Facing the Storm: When Chosen Ones Encounter Rejection

Many people believe that being chosen by God is a path paved with blessings and acceptance. However, the reality can be quite different. The Bible is filled with stories of the Chosen Ones who’ve faced rejection, both from those closest to them and from the world at large.

What is the Meaning of Chosen?

Chosen: Not Favoritism, But Fit

Imagine you are a coach getting a team together for a big game. You would not just pick people whom you favored for a personal reason. You would select players with skills and strengths to win the game.

In a similar way, being chosen by God doesn’t necessarily mean He picks favorites. The Bible tells us He sees the potential within us, the unique gifts and abilities we possess. He “chooses” those who He knows can fulfill a specific purpose in His grand plan.

Think of it like this:

God has a mission: The Bible describes God working throughout history to bring about His purposes.        

                                              

We each have a role to play: Just like actors in a play, each person has a unique part to contribute. Being chosen means God sees your role in His unfolding story.                    

                                              

He equips those He chooses: God doesn’t just pick us and leave us to fend for ourselves. He equips us with the gifts, talents, and experiences we need to fulfill our calling. (Ephesians 2:20) “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Examples from the Bible:

Moses: He was not the most eloquent speaker, but he had leadership and perseverance skills that were crucial for leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3-4).                

                                             

Esther: She was a young woman who used her courage and influence to save her people (The Bible Book of Esther).

Being chosen is about God recognizing the potential within you to fulfill a specific purpose in His plan.

   Key Points to Remember:  

Choice does not negate free will: God does not force us to fufill our roles. We have freedom to choose whether to accept His calling.  

     

It is not about being exclusive.  The Bible emphasizes God’s love for all humanity. Being chosen does not mean He excludes others. People make that choice through their own free will. Simply put, many will not accept their calling, and some will.      

                                  

Focus on purpose, not preference: Instead of dwelling on the idea of being chosen, focus on discovering your purpose and living it out.

In essence, being chosen by God is an invitation to participate in something bigger than yourself, a chance to use your unique gifts to make a difference in the world.

Why Rejection?

There are several reasons why the Chosen Ones might face rejection:

Challenges to the Status Quo:

Those chosen by God often bring a message of change or challenge the existing norms. This can make them unpopular with those who are comfortable with the way things are. (Matthew 10:34-46) “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household.”

Misunderstood Intentions:

The motivations of the Chosen Ones can be misinterpreted. They may be seen as crazy, radical, or even dangerous. (John 15:18-21) “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake, because they have not known him that sent me.”

Anointed to Stand Out:

God may choose someone to stand as a beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. (Isaiah 51:6-7) “Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment, and they that dwell therein shall die in like manner: but my salvation shall be for ever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished. Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, to people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of the revilings.”

Satan Targets the Chosen Ones

The Bible portrays Satan as the enemy of God and humanity. So, it stands to reason that he would target those closest to God – the Chosen Ones. Here are some reasons why:

Disrupt God’s Work:

Satan seeks to disrupt God’s plans and purposes. By targeting the Chosen Ones, he can hinder their ability our God’s work. (Revelation 12:17) “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

Discourage Others:

When the Chosen Ones face hardship, it can discourage others from following the path of faith. Satan hopes to use their struggles to sow doubt and fear. (Luke 22:31-32) “ And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou are converted, strengthen thy brethren.”

Temptation and Fall:

The Chosen Ones are still human and susceptible to temptation. Satan may target them with specific temptations in an attempt to lead them astray. (1 Peter 5:8) “ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion walketh about seeking whom he may devour.”

God’s Ultimate Plan for Satan

While Satan may bring temporary challenges, the Bible assures us that God will ultimately prevail. Here’s what awaits Satan:

Defeat:

The Bible reveals that Satan was defeated by Jesus Christ on the cross. (John 12:31) “ Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

Eternal Punishment:

Scripture speaks of a future judgment for Satan and his followers. (Revelation 20:10) “ And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. “

 

Overcoming Rejection 

While rejection can be painful, it is important to remember that it is not a sign of failure. Here are some ways to overcome rejection:

Find Strength in God:

When facing rejection, turn to God for strength and comfort. Remember that He is always with you, even when others turn away. (Psalm 27:10) “Though my father and my mother forsake me, the Lord will uphold me.

Focus on Your Purpose:

Remember why you were chosen. Don’t let the options of others deter you from fulfilling your God-given mission. (Proverbs 29:25) “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

Seek Out a Support System:

Surround yourself with people who understand your calling and will support you on your journey. (Hebrews 10:25) “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Embrace the Challenge:

Rejection can be an opportunity to grow closer to God and develop your faith. (Romans 8:28) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

The Anointed and the Accused

The Bible also tells stories of the Chosen Ones who were not only rejected but also lied about and cheated, Joseph, for example, was betrayed by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 37-39). David, the future king of Israel, faced years of persecution from King Saul (1 Samuel 18-29).

These stories remind us that even the most faithful servants of God are targeted by lies and deceit. However, they also show us the power of God’s faithfulness. Both Joseph and David ultimately triumphed over their adversaries, and their stories serve as testaments to God’s faithfulness and the enduring power of faith.

Finding Hope

The concept of being chosen by God is a powerful one. It comes with challenges, but also immense purpose and meaning. Remember, God uses trials to refine our faith and make us stronger.

In Conclusion

The path of the Chosen Ones may not be easy, but it is ultimately a path of purpose and fulfillment. By relying on God’s strength, finding support in faith, and remembering the ultimate defeat of Satan, we can overcome any obstacle.

 

Written by: Glenda Coker

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