Being Brave if the Answer is No: Trusting God in the Face of Rejection

By Alexandra Hoover

God's Brave Women - Alexandra's Story

I don’t think you’re equipped enough for the role.

We’ve decided to give it to someone else.

We’re going another direction.

Maybe you’ve heard some version of these statements before. And if you’re anything like me, it’s not really the wording that leaves a lasting impression or the specific job or role you wanted. What lingers is the emotional blow that comes with a loud and clear NO.

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"It’s not really the wording that leaves a lasting impression or the specific job or role you wanted. What lingers is the emotional blow that comes with a loud and clear NO."

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I had worked in small-group ministry for years, first as a ministry assistant and then as a ministry coordinator. After some difficult transitions that left roles open and our group leaders rattled, it made sense that they were looking for consistency and shepherding. They wanted a leader they knew and trusted. And I just knew the person they needed was me. Not because I was somebody special but because they knew me. They trusted me. More than that, I knew them and loved them and really desired to take care of them during a tough time.

In my heart I just knew my time had finally come to step into the position God had called me to do. With a knot in my stomach and shaking knees, I knew I had to have the conversation. I needed to admit to both myself and my (then) leader that this was the direction and position I believed God was leading me to do.