Lecture Notes: Overcoming Rejection

Introduction

Opening with a prayer and invocation of God's guidance.
The speaker originally prepared a different passage but was led to discuss a topic relevant for Children's Day.
Focus on the story from the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 9, paralleling Matthew Chapter 10.

Personal Story: Speaker's 10-year-old son experienced rejection, a universal and challenging experience.
Rejection can occur in various life scenarios: job applications, personal endeavors, etc.

Jesus empowers the 12 disciples to preach, heal, and have authority over demons.
Jesus prepares them for rejection, emphasizing that not everyone will be receptive.

Be Cautious of Connections
- Choose 'worthy' connections; not everyone is deserving of your value.
- Importance of self-awareness and understanding your own worth.
- Reference: Matthew Chapter 7 - Be discerning about 'pearls before swine'.
Brush Off Bitterness
- Rejection can lead to offense and bitterness if not properly managed.
- Book Recommendation: "The Bait of Satan" by John Bevere - Offense as a tool of Satan.
- Learn to let go of rejection and not be burdened by bitterness.
- Moving on is a testimony against those who rejected you.
Learn to Take the Loss
- Accept that not everything will go as planned, regardless of one’s gifts and qualifications.
- Rejection is not necessarily about your value; sometimes it's about understanding and accepting rejection.
- Avoid pride; learn when to move on without seeking explanations.
Perceive Another Possibility
- Don’t get stuck; see beyond the initial rejection.
- God often uses rejection as a tool to redirect towards better opportunities.
- Example from the speaker's life: Rejection in the past led to greater success later.

God has a plan and purpose beyond immediate rejections; trust in divine redirection.
Emphasize the importance of seeing closed doors as opportunities for growth and new possibilities.
Closed doors may be God's way of guiding you to a better path.
Personal Story: Speaker's rejection from a church led to a more significant role elsewhere.
Closing remarks on gratitude for God's guidance and redirection.