Rejected Yet Chosen
- Henley Samuel
- Dec 15, 2025
- 4 min read
December 15, 2025
Today, let's explore one of life's most challenging experiences: rejection. Whether it comes from others or even from ourselves, rejection can feel overwhelming. But here's the beautiful truth - God specializes in transforming rejection into purpose, turning what others discard into something precious and powerful.
When Builders Reject the Stone
Life has a way of making us feel unwanted sometimes. Perhaps you've faced rejection in your career, relationships, or ministry. Maybe you've even rejected yourself, believing lies about your worth based on past failures. The enemy loves to use rejection as a weapon, whispering that you're not good enough, not qualified, not chosen.
But Scripture tells us a different story:
"The stone which the builders rejected has become the Chief Cornerstone." - Psalm 118:22
This isn't just poetry , it's God's promise. What others reject, God can transform into the very foundation of something magnificent. The same stone that was deemed worthless becomes the most important piece of the entire structure.
The Pattern of Divine Reversal
Throughout Scripture, we see this beautiful pattern repeated. Joseph was rejected by his brothers, falsely accused, and thrown into prison. Yet God positioned him as the cornerstone of Egypt's survival during famine. Moses was rejected by his own people when he tried to help them, yet God sent him back as their deliverer and leader.
"This Moses whom they rejected saying who made you a ruler and a judge is the very one whom God sent to the both a ruler and a deliverer with the protecting and helping hand of the Angel who appeared to him in the thorn bush." - Acts 7:35
Notice how Scripture emphasizes "this Moses" - the very same person they rejected. God doesn't replace the rejected; He restores and elevates them.
Moving Beyond the Pain
When rejection comes, we have a choice. We can dwell in the pain, allowing it to define us and limit our future, or we can surrender it to God and trust His plan. Moses could have refused to return to the people who rejected him. He could have held onto bitterness and resentment. Instead, he chose to trust God's calling.
"God can change everything and anything."
The same God who turned Moses from a rejected fugitive into a miracle-working deliverer is working in your life today.
From Rejection to Miracles
When Moses returned to Egypt, he didn't come back as the same man who was rejected. He came back empowered by God, performing signs and wonders:
"This man led them out of Egypt after performing wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for 40 years." - Acts 7:36
The same hands that were once rejected became instruments of God's miraculous power. Your rejection doesn't disqualify you from being used by God, it often qualifies you for something greater than you could have imagined.
Choosing Your Response
You can remain a rejected stone, nursing your wounds and limiting your potential, or you can submit yourself to God and become the cornerstone He intends you to be. The choice is yours, but God's desire is clear - He wants to elevate you, not abandon you.
"You are in the midst of God's love. You are never alone or forsaken."
Conclusion
Today, if you're carrying the weight of rejection, it's time to lay it down. God sees your pain, He knows your worth, and He has plans to use what others have discarded. You are not defined by who rejected you - you are defined by the God who chose you. Trust Him to turn your rejection into your greatest testimony, your deepest wound into your most powerful ministry.
Reflect on This
What rejections from your past are you still carrying, and how might God want to transform them into purpose?
How can you shift your perspective from dwelling on rejection to trusting in God's plan for elevation and restoration?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank You that rejection is not my final destination but often my preparation for something greater. I surrender every painful rejection to You and trust that You can transform what others have discarded into something beautiful and purposeful. I declare that I am chosen, loved, and valued by You. Use my experiences, even the painful ones, to bring glory to Your name and hope to others. I am not defined by who rejected me but by the God who chose me. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Key Takeaways
Rejection is not God's final word over your life; He specializes in transforming what others discard.
The same experiences that bring pain can become the foundation for your greatest purpose.
God doesn't replace the rejected; He restores and elevates them for His glory.
Your response to rejection determines whether you remain a discarded stone or become a cornerstone.
You are never alone in your rejection; God's love surrounds you and His plans for you remain good.
All content on this blog is the property of Henley Samuel Ministries. For permissions or inquiries regarding the use of any material, please contact us at contact@henleysamuel.org.
To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.
Comments