):
wasn't even invited to theinitial selection process.
It looked like rejection, butGod had chosen him all along.
That hidden, unseen youngshepherd would go on to become a
mighty king.
Psalm 118.22 confirms thispattern.
The stone the builders rejectedhas become the cornerstone.
(11:46):
What man overlooks, god honorsin due time.
Even Jesus Christ himself wasrejected repeatedly.
Isaiah 53.3 says he wasdespised and rejected by mankind
, a man of suffering andfamiliar with pain.
Yet his rejection led to thegreatest victory in eternity our
(12:09):
salvation.
His story assures us thatrejection doesn't disqualify us
In God's hands.
It refines repositions andrepurposes us for something
greater.
Think of someone who didn't getthe job they prayed for, only
to be led to a betteropportunity that aligned more
with their calling.
Or the person whoserelationship ended, only to
(12:33):
later meet someone who is a farbetter fit spiritually and
emotionally.
Rejection is often redirection.
Proverbs 3, 5-6 says Trust inthe Lord with all your heart.
Lean not on your ownunderstanding In all of your
ways.
Proverbs 3, 5-6 says when wetrust God, even our
(12:55):
disappointments become stepstoward His plan.
Another example is the ApostlePaul, initially rejected and
distrusted by the early churchdue to his past.
Paul could have let that definehim, yet it did not.
God used Paul powerfully,despite initial rejection.
In fact, much of the NewTestament is written by him.
(13:18):
In Galatians 1.10,.
Paul reminds us If I were stilltrying to please people, I
would not be a servant of Christ.
Rejection by people freed Paulto be fully committed to God's
will.
So when rejection enters yourlife, don't receive it as a
prophecy over your future.
(13:38):
Receive it as a temporaryobstacle that God can use to
build your faith, deepen yourdependence and redirect you to
His best.
Romans 8.28 stands as apowerful promise and we know
that in all things God works forthe good of those who love Him,
who have been called accordingto His purpose.
One note today may very well besetting you up for an even
(14:02):
greater yes tomorrow.
Let rejection be a reminder notof your shortcomings but of
God's sovereignty.
Your story isn't over becauseone door closes.
God has a way of opening onefar better in His timing.
The second step rejectiondoesn't label you.
It enables you to adjust andmove on.
(14:26):
The way we respond to rejectionis not determined by the
rejection itself, but by theperspective we choose to have
moving forward.
Life offers us a choice to viewrejection through a realistic
lens that leads to growth, orthrough a pessimistic one that
leads to discouragement andemotional paralysis.
(14:47):
A realistic view acknowledgesthe pain of rejection but
understands it doesn't defineour identity or worth.
It allows us to reassess, learnand shift our direction toward
what God might be doing orpreparing.
On the other hand, apessimistic view sees rejection
(15:08):
as a permanent label, a messagethat we aren't good enough and
never will be.
This approach breeds insecurity, self-doubt and leads us away
from hope.
Scripture reminds us of theimportance of how we frame our
trials.
Scripture reminds us of theimportance of how we frame our
trials.
In Philippians 4.8,.
(15:36):
Paul instructs us to fix ourthoughts on what is true, noble,
right, pure, lovely andadmirable.
This is not blind optimism.
It's choosing to dwell on whatbuilds faith rather than what
fuels fear.
Rejection might be real, but sois the grace and the guidance of
God.
Consider the example of Samuelin Israel in 1 Samuel 8.
(15:56):
When the people demanded a kingto rule over them, it wasn't
just a political request, it wasa rejection of God's leadership
through Samuel.
Naturally, samuel took thispersonally, but God told him in
verse 7, it is not you that theyhave rejected, they have
rejected me as their king.
Samuel could have taken that asa personal label of failure,
(16:18):
but instead he adjusted,followed God's direction and
anointed Saul.
Another example is Peter.
He denied Jesus three times, aclear moment of rejection and
failure.
Yet when Jesus restored him inJohn 21, he didn't label Peter
by his failure.
