Recently, after a speaking engagement, I had the opportunity to chat with a bright and eager, but discouraged young woman.
She had finally gotten up the courage to launch out into an area of ministry she felt called to, only to be hit with so much negative feedback that she felt like giving up. She was not expecting to get shot down and was not ready for the disapproving responses.
Her spirit was crushed and she was thinking about walking away.
“Absolutely not!” I told her. “You must never allow the negative opinions of people to override the word God has spoken over your life.”
“But you don’t understand,” she told me, assuming that I could not possibly know what it was like to be rejected.
She was looking at my right now, without having ever seen my back then.
I explained that I could totally relate.
Before seeing any fruit being produced from Empowering Everyday Women (EEW) Online Magazine, the web publication the Lord led me to start years ago, I got my feelings hurt big time, many times.
Before I knew how greatly God would bless the vision, which has grown and blossomed beyond what I had imagined for it, I came face-to-face with several critics.
One, in particular, was really tough.
She was a staff member for a well-known Christian recording artist who emailed our publication to complain about what a “disaster” EEW was in her eyes.
Boy oh boy, she didn’t hold back at all.
Her comments were incredibly brutal.
She ripped us up one side and down the other, which was so difficult to digest during the early stages of stepping out in faith and obedience.
Her words felt like daggers piercing through my gut and shredding my confidence on the way inside.
Long after our digital back-and-forth was over, the weight of what she said burdened me. The negativity constantly replayed in my mind.
She made it clear that she thought the vision in its infancy was worth about as much as an old chewed up piece of gum stuck to the bottom of someone’s shoe. Let her tell it, it belonged in the trash can.
Through much prayer and wise counsel, I eventually came to the conclusion that, that was her opinion, which could in no way override the dominion of the One who had called me.
That’s what I want you to get.
You are anointed and appointed by God. So, even if you are counted out, overlooked and dismissed the way David was in 1 Samuel by his own father, when you are the Lord’s selection, you have no need to worry about man’s rejection. You will get everything He has for you.
Earlier today on Facebook, I felt led to share this: “Like you or not, if God has chosen you, no one can override, overrule or overturn His sovereign will. You're HIS selection.”
I believe that word is for you if you have been cast aside, underrated, talked about, laughed at, and told you will never be what God has shown you or said about you.
Whatever opposition or criticism that has been thrown your way, keep on going. Walk with your head held high. Know that the Lord’s purpose will prevail.
Refuse to let others’ crushing comments, incredulous looks, scornful laughs and blocking attempts crush your spirit, stop, intimidate, or hinder you.
Keep on praying, pressing, and praising. Your perseverance will push you toward your purpose.
You are God’s choice.
To remind you of this truth, I’m stirring God’s words to the Prophet Samuel in the latter half of 1 Samuel 16:12 NIV into your cup of inspiration. It reads, “Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’”
When you drink down the contents of your cup, you will be reminded that the Lord does not need to hold a committee meeting, get a majority vote, or secure human approval to do what He wants to do with you.
When His favor is on your life, He will overrule anyone who tries to overthrow His plan.
You have no need to worry.
You are the One, because He said so.
Now let’s pray.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
God, I believe You have chosen me and that You have a good plan for my life. Still, the enemy, who comes to steal, kill and destroy, has used every tactic to discourage me, and cause me to doubt my calling. But today, I thank You for this word. I receive it and declare that I am who You say I am. No matter what others say about me or do against me, what You have spoken over me is all that matters. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with you. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
