Got rejected, again?

After reading this blog by Ps Joey Bonifacio below (please click on link to see his other blogs), just felt compelled to post this for every one in ENCS to read and to encourage all of us in the every past, present and future occasions of "no show" and rejections as we continue to reach others. Let's not become weary in doing good because we know that in due time it will bear fruit :) Gal: 6:9. God says it and so it shall be done!

Cheers,
Ivy
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Discipleship and "No Show" by Joey Bonifacio

Anyone
who has ever been actively involved in discipleship knows that it has
its own set of challenges and frustrating moments. One of those moments
is when the people you are in discipleship with do a “no show”.

Imagine
carving out time in your busy schedule to travel to a coffee shop near
the person’s office to make things convenient for them. After waiting,
you receive a text message or a call and are told they can’t make it.
Others don’t even bother to call they just don’t show up.

The
devil then tells you, “this was never meant to be, it was a waste of
time, actually they don’t even like you or your Jesus, quit now before
you suffer any more rejection.” This has happened to me not once, twice
but several times. Here are a few thoughts that may help when you find
yourself in similar place:

The thing to remember is – do not
react. The person who is canceling may have a valid reason. I remember
a person who could not make it only to find out that a relative was in
serious medical condition. Rather than reacting it was an opportune
time to go the distance.

My wife and I decided to go and visit
them at their home and show them how much God cared about them. People
need the touch of God at a time like this. We are the arms and hands
that He will use. What a privilege. View this moment as an opportunity
and not a set-back.

But what about those times when people do
reject us and don’t want to come. Here’s how I have dealt with that for
years. First, I have conditioned myself to think that I’m not the one
they are rejecting.

He is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone.’ Acts 4:1

Rather
than being rejected the solution is to take the time I have carved out
for others to spend time with Jesus. I read the Word, pray and have
coffee with Jesus.

After all discipleship is not simply about
converting people but is first and foremost a relationship with Jesus
so that we can in turn introduce others to Him.

Once I was in
Zurich on a business trip. A man I met seemed to be interested to have
coffee and meet with me. Then… the “no show” happens.

What
seemed to be a failure ended up to be a walk across the city with
Jesus, prayer walk cum spiritual tour with no less than the King of
kings.

Instead of being insecure, use these moments to build a secure relationship with your God!

See also my other post:
Prayer & Scooter