He called him to love hisfollowers and lead the church.
(16:40):
That painful moment didn'tdefine Peter.
It enabled him to grow in graceand carry out one of the most
important roles in the earlychurch.
Proverbs 24, 16 says For thoughthe righteous fall seven times,
they rise again, but the wickedstumble when calamity strikes.
This scripture reminds us thatfalling or facing rejection is
(17:05):
not the end.
Rising again is where victorylies.
Rejection can be a divineredirection wrapped in
disappointment.
When we trust God through it,we'll find that rejection was
not labeling us as failures, buttraining us for faithfulness.
Ultimately, your response torejection is your responsibility
(17:28):
.
You can let it stop you or youcan let it shape you into
someone stronger, more dependenton God and more aligned with
His purpose for your life.
One view leads to defeat andthe other leads to destiny.
The choice is yours.
(17:52):
The third step there is usuallysome element of protection
wrapped in every rejection.
This truth is often incrediblydifficult to recognize while
we're in the midst of pain.
At the moment, rejection feelslike a cruel halt, a loss or a
failure, but when we look backwith the clarity that time and
(18:15):
God's wisdom bring, we oftenrealize that what felt like a
door slammed shut was actuallyGod's hand shielding us from
something that wasn't as bestfor us.
God sees the whole picturewhat's ahead, what's hidden and
what we cannot comprehend at thetime.
In His mercy, he allows somerelationships to end,
(18:36):
opportunities to slip throughour hands or plans to fall apart
, not because he wants to hurtus, but because he wants to
protect us, as Isaiah 55, 8, and9 says.
For my thoughts are not yourthoughts, neither are your ways.
My ways, declares the Lord.
As the heavens are higher thanthe earth, so are my ways higher
than your ways and my thoughtsthan your thoughts.
(19:00):
One clear biblical example ofprotection in rejection is in
Acts 16.
Paul and his companions weretraveling to preach the gospel
and they wanted to go into Asia,but Scripture says they were
quote kept by the Holy Spiritfrom preaching the word in the
province of Asia, end quote.
Then they tried to enterBithynia, but the Spirit of the
(19:24):
Lord would not allow them to Atthe time.
This must have been confusingand disappointing.
But it wasn't punishment, itwas divine redirection.
Shortly afterward, paul had avision of a man in Macedonia
asking for help, and theyrealized God was calling them
there.
Instead, that very redirectionopened the door to a powerful
(19:47):
ministry in Philippi.
In our own lives we may reflecton times when we didn't land the
job, we weren't accepted intothe school or the relationship
didn't work out, and only laterdid we see how harmful or
misaligned these things wouldhave been.
God was not withholding goodfrom us.
He was guarding us fromsomething that could hinder or
(20:10):
harm us.
Psalm 84, 11 assures us For theLord, god is a sun and shield.
The Lord bestows favor andhonor.
No good thing does he withholdfrom those whose walk is
blameless.
If it was withheld, it wasn't agood thing for us, at least not
for that season.
(20:30):
Another relatable example is indating or friendships.
You may have deeply wanted arelationship to work out, only
to experience rejection andheartbreak.
But as time passed you sawthings about the person's
character, lifestyle or valuesthat would have led to a great
deal of pain or distraction, orvalues that would have led to a
(20:51):
great deal of pain ordistraction.
Once you once called rejection,you now call God's protection.
Rejection hurts, there's nodoubt about that, but it can
also be a loving act of divineintervention.
What feels like a loss may beGod saving you from something
that would have compromised yourpeace, purpose or even your
safety.
You can trust in Proverbs 3,5-6, where it says trust in the
(21:16):
Lord with all your heart, leannot on your own understanding,
and in all your ways submit toHim, and he will make your paths
straight.
So when you're wrestling withwhy something ended or didn't go
your way, try asking somethingended or didn't go your way.
Try asking God were youprotecting me?
You may not see it right away,but over time you'll often find
(21:37):
that His mercy was hidden in theclosed doors.
