Fear, Rejection, & Hope

As I approach college graduation, the chats that occur with people are often concerning what is next in my life; where are you going to work, what do you want to do, etc.? Just today, a friend of mine said she is ready to move on and graduate, but fears applying and searching for a job because she hates being rejected.  This statement resonated with me; I'm sure none of us enjoy rejection, but as a follower of Christ, I have learned that through fear and rejection, I can still find hope. 

That hope is in Christ Jesus.  Sure, I may not know where I will be in 3 months, or whether I will have a job or not, but I do know who my Savior is, and have full faith that He has my best in mind.  Fear is natural and rejection happens, but God has each and every one of us in the palm of His hand.  He is there to ease the hurt, teach valuable life lessons, and help us to grow with each passing experience.  The plans I have and dreams I've created will all fall short of the remarkable things that God has already planned out before me; I may get rejected from my "dream job," but the dream job that God intends for me will be right around the corner.  

Verses:

 Don’t love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said,

“I will never fail you.
    I will never abandon you.”

So we can say with confidence,

“The Lord is my helper,
    so I will have no fear.
    What can mere people do to me?"

Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.

~Hebrews 13:5-7

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

~Jeremiah 29:11

I prayed over and submitted my first job applications today.  Some I was excited about, and others scared me, but I applied nonetheless because who I am to close a door that God has potentially opened.  I still have a fear of rejection, of not being where I think I should be, but I also know that this fear is no match for my Savior, and that is cause for great joy.   I will be where God intends me to be, making a difference in His name because I am willing to do so.  He will use you no matter where you end up.  So fear not, for the Lord, our God, is with us.  Take heart brothers and sisters, we have a hope in Christ Jesus, and He has a plan for our future.