“Accepted” by Mindy Ross

Acceptance is a magnet that draws us in, comforts us, encourages us, and spurs us on to do more. Approval from others confirms that we are on the track, and gives us the energy we need to keep going.

If you are human, you have felt the pull toward acceptance and approval of people. When someone tells you that your message, or blog, or post inspired them, it feels good. You are encouraged to keep making a difference, and you thank God for this confirmation that you are doing something good.

But what happens when we don’t measure up? What happens when someone gets offended by your post, or message, or the way you live? It hurts. We feel discouraged. We question our worth. And our motivation to continue is dried up.

This is where I was just recently. I had attempted to keep all the plates spinning, all the people happy, and all our members cared for. But we all know that this is a losing fight, and I lost on several levels. I don’t like to see people unhappy, but I especially don’t like to see people unhappy with me or the church. This feeling of rejection was debilitating. I kept stepping, but my shoulders were beginning to droop, and my countenance was less chipper. I needed a good old fashioned pick-me-up, but it wasn’t going to come.

So, with little left within me, I cranked up some worship music, and sank into the presence of the only One who could help. In His presence, I felt a blanket of acceptance, love and approval. I heard His voice say, “Heaven accepts you. Here, there is no rejection.” I soaked it all up, reminded that I was not a citizen of this fallen world, nor a slave to its pressures. I had been planted here for a purpose, and when that purpose is over, I will hear, “well done, good and faithful servant”.

With stronger legs, I stood up, determined to keep moving. Sometimes the strongest thing we can do when we feel like a failure is keep stepping, even if we’re falling down.

Friend, if you feel like the world is against you, remember that heaven accepts you!