And the Jesus Who Loves Her.

Original Post By: Lysa TerKeurst
@ proverbs31ministries.org
President of Proverbs 31 Ministries

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1 (NIV)

The bell rang. And as all the ‘normal’ people scampered past me I heard Stephanie’s voice like a dagger’s death blow whisper, “Loser.”

I turned and saw my one confidant. My one friend. My one secret holder being welcomed into the popular girl’s circle. Her public rejection of me was her ticket in to the crowd we’d secretly loathed together. Together.

I sank down beside the stupid trashcan where the stupid poster slowly untwisted on the ground in front of me. Loser.

I remembered this recently as I sat in front of a group of high school students. Girls who vulnerably shared how hard peer relationships can be. They described tangled relationships and feelings of loneliness so consuming they sometimes wished the world would open up and swallow them whole.I understood their feelings all too well. I have felt the sting of loneliness. I felt it in the flat chested stage of middle school. I have felt it in the sagging chested stage of adulthood. Relationships can be hard no matter what age you are. And here’s the real kicker.

I always thought my ticket to acceptance would have come had I won that school election. Not so. For I’ve discovered on the other side of achievements if you were lonely before you win, you’ll be lonely after you win. No amount of outward success can give you inward acceptance.

I’ve only been able to find that in the comfort of one who will never reject me. The One who knows what it feels like to be rejected though he should have been the most accepted. The One who will sit with me and remind me rejection from man doesn’t equal rejection from God. The One who whispers to the girl sitting at the foot of the locker, “Who are they to put a label on you? The label can only stick if you let it.”

Hebrews reminds me of a lot I need to remember…

Hebrews 2:v. 14- He (Jesus) shared in their humanity (He has personally felt what you feel)

v. 15- and freed those who all their lives were held in slavery (He can conquer this tough situation)

v. 18- Because He Himself suffered when he was tempted (He perfectly comforts those suffering)

v. 18 b- He is able to help those who are being tempted (and is able to show you what to do)

Hebrews 3:1, ” … fix your thoughts on Jesus,” (Don’t get consumed with the situation, rather consume your thoughts with His perspective, His truth, and His certain victory for you.)

Hebrews 4:15-16, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are- yet was without sin. Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we many receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

And of course I have to throw in a little 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7, “God is just; He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you and give relief to you who are troubled…”

And all the Jesus girls who have ever sat crying at the foot of trashcan said, “Amen! And Amen!”

Prayer:
Jesus, thank You that when others mistreat me and call me names, I know You feel differently about me. You accept me and love me just the way I am. Help me grow more like You whenever I face trials and mistreatment in life, and help me listen to and remember Your truth about myself. In Your name, Amen.