By: Crystal Harkless

We need have no fear of someone who loves us perfectly; his perfect love for us eliminates all dread of what he might do to us. If we are afraid, it is for fear of what he might do to us and shows that we are not fully convinced that he really loves us.  
1 John 4:18 Living Bible (TLB)

He gives the rejects his hand,
And leads them step-by-step.
Psalm 25 The Message (MSG)


Are you convinced of God's love for you or have you allowed the struggles of life to convince you otherwise? When I first started walking with the Lord, I only believed God loved me when everything was going good and he answered my prayers immediately. At least, that's what I came to believe as I listened to those I thought were strong in the Lord. If things were going wrong, then God's hand must not be on your life...right?  Wrong! 

Thank God for the saints that were willing to be transparent and share their struggles.  As I matured, I discovered that sometimes God makes you wait awhile before He answers your prayers. I learned there are some things He will allow you to go through to perfect your faith and trust in Him. I realized that He loves you even when He tells you NO. Actually, a no should be celebrated just as much as a yes.

Not only does God love those that are struggling, but He also loves those that are feeling rejected. There were times in my life when I felt like a big REJECT. I first experienced the sting of rejection in grade school. It seemed like people always found something to dislike about me. I was too skinny, too dark, a teacher's pet and the list goes on and on.

When I became an adult, it's almost like the kids that harassed me grew up and followed me. This time they found some different things to dislike about me. I was too thin, dressed too nice, thought I was too good, too ambitious. I tell you, you just can't satisfy people! LOL Once again, I found myself in the outer courts. (A little Bible humor!)

I'm so glad to know that God takes the hand of the reject and leads them step-by-step. That should put a smile on your face! He loves you even when others reject you. He loves you even though you're not perfect. Jesus can relate to those that have been rejected by man and He still says, "Come to Me". 

Everything may not be going right in your life right now, but don't be discouraged. Not only is He right there walking beside you, but HE LOVES YOU. When the struggles of life try to tell you that you can't trust Him, remind them that you will trust in the Lord because HE LOVES YOU. He's not punishing you, He's trying to help you. He will restore, support, and strengthen you after you have suffered a little while. (1 Peter 5:10 NLT)

He never said we wouldn't have troubles in this life. As a matter of fact, He said we would have trouble. But to take heart because He has overcome the world. Allow these pressures in life to build up your muscle so you can give strength to others by telling them how God brought you out.

Pursuing your purpose or passion is never an easy thing. First, you are exposing your baby (vision) to others which can be a scary thing. Let's face it, people can be brutally honest! LOL What you think is so great can be seen as below average by others. An artist or entrepreneur must strive to push ego and pride aside. 

Resisting the temptation to become offended when receiving feedback is a must! It's never easy seeing something you have labored over for hours, months or years picked apart in seconds. I totally get it, but it's best to have it done so you can make the necessary corrections. It also helps to accept that people rarely get things perfect the first time. Sometimes you may have to make several revisions or scrap the entire project. 

You must remember that timing is everything! You may have a great idea, but if it's not the right time for it to be released it will not take off. If you find yourself in this situation, learn to rest instead of trying to make things happen. You never know what God may be orchestrating behind the scenes. He could be lining up divine connections or preparing you for a new opportunity.

Here's the most important thing I'm learning in my season of trying something new....Finish What You Start! Instead of allowing your emotions to take over, remind yourself that you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you. Remember that you  will reap a harvest in due season if you do not faint. Make up in your mind that you will not quit! Someone is waiting for you to cross that finish line!