Title: Handling Rejection
Memorize: And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 1 Samuel 8:7 (Nkjv)
Bible Reading: 1 Samuel 8:4-7 (Nkjv)
[4] Then all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah,
[5] and said to him, “Look, you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now make us a king to judge us like all the nations.”
[6] But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” So Samuel prayed to the Lord.
[7] And the Lord said to Samuel, “Heed the voice of the people in all that they say to you; for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them.
Message:
Today’s Bible reading tells us about how Prophet Samuel was rejected by the people he had judged for many years.
They requested for a king, and this made him cry to God for comfort. Interestingly, God told him to listen to the people’s request and anoint a king to rule over them.
I want to point out that people have the right to express how they feel about you, whether positively or negatively, but your reaction to them is what matters to God.
When I clocked 70, and people started castigating me to step down as the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, I ran to God to know if it was time to choose a successor.
However, God told me that it was not yet time and that I should keep moving on in the ministry. By His grace, I am stilI running the race.
My dear child, when people throw shade at you or try to discourage you in any way, do not be sorrowful.
Rather, ask God for direction and follow His instructions. It is also important not to always take rejection to mean that there is something wrong with you; it could just be an avenue to evaluate your life and see what you can start doing better.
Key Point:
When you feel rejected, ask God for the way forward.
HYMN 64: WHEN UPON LIFE’S BILLOWS YOU ARE TEMPEST TOSSED
1 When upon life’s billows you
are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged,
thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings,
name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what
the Lord hath done.
Chorus
Count your blessings,
name them one by one;
Count your blessings,
see what God hath done;
Count your blessings,
name them one by one,
Count your many blessings, see what God hath done.
2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised
you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4 So, amid the conflict,
whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
Bible In One Year: Amos 4:1-6:14, Revelation 2:18-3:6
Authors: Pastor E. A. Adeboye and Pastor Folu Adeboye