by Janet Perez Eckles

No way could he love that job, I thought. He’s got to be kidding. This man earns his living by using his truck to pick up old, discarded items like worn couches, chairs, and odd pieces of furniture.

“I was loading an old mattress stored behind a dilapidated shed when I felt a sting on my leg,” he said. “A spider had bitten me. When the antibiotics heal the infection, I’m going back to work. I love my job.”

He loves his job after a spider bit him. Wow. Isn’t that like life? We’re moving along in our routine when suddenly, with no warning and with a quick, swift move, the spider of adversity strikes. The intruder comes in all sorts of variations.

The spider that often seems to lurk nearby is rejection. It is good at finding the vulnerable areas in our lives. For example:
• “Sorry, you don’t qualify for mortgage modification. We’re beginning foreclosure procedures.”
• “Because of the company’s employee review, your position is being eliminated. Unfortunately, here’s your two-week notice.”
• “Your condition is not covered by your health insurance. All expenses are considered out-of-pocket.”
• “The kids will understand there’s no love between us anymore. I have someone else in my life now.”
The spider bite of rejection burns, sears, and pierces right through us. Inevitably, the venom spreads doubt in our abilities, sorrow for what is lost, confusion about how to proceed, and fear that worse is coming.

Remember Joseph? He was rejected by his brothers, thrown into a pit, sold as a slave, and left to languish in prison. Now, that’s major rejection But did he sink in a pool of indignation and anger? He could have, but he didn’t. Instead, he kept his eyes on God, held to his convictions, and clung to his faith. He drew confidence not from his abilities, but from God’s Word. 

Like most of us, he was tested. Rejection and unfairness knocked at his door. But Joseph passed the test and gave a wise response to some of those who had rejected him: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).
Who would have believed that God’s plans would include Joseph’s violent treatment by his own family? It is easy for our own belief to falter when injustice slams against us head on. Whether it’s job worries, financial setbacks, deteriorating relationships, or health issues—sometimes they seem to pile up like a huge mountain, spoiling our peace and defying our security.

But the reward for perseverance shines on the horizon. Joseph wasn’t aware—and neither are we—of the great things God has in store for us: “ ‘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).
When we are discouraged because of our own broken plans, God’s support remains firm. When we are tossing between restlessness and angst, God’s wisdom offers confidence in a future crafted by His mighty hand.

The reality is that bugs and spiders are part of handling worn, discarded items in an antique business. It is also just reality that rejection is part of life. But here’s the good news: God’s divine antidote—ready, prepared and in the correct doses—will have a sure and long-lasting effect. When fear threatens to fill our days, God’s peace fills our souls. When worry about finances threatens our peace of mind, He promises abundance to all who call on His name. When rejection slams into us, His restoring power soothes the pain.

As with Joseph’s life, rejection can turn into redirection and restoration—not because of our abilities but because of Christ’s. He is the one who overcame obstacles, opposition, and barriers. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace,” He said. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus said it plainly: in this world there will be trouble. We’ve seen it, experienced it, and suffered through it. But remember that He also said to “take heart.” The last chapter hasn’t been written yet. God’s plan may include rejection in order to display His power of restoration. And best of all, He has the cure to dispel the infection of rejection. With a healthy soul, we can breathe in the crisp air of His grace and, with open arms, receive the blessings He has promised.