Several years ago I attended a women’s roundtable event.  As we gathered together to discuss and share on the topic of acceptance, the common denominator around the table was a deep desire to be accepted by others.

Can we agree that none of us like to feel rejected?

Rejection is usually described in a negative context,  however I will never forget the words of a young missionary, “rejection is God’s divine protection.”  

I don’t have a twitter account but I think this quote may be deemed as twitter worthy… 🙂

Looking back
When we made the decision to leave Florida and move to Georgia I was ecstatic.  We were taking risk we had never taken before and I was really looking forward to being trained and equipped to become a state side missionary family.   You can imagine what it must have felt like when we arrived only to feel as though we had shown up to a party uninvited.

I had to wrestle through many feelings and as I wrestled through them, I could hear the voice of the young missionary… “rejection is God’s divine protection.”

I don’t know all that the Lord was protecting us from but what I do know is:
1. He love us and wants the very best for us. (Jeremiah 29:11)
2. I know that though there are things I don’t understand, I can trust Him. (Isaiah 41:10, Joshua 1:9)
3. I know He orders our steps and directs our path. (Proverbs 3:5-6, Psalm 37:23)
4. I know that God will often use a detour to grow and mature us for our destiny. (Genesis 37, 39,40, 41)

Moving Forward
In part two, I shared with you how my husband who had applied to several positions in Georgia with no avail, received a call from an old co-worker from Florida about a job in Indiana.

Well… he got the job promotion!

Indiana was never on our radar,  I could not have even told you where it was on the map before moving here.

God has a plan and a purpose for each of us,  do not allow a detour to deter you, rather allow it to grow you.

Do not allow a detour to deter you, rather allow it to grow you

Lastly
I asked my husband and children to share one thing they have learned through this journey and here are their responses:

Daniel (7) – “If we get use to things, we cannot enjoy other things because our focus is on the things we miss.”

Janiya (10) – “Be open to moving and experiencing new things.”

Jamal  (17) – ” It’s important to be openminded and trust the Lord.”

Husband  – ” I am learning to be confident that though my process may not look like others, God will bring me to my expected end.”

Thank you for joining me on this journey.  If  you just joined me, please check out part one  and part two.

My hope and prayer is that as you journey toward your destiny, your heart will be encouraged and your feet will steadily keep on the path that has been prepared for you.

Blessings,

Chrystal