Rejection may sting in themoment, but in the hands of a
loving and sovereign God, it canbe the very thing that keeps us
aligned with His perfect will.
God, it can be the very thingthat keeps us aligned with His
perfect will.
(22:02):
The fourth step.
It's good to ask the what?
Questions, but less helpful toask why.
When we encounter rejection,disappointment or relational
hurt, our knee-jerk reaction isoften to ask why did this happen
to me or why would they do this?
The focusing on the why oftenlures us into a loop of
frustration, confusion andhelplessness, because most why
questions revolve around thingsbeyond our control, such as
(22:26):
other people's decisions, unseenmotives and outcomes that we
can't change.
On the other hand, asking whatquestions invites growth.
It redirects our attention towhat we can learn, what we can
change and how we can moveforward.
Questions like what is Godtrying to teach me in this or
(22:47):
what can I learn about myselffrom this experience those
questions will shift us frompassive to purposeful.
Those questions cultivatehumility and open the door to
deeper emotional and spiritualmaturity.
Pride tends to fuel the whyquestions.
It whispers it's all theirfault, you did nothing wrong.
(23:09):
It keeps us in a place of blamewhich might feel comforting in
the moment but is ultimatelyparalyzing.
In contrast, insecurity hijacksthe why to say you must be the
problem.
If you were smarter, better,more lovable, this wouldn't have
happened.
More lovable, this wouldn'thave happened.
(23:33):
Both pride and insecurity keepus staring in the rear view
mirror, either justifyingourselves or condemning
ourselves, but neither help usmove forward.
Take Peter in the Bible, forexample.
After he denied Jesus threetimes, jesus didn't meet him
with the harsh interrogation ofwhy did you do that?
Instead, in John, chapter 21,verses 15 through 17, jesus
(23:55):
asked do you love me?
And he asked him that threetimes.
His questions were restorative,not accusatory.
Jesus was asking essentiallywhat are you going to do with
your love now, peter?
He wasn't asking him why didyou mess up so badly?
Those questions pushed Petertowards purpose, not paralysis.
(24:20):
Another question is when Godconfronted Adam in Genesis 3
after the fall, he didn't beginwith an angry why?
He starts with where are you?
And then, what is this you havedone?
Even God himself models the whatapproach not to shame, but to
awaken self-awareness.
Paul gives us another lens inPhilippians 3, 13-14 when he
(24:46):
says forgetting what is behindand straining forward what is
ahead, I press on toward thegoal.
Paul isn't wasting energyasking why did I persecute
Christians or why didn't thechurches accept me right away?
Instead, he shifts his focus towhat God has called him to do
next.
That's the practical wisdomthat we need for emotional and
(25:09):
spiritual forward motion.
Now let's be honest.
Sometimes we ask why?
Not because we're searching forclarity, but because we want
validation for our frustration.
It's like asking why did thatbarista get my coffee order
wrong?
We get riled up over thingsthat aren't worth the energy and
(25:30):
meanwhile we're missing thedeeper what Like what's in my
heart that's making me so easyto offend today.
It's like standing in front ofa locked door, knocking
continuously, asking why won'tyou open, when all along there's
another open door behind youwith snacks, air conditioning
and life-giving answers, but wenever turn around because we
(25:53):
like being dramatic.
Sometimes we're just not beingdeep, we're just being stuck,
ultimately asking God what areyou saying to me through this?
Or what steps should I takenext?
Invites His presence into ourhealing.
Step should I take next?
(26:15):
Invites His presence into ourhealing.
Even Psalm 139, 23-24 reflectsthis heart where it says Search
me, god, and know my heart, seeif there is any offensive way in
me and lead me in the wayeverlasting.
David wasn't asking why othershated him.
He was asking what God wantedto reveal about Himself.
Asking why others hated him.
He was asking what God wantedto reveal about himself.
So the next time rejection hits, instead of sinking into the
(26:35):
mystery of why, ask themeaningful what that grows you.
