November 1: When People Walk Away, Let 'Em!

John 6:60-66

Amplified Bible (AMP)

60 When His disciples heard this, many of them said, This is a hard and difficult and strange saying (an offensive and unbearable message). Who can stand to hear it? [Who can be expected to listen to such teaching?]

61 But Jesus, knowing within Himself that His disciples were complaining and protesting and grumbling about it, said to them: Is this a stumbling block and an offense to you? [Does this upset and displease and shock and scandalize you?]

62 What then [will be your reaction] if you should see the Son of Man ascending to [the place] where He was before?

63 It is the Spirit Who gives life [He is the Life-giver]; the flesh conveys no benefit whatever [there is no profit in it]. The words (truths) that I have been speaking to you are spirit and life.

64 But [still] some of you fail to believe and trust and have faith. For Jesus knew from the first who did not believe and had no faith and who would betray Him and be false to Him.

65 And He said, This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless it is granted him [unless he is enabled to do so] by the Father.

66 After this, many of His disciples drew back (returned to their old associations) and no longer accompanied Him.

Why do we take it personally when people walk away?
1. We wonder if it's something we said or did. Newsflash: Most likely it is, indeed, something we said or did. But not always.
2. We wish we could turn back time and unsay or undo whatever it is we said or did. Regret is flat out awful because we can't change the past. I have cried rivers of tears of regret.
3. We start thinking negative thoughts about ourselves, such as,"I must be a bad person, otherwise they wouldn't have walked away."
4. We take it personally because it IS personal. They are walking away from US. Rejection is an awful feeling.
5. Memories of other times in our lives when we were rejected start flooding in.
I could go on, but you get the picture. 
This was only the begining of Jesus' rejection. He ended up being rejected by the entire world when He was hung on the cross. But if you read the rest of the story, things turned out great for Jesus! 
So when people walk away from you, give a cheer!
“Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble." Matt. 5: 11-12
You're in good company. Just give the pain to Jesus, as many times as it takes. And keep putting a smile on your face. And keep worshiping Him. Because He loves you and He will NEVER reject you. And this trial WILL be just a memory some day. I promise. And God's word promises.
"Dear Jesus, please heal and restore that one who is suffering the pain of rejection today.
Please let her see a glimpse of light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. Please assure her that You've been there and done that, O God. And thank You! Thank You for Your comfort and unfailing love. We worship You! In Your precious name, Jesus, AMEN!"