Marriner’s Moment: From REjection to REsurrection: Pt. 3

By Pastor Melvin O. Marriner
Grove Church

Rejection is tough at any age or stage in life. God made each of us with an innate desire to be loved and accepted, yet the world (and sometimes those close to us) hurl flaming arrows of rejection at us without realizing the depth of their damage. We become wounded, angry, disappointed and unforgiving. How can we overcome rejection that simmers at the core of our being? Our first step towards healing begins with rejecting any thoughts, words, or actions that are contrary to the Bible. Psalms 139:4 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Our experience with rejection can make us better or break us; but we get to decide! It takes effort on our part to diligently search the scriptures and pray for God’s guidance. There is no task to difficult or mountain too high for those of us who want to live our lives in the purpose and plan of God. At some point in life, we all fail. We might not immediately understand the reason for our failure, but God will prove to be faithful in the end.

When attempting to rise from rejection to resurrection, it is also important to accept the truth that God created each of us for a special purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reads, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” We must be faithful to God and trust Him at His Word when He anoints or appoints us to accomplish or do something. Remember, the gifts and talents He has given us are to benefit others, not ourselves; they are not simply given to us to make lots of money, buy extravagant, material things and die. We are blessed to be a blessing to others. We are to serve God with what He has given us, and He tests us to see how we will use the talents He gives us. No matter if we are educators, sales clerks, corporate executives or factory workers, God gave each of us our abilities to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10 reminds us that “Each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms” (NIV).
Peace and power,

© Dr. Melvin O. Marriner,
March 2016

We invite you to join us at Grove Church, 5910 West Norfolk Road, Portsmouth, Virginia, Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., Tuesdays at noon and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.