It's not weak to be hurt, butit's wise to rise stronger.
And sometimes the most powerfulthing we can do is replace why
(26:57):
me with what now, lord.
The fifth step here is don'thash, bash or trash on the
internet.
Remember the internet neverforgets, and this is a tough one
.
In the raw pain of rejection, itcan be tempting to vent
(27:18):
publicly, to post vague statusupdates, cryptic quotes or sad
emojis in hopes that someonewill notice our pain.
While that may offer amomentary sense of validation or
relief, it rarely leads tomeaningful healing and can
instead create lastingconsequences.
A trusted, wise friend can be asafe space to process our hurt.
(27:41):
They can listen withoutjudgment, help separate truth
from emotion and speakcompassion with discernment.
They know the real you, notjust the reactionary moment, and
won't label you forever basedon what you say when your heart
is vulnerable.
But social media doesn't offerthat kind of grace.
It plays judge and jury withoutcontext, what you post in a
(28:07):
moment of rejection can easilybe screenshotted, shared,
misinterpreted or even broughtback up long after you've grown
past it.
Proverbs 12.18 warns us thewords of the reckless pierce
like swords, but the tongue ofthe wise brings healing.
When we impulsively air ouremotions online, our reckless
(28:28):
words often hurt others andourselves.
That venting session may feeljustified, but it's like
throwing a verbal grenade at adigital crowd.
The damage can't be undone evenafter you've deleted the post.
Ephesians 4.29 adds to this.
Do not let any unwholesome talkcome out of your mouths, but
(28:51):
only what is helpful forbuilding others up, that it may
benefit those who listen.
So let's ask ourselves doeswhat I'm about to post build up
or does it break down?
Does it reflect who I want tobe tomorrow or just how I feel
today?
Who I want to be tomorrow orjust how I feel today?
(29:13):
Consider this you go through abreakup and in your hurt, you
post a meme dripping withbitterness and caption it with a
sad face and cryptic line, likesome people were never real.
To begin with it seems harmlessenough, but people will start
speculating.
Friends take sides, commentspour in.
Suddenly, a private heartbreakbecomes a public spectacle Weeks
(29:36):
later, when you've moved on orreconciled.
Your post is still out there,shaping how others view you, and
it's not just romanticrelationships.
Workplace disputes, church dramaor friendship breakdowns also
tempt us to quote-unquote, letit out online.
But James 1.19 reminds us thateveryone should be quick to
(29:59):
listen, slow to speak and slowto become angry, and that also
includes being slow to post.
The internet moves fast, butwisdom moves slow.
Wisdom considers how today'sreaction will be remembered
tomorrow.
A moment of honesty can becomea moment of humiliation when
(30:20):
shared too widely.
Turn to a trusted friend, notfollowers.
Process in prayer beforeposting in public.
Jesus himself, when betrayed byJudas and denied by Peter,
which are two very deepemotional wounds, responded with
truth and grace, not an onlinerants or crowdsourced validation
(30:43):
.
He brought his pain to theFather in prayer and not to the
mob.
Rejection hurts, but healinghappens best in a safe and
private space, not on a socialmedia thread.
Guard your heart and yourkeyboard.
That emoji of heartbreak orthose passive-aggressive lyrics
(31:04):
posted at midnight may not saywhat you really mean and they
won't help you heal.
Sometimes the most matureresponse is silence, and the
wisest post is no post at all.
The sixth step is there's muchmore to you than the part that
was rejected.
(31:24):
One of the hard parts ofrejection is the unsettling time
gap it suddenly creates.
That once filled space in yourschedule, the conversations, the
dreams, the events that youplanned is now an empty void,
and it can leave you feelingcompletely disoriented.
The rejection might have endeda relationship, closed the door
(31:48):
on a job or dismantled along-held dream, but it didn't
cancel your purpose, youridentity or your potential.
There's much more to you thanthe part that was rejected.
There's much more to you thanthe part that was rejected.
