Genesis 40:14,23, "But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison ... The chief cupbearer, however, did not remember Joseph; he forgot him."
Psalm 94:14, "For the LORD will not reject his people; He will never forsake His inheritance."
A man in a restaurant, all dressed up and holding flowers, watches the door for a woman who doesn't come. A little girl hands out invitations to her birthday party, but no one shows up for the celebration. Rejection can happen at any stage and any age. It hurts our hearts and stings our souls.
Joseph's brothers despised him, sold him into slavery, and led their father to believe he was dead. After rejecting the advances of his owner's wife, she accused him of a crime he didn't commit and he was put in prison. Once there, God gave him the power to interpret dreams, but was forgotten by the cupbearer and remained in confinement for two more years.
Although forsaken by men, including his own flesh and blood, God never forgot Joseph! Because of his faithful devotion, God blessed Joseph with power, wealth, family restoration, and an impactful role in His plan for His people. Even now, thousands of years later, we remember his story. As Christ-followers, we ARE God's people, never forgotten, never rejected, incredibly loved, and, like Joseph, blessed with a unique purpose!
Consider someone around you who may be struggling with rejection. Reach out to them with a handwritten note or call of encouragement to remind them that they are not forgotten.
Heavenly Father, I love You. In moments when I feel rejected and forgotten, remind me that, by faith in Jesus, I am Your child. My life is Yours! In Jesus' name, Amen.