Staying Uplifted when you are Unappreciated and Rejected though you are Gifted!

People who have great gifts and talents are not always readily recognized, appreciated and valued. As a matter of fact, these same gifts and talents might sometimes be the reason for much criticism, rejection and many other troubles that they face. Often, the people around such gifted individuals may recognize the potential for greatness in them and may be moved by envy and jealousy to put obstacles in their paths so that they don't reach their fullest potential.

Ironically, the future of these envious individuals is sometimes pegged to the success or failure of the one they are jealous of. These people usually don't understand that the individual within their midst who has such potential for greatness is actually a blessing. Their success would contribute to making their own world a better place and their failure would bring them all down along with the individual they are jealous of.

Joseph's story in the Bible is a powerful example of this phenomenon. Early in his life, Joseph had a dream that his brothers understood to mean that he would one day have authority and power over them. As a result, they became deeply envious of him and plotted against him. In Genesis 37:20, Joseph's brothers said, "Come now, therefore, and let us slay him and cast him into some pit; and we will say, 'Some wild beast has devoured him.' We shall see what will become of his dreams!"

Joseph's story serves as a reminder that the gifts and potential we have may not be accepted or supported by those around us. It is possible to be misunderstood and even persecuted because of your dreams, visions, ambitions, and talents. It is especially easy to become discouraged and lose faith when those closest to us withdraw much needed support or put obstacles in our paths. In moments like this, it is important to remember that ultimately, our fate does not lie in the hands of those around us. We can trust that God will always be there for us and He will make a way when none seems open.

Joseph's story reminds us that although we may face trials and tribulations due to our gifts, talents and potential for greatness, God will always work things out for our good. He can even use circumstances that were designed to hurt us as a platform for success. God used the same scheme meant to destroy Joseph as a stepping stone for his destiny and the salvation of his wicked brothers. Joseph's brothers eventually found themselves in a position where their lives were at stake and the only person who could save them was the very same one they had sought to destroy. Thankfully, Joseph was already successful at this time and chose to extend to them mercy and favor instead of vengeance.

This same scenario can easily play out in the lives of many people today. For example, it is possible that the future of a family, church, ministry, business, non-profit organization or nation may depend on a gifted person that it had once tried to reject and cast aside. We can only hope that, like Joseph, these gifted individuals will choose to extend mercy and grace instead of revenge and retribution. Joseph's story serves to remind us that even when the people around us fail to recognize our potential, God will always be faithful to bring it to pass. We can trust Him to make a way for us, even when all others have failed us.  

So are you feeling dejected because you've been rejected despite being gifted? Take a page from Joseph's book and trust that the Lord will make a way out of no way. He may use even the same people  who have wronged us to bring about our success. You can also take comfort in knowing that Jesus understands what you are going through seeing that He too was rejected by His own people. The Bible calls him "the man of sorrows, acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:3) and tells us that He was despised and rejected. Despite all this, God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him a name above every other name. Thus the scriptures say, "the stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone" (Psalm 118:22). The same can be true for us if we only hold on to our faith in God.

Joseph's story in Genesis 37:20 is a reminder that we must never undervalue our gifts, talents and potential for greatness. We should remember that even when people are unsupportive and reject us, God is still in control and will make a way for us to experience success. As we trust the Lord, He can even use our adversaries as stepping stones for destiny and purpose. We should never give up hope and be assured that with God, all things are possible.