This is an important truth toremind yourself of.
Rejection may touch a part ofyour life, but it does not
(32:12):
define the entirety of who youare.
The time that rejection seemsto steal is actually time that
can be redeemed for rediscovery,growth and healing.
In Ecclesiastes 3.1 it saysthere is a time for everything
and a season for every activity.
Under the heavens.
That means even seasons of losshave purpose, not to strip us
bare but to shape us inpreparation for something
(32:34):
greater.
I mean think of David when hewas a shepherd boy.
He wasn't invited to theprophet Samuel's big anointing
ceremony.
At first, his own fatherthought he wasn't significant
enough, but God told Samuel in 1Samuel 16, 7,.
David didn't let that rejectiondefine him.
(32:58):
Instead, the quiet obscurity ofthe fields became a time of
preparation for the battlefieldand, ultimately, the throne.
Who we are becoming in thequiet spaces might be the most
powerful part of our journey.
Another example is Naomi in thebook of Ruth.
After losing her husband andsons, she saw herself only
(33:21):
through the lens of her pain,saying in Ruth 1.20,.
Don't call me Naomi, call meMara, because the Almighty has
made my life very bitter.
But God was not done with herstory.
Through Ruth's loyalty andBoaz's favor, naomi's life was
restored.
The part of her that had beenbruised and emptied was not the
(33:44):
whole of her story.
Her legacy lived on throughRuth's line, the lineage of
Jesus.
When you're left with extra timeafter rejection, it's natural
to feel left out and feel lost,but it's also an opportunity.
What gifts have you neglectedthat God might be now calling
(34:06):
you to develop?
What passions have you shelvedbecause your schedule didn't
allow space for them?
This new margin can become alaunch pad, not a graveyard.
Paul 139.14 reminds us I praiseyou because I am fearfully and
wonderfully made.
Your works are wonderful.
I know that full well.
(34:27):
God didn't create you for justone opportunity, one
relationship or one path.
His design for you includesmany layers, many expressions of
calling and more seasons ofusefulness than your past could
ever limit.
So when rejection removessomething from your life, it
doesn't remove your value.
(34:48):
It may just be clearing thespace for something in you that
has been waiting to emerge.
You're still gifted, you'restill called, you still matter.
Let this new time help revealmore of what God has written
into your story, because there'smuch more to you than the part
(35:08):
that was rejected.
And the seventh step don't letthis heartbreak destroy you.
Let this breaking actually bethe making of you.
Let God use it in good ways tomake you stronger and take you
further.
God's ultimate desire in anyrelationship marriage,
(35:30):
friendship or partnership is notsolely happiness.
He's after holiness, growth andpurpose.
As much as we may want to builda beautiful life together with
someone simply to enjoy it, godoften invites us to step into
something deeper—partnershipwith Him in kingdom work.
He didn't bring us togetherjust for the comfort of
(35:53):
companionship, but to shape usthrough the relationship and use
our union, or even ourunraveling, for eternal
significance.
If God had allowed everythingto remain perfect and easy.
We might have grown strong inour own abilities and become
resistant to relying on Him.
Our independent strength, whileimpressive on the surface,
(36:16):
would have eventually crippledour effectiveness for kingdom
assignments.
Real kingdom strength is forgedin surrender.
It rises from weakness and isrooted in a deep dependency on
God.
The breaking of us becomes themaking of us, as 2 Corinthians
12 9 says my grace is sufficientfor you, for my power is made
(36:40):
perfect in weakness.
It's through the very breakingthat God's power can be
displayed and our testimonydeepened.
Heartbreak is not a foreignconcept to the Christian life.
It has been part of differentseasons in my own marriage Times
, when love was stretched thin,when words wounded deeper than
(37:01):
we knew they could and when thedisappointment of unmet
expectations felt overwhelming.
Those moments seemed to exposenothing but weakness.
But God used them and what heproduced through our willingness
to forgive, grow and cling toHim was a strength we couldn't
have developed in seasons ofease.
