Key Verse:
“It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken to you first; but since you reject it, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.”
– Acts 13:46 (NKJV)
There’s a popular saying in Africa: “One man’s meat is another man’s poison.” That couldn’t be more true in today’s scripture. Paul and Barnabas were on fire. Their preaching stirred the city. People were hungry for the Word, so much so that almost the whole city came together to hear it. But instead of celebrating the revival, the religious Jews were consumed with envy and rejected them outright. Yet that rejection didn’t stop the gospel-it redirected it.
When Paul and Barnabas saw the opposition, they didn’t beg to be accepted or stay where they were no longer welcome. They moved on. They said, “Since you reject it… we turn to the Gentiles.” And guess what? The Gentiles received the Word with joy, and the gospel exploded in that region. Rejection in one place became the open door to another. Their ministry wasn’t wasted; it was redirected.
Too often, we treat rejection as the final verdict. We stay stuck in places or relationships where we’re no longer celebrated, trying to force ourselves to be accepted. But the truth is, being rejected somewhere doesn’t mean you’re useless everywhere. Just because one door closes doesn’t mean there’s no open door elsewhere. Don’t take rejection personally; sometimes it’s simply divine redirection.
So here’s a question to carry with you today: Should you stay, or should you move on? Not just in ministry, but in business, relationships, friendships, or even career opportunities. If they don’t value what you carry, ask God for direction. If He says “move on,” do it boldly. There’s a people waiting to receive what you offer with gladness.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for reminding me that rejection isn’t the end-it can be your redirection. Help me not to stay stuck in places where I’m not valued. Open my eyes to new opportunities and fresh soil where what you’ve placed in me can grow. Give me the courage to move on when it’s time and the sensitivity to follow your leading. I trust that you have a place for me, and i will not waste time begging to stay where you’re asking me to leave. In Jesus’ name, amen.
