The day I was rejected

I remember it vividly. It was a warm summer afternoon. I was enjoying a nice leisurely bike ride around my neighborhood. Wanting some adventure, I decided to ride alongside one of the main streets.

It was there that I saw a man crossing the intersection. This guy was probably in his late forties. He wore sunglasses and carried a grocery bag. Why am I telling you this? Well, this was the man who ended up rejecting me. Let me explain.

All of a sudden the the thought entered my head: “I should go over and talk to this guy. Maybe I can share the gospel with him.”  I mentally debated what to do. Finally, after much thought and prayer I decided to cross the street and talk to him.

By this time he was sitting on a bench and waiting for the bus. I casually rode over and stopped in front of him.

“Hi,” I said as I smiled warmly.

Nothing. No smile, no response. He might have given me a little nod but I don’t really remember. I stuck out my hand and introduced myself to him. He ignored my handshake and angrily questioned me:

“What are you trying to do?”

I could feel my blood freeze inside of me. My face tingled in shock. I feebly responded to him:

“Nothing… Just saying hi.”

“Are you taking the bus?” He demanded.

“No,” I weakly replied.

“Goodbye, get going!” He snapped.

I mustered up a goodbye as I got back on my bike. I was utterly shocked. Never in my life had a stranger been so mean towards me. I rode back to my neighborhood, mind racing and feelings hurt.

The more I thought about it the more I realized this man was desperately lost and hurting inside. I channeled my emotions into heartfelt intercession.

I passionately prayed for the salvation of his soul. I prayed that God would powerfully change this man’s life. I cried out to my Heavenly Father with fervency and desperation. This man needed Christ. He needed hope.

Did it hurt to be rejected? Yes. But as crazy as it sounds I am glad that it happened. If I had never gone over to him I would never have prayed for him like I did.

Though I am weak and feeble my God is mighty to save. Who knows, maybe that man on the bench will turn out to be a missionary who impacts the world for the glory of God. I wouldn’t doubt it. Our God works in amazing ways.

Who is the person in your life who seems like they will never come to Christ? Think about Saul of Tarsus. This man persecuted Christians left and right. But you know what? Jesus transformed him into the apostle Paul.

Humor me for a second. What if Saul had a cousin that we never knew about? What if this cousin was a prayer warrior who continually prayed for the conversion of Saul?

God uses the behind the scene prayers of his saints. No one, not even the guy on the bench is too far away from the grace of Jesus. May we be faithful in prayer and may we be obedient to listen and obey.