Move past rejections, disappointments for new opportunities

"When people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town as a testimony against them."

- Luke 9:5 (NIV)

One of my favorite topics over the years of writing and Bible teaching is about rejection. There are so many different situations in which we experience a rejection.

Regardless of the circumstance, the feeling it leaves behind is still the same. The magnitude of it may be somewhat less; yet somehow, it still leaves a mark.

Over the years, I have experienced life's disappointments. During those times, I try to keep things in proper perspective by remembering disappointment is a part of life. Jesus was no stranger to it, or rejection. People rejected his ministry and continually denied his existence.

This is such a part of our daily lives that Jesus instructed the disciples to shake the dust off their feet and move on.

There is a lot we can learn about handling our disappointments. Through my own, I have learned each one is a challenge to contemplate and pray on whether a change is in order.

If it is, I change whatever I feel God has brought to my mind to change. Otherwise, I use it as a challenge to try harder and not give up. I also use it as time to see what changes I can make to improve myself.

God is whispering to us. He understands our feelings. However, remaining stuck in our hurts and disappointments is not his way. He knows we can't live the abundant life awaiting us if we sit too long in pain.

Through the acceptance of change, and prayer for guidance, new direction and Jesus' sacrifice, we can turn our emotional dust into gold dust, guiding us to new people, places and things for God's plan for us.

When the rejection of disappointment knocks on the door of our hearts, we can allow God to lead us to a new door of opportunity.

• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.