Rejection is NOT the End of the Story

Text:  Genesis 37:1-36

1. Rejection doesn’t change your value.

• God did not love Joseph any less. The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered (Genesis 39:2).
• God is not influenced by what anybody else thinks of you. He knows the whole you and your whole story.  And He loves YOU!

2. Rejection doesn’t change God’s plans.

• After experiencing the traumatizing effects of his brothers’ rejection, another painful rejection was about to invade Joseph’s life.
• Joseph was “well-built and handsome” and Potiphar’s wife desired him and pursued him.

Genesis 39:8-15 – Potiphar’s wife attempted to seduce Joseph.  He refused.  She lied on him.  And Joseph went to prison.

3. Rejection doesn’t change your prospects for future happiness and success.

• Joseph turned out to be successful beyond his wildest imagination. Not only was he second to Potiphar, an official of Pharaoh’s, but he became second only to Pharaoh, the King of Egypt himself.
• And in chapter 50:19-21 – The greatest thing Joseph got of this deal was not his position but a flourishing relationship with God that gave him spiritual insight and removed bitterness and hatred. Imagine the wonders God was doing inside of Joseph to bring him to this place of heart.

Two things you don’t want to do.

1. You don’t want to seek revenge.
   1. Proverbs 26:27 – Whoever digs a pit will fall into it; if someone rolls a stone, it will roll back on them.
2. Don’t leave your spirit unprotected. Rejection can break your heart, but don’t let it break your spirit.  Your emotions are going to be affected, but your spirit is protected by your faith, by what you believe.

Finally, whenever you encounter rejection in any form, trust in the faithfulness of God.  And remember, “Rejection is not the end of the story!”