10 Things to Remember When Handling Rejection

"In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

-John 16:33

Many of us have been there before, struggling with the fact that the thing we desperately wanted has just slipped right through our fingers.

Tangled thoughts race through our minds. What did I do wrong? Am I just not good enough? What's the point of trying?

Maybe I should just quit.

Rejection stings. But, unfortunately, the truth is that everyone will face it sooner or later. It doesn't just happen once or twice. Whether we've been rejected in academics, the arts, writing, jobs, or in personal or social situations, it won't be the last time. Rejection is just a natural a part of life.

That leads us to question: Why? What is the point? And, if it's true that everyone will have to deal with it, how should we handle it?

In today's post, I will share tips on how to effectively face rejection — as well as reasons that prove rejection isn't such a bad thing after all.

4 Things to Remember When Dealing With Rejection:

1. Allow yourself to feel.

It’s normal to feel disappointed, frustrated, or even hurt when rejected. Instead of brushing those feelings aside, we should give ourselves permission to experience them. Everyone heals at their own pace.

2. Remember that you're not alone. Don't compare yourself to others.

Rejection may have a heavy blow on self-worth. It’s tempting to look at others who seem to be succeeding effortlessly, and to think: Why am I just not as good as them?

Comparison is a trap. Everyone’s journey is different, yet rejection is a part of everyone’s story—even those who seem to have it all figured out. If we remember that rejection is a perfectly normal part of being human, it will make it so much easier to accept it.

3. Pray. Spend time with those you love.

   
   

It might feel easy to withdraw and avoid social interactions, but isolation can deepen your sense of rejection, prolonging negative feelings. Don't shut yourself out. Reach out to friends, family, or mentors who can provide support and perspective. And pray. Tell God about your troubles, your emotions, and your worries. He's here for you.

4. Don't let rejection define you.

   
   

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "I’ll never . . ." or "I’ll always be rejected." Rejection is a single moment, not a pattern that defines your future. It doesn’t define your entire existence. It’s just one part of the process. Your worth is not tied to external validation or acceptance. No matter what happens, God has plan for your life.

6 Positive Things About Rejection:

1. Teaches humility and draws us closer to God.

When we're feeling confident and ambitious in our own abilities, plans, and dreams, we often fail to turn to God for guidance. Rejection, however, can really soften our pride. It's when we're feeling the most vulnerable that we turn to God for strength and help.

Similar to that, rejection also builds humility. When our pride is humbled, we see the truth more clearly. Jesus taught that true greatness is not measured by seeking to elevate oneself in power, wealth, or status (as we may seek to do when we're overly ambitious), but by humility and service.

3. Promotes reflection and gratitude.

Rejection helps us to reflect on our true desires. When faced with rejection, we're often forced to reflect on ourselves and our goals. What's important to me? Is this what I should be focusing on? It can help us identify areas for growth, understand weaknesses, and clarify strengths. In addition to this, rejection helps us appreciate what we do have, making us more grateful for opportunities, relationships, and successes.

4. Tests our resilience and perseverance.

Even the most successful people have faced rejections. What's different with them?

They didn't give up.

Rejection challenges our emotional strength and forces us to ask: Why do I want this? And, if it's something that's truly important, what will I sacrifice to get it?

Each rejection teaches us how to handle setbacks better next time. Rejection encourages us to keep going, even when things don't work out right away. The more we face rejection, the more we learn that persistence is a key to success.

5. Strengthens our skills and prepares us for success.

With rejection comes a chance to reassess our choices and decisions. We may become more discerning and thoughtful about our future decisions, knowing what has and hasn’t worked in the past. Rejection is also the perfect opportunity to improve. Rejection can motivate us to learn more, practice harder, and become better at what we do. This all prepares us to succeed better in the future.

6. Opens new doors.

Sometimes, what we thought was a setback is actually a nudge, telling us our life should be taking a new turn. Rejection can push us toward something better suited for us—whether it’s a new career path, a different relationship, or a more fitting creative project. When one door closes, another opens.

Remember, it's all part of God's plan.

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If you found this post helpful, please leave a comment below! Hearing from readers is one of my favorite things. :)

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

-Jeremiah 29:11