(37:22):
For those whose marriages orsignificant relationships didn't
survive the heartbreak, pleaseknow these truths aren't
reserved for couples who arestill together.
God is not done with you.
The ending of a relationship isnot the ending of your value.
Relationship is not the endingof your value, your purpose or
(37:45):
God's presence in your life.
Even in that pain, god stillwalks with you.
Psalm 3418 says the Lord isclose to the brokenhearted and
saves those who are crushed inspirit.
Crushed moments don't cancelyour calling.
In fact, they may carve adeeper space for God's presence
to dwell.
You might feel angry, confusedor devastated.
(38:09):
Maybe you've pounded your fiston the steering wheel, screamed
into your pillow or comparedyour journey to others who seem
to have it easier.
And you know God sees it all.
He's not afraid of the jaggededges of your hurt.
To others you may seem like toomuch, too raw, too hurt or too
broken, but not to God.
(38:31):
He does not recoil.
He draws near.
He covers you in grace andgently gathers each broken piece
.
Isaiah 61, 3 promises that Godgives beauty for ashes, the oil
of joy for mourning and agarment of praise for a spirit
of despair.
He specializes in restoringwhat we thought was lost forever
(38:54):
.
When we allow Him to access toour pain, he doesn't waste it.
He works through it to developsomething deeper Character,
perseverance, wisdom, empathyand purpose.
If you're in that vulnerableplace today, let it push you
closer to the one who will neverreject you.
Let your mourning become adoorway, not a dead end.
(39:18):
Let your tears become the waterthat softens your heart again,
not the flood that drowns yourhope.
Job 23, 10 says but he knows theway that I take when he has
tested me.
I will come forth as gold.
That's your story too.
You will not stay shattered.
(39:39):
Step by step, hand in hand, youwill come forth stronger, wiser
and more anchored.
As we conclude this episodethis week, remember that
heartbreak is not where yourstory ends.
It's where the author meets youmost personally.
Let the breaking be the makingof you, not because the pain was
(40:01):
good, but because God is and heis faithful to complete what he
started in you.
Not a single moment of yourhurt is being wasted in His
hands.
Keep on walking.
Healing is coming and victoryis on the horizon.
Well, that's going to do it forthis week's episode.
(40:23):
Please subscribe to be sure thatyou don't miss any of our
episodes here at Connecting theGap.
I'm Daniel Moore.
Thank you, guys for listening.
This show really wouldn't bepossible without you.
If you're a fan of the show,please leave a review on the
Apple podcast, or if you'd liketo help us out, just give us a
few seconds and give us afive-star click and please
(40:48):
subscribe to us on your favoriteplatform, and those links are
in the show notes.
Well, that's all for this week,and we believe that God's Word
never fails us.
God's Word has stood the testof time and, through Jesus'
death on the cross, he hasconnected the gap.
You've been listening toConnecting the Gap podcast.
I'm Daniel Moore, the host forthis podcast, and I personally
thank you for listening.
Each week In this world, thereare many disconnects that cause
chaos in our lives.
This podcast is birthed fromthe desire to share hope and
(41:10):
restoration of the power of thegospel by being transparent and
open in our biblical walk withGod.
Each week, we take a fewmoments as we navigate God's
Word and peer into otherpeople's testimonies and
encourage each other to connectthe gap.
We upload a new audio podcastevery Thursday and a video
version of it on YouTube andRumble.
We are also on the Christianpodcasting app, edify.
(41:31):
You can subscribe to ourpodcast on many of the available
podcasting platforms, such asApple Podcasts, deezer, spotify,
amazon Music, iheart Radio,tunein Radio and many more.
We are also available on yourAlexa-enabled devices If you
would like to give us feedbackor would like to contact our
ministry for any reason,including prayer, visit our
(41:51):
contact page atwwwconnectingthegapnet and send
us a message.
We hope you are blessed by thisministry.
This is a production ofConnecting the Gap Ministries.
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