In the past, how have you responded to rejection? Have you allowed hurts and the brokenness of your spirit to keep you awake night after night?

Jesus came to heal your broken spirit, and to pour the balm of His love into all those wounds...but there are still more challenges ahead. As you move out to minister Christ's life to an abused and pain-wracked world, you may have to be prepared to meet the worst rejections you have ever felt from those you love the most.

Why? Perhaps they are afraid of Christ's life in you, or they prefer to live in darkness. They could be jealous over your spiritual gifts, or a misunderstanding of what Christ's love is all about. Regardless of the reason, rejection can come with the territory.

The Apostle Paul felt this intensely, saying, "I will gladly spend myself and all I have for you, even though it seems that the more I love you, the less you love me." (2 Corinthians 12:15, NLT). And, Jesus also lamented, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God's messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn't let me." (Matthew 23:37, NLT).

My prayer for you tonight is first, that the Father will heal any wounds suffered from past rejection, and second, that He will equip and strengthen you to overcome any future hurts you may suffer for His Name's sake.

Heavenly Father, I thank You that no rejection, no slight is too big or too small for You to heal. Right now I freely forgive anyone who has hurt me, and ask You to heal their wounds. Empower me through the blood of Your Son to handle any emotional wounds I may suffer as I move ahead in Your Name. May the victory over all rejection be Yours. In Jesus' Name, Amen.