WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH THE REJECTED

WHAT GOD CAN DO WITH THE REJECTED (THE STORY OF LEAH)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 29:31
"And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren."

Supporting Texts: 1 Samuel 16:7, Isaiah 41:9-10, Psalm 113:7-8, 1 Corinthians 1:27-29

INTRODUCTION

Rejection is one of the most painful experiences anyone can go through. It can come from family, friends, or even society. Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy because they have been overlooked, abandoned, or despised. However, the story of Leah reminds us that God's plan is greater than human opinions.

Leah was unloved by her husband, Jacob, because his heart was set on Rachel. Despite this, God saw her pain and blessed her with children, making her the mother of Judah, from whom Jesus Christ eventually came. This shows that God specialises in using the rejected, overlooked, and despised for His divine purpose.

If you have ever felt rejected, abandoned, or forgotten, know that God sees you. He is able to turn your rejection into a testimony of His grace. No matter who has written you off, God still has a purpose for you.

1. GOD SEES THE REJECTED

No one is invisible before God. When men reject you, God notices.

a) God is Aware of Your Pain
Just as He saw Leah’s situation, He sees every heartache and disappointment (Psalm 34:18).

b) God Responds to Rejection with His Blessing
Because Leah was hated, God opened her womb while Rachel remained barren (Genesis 29:31).

c) God Values What Man Ignores
1 Samuel 16:7 reminds us that while man looks at the outward appearance, God looks at the heart.

d) God Elevates the Rejected
Psalm 113:7-8 says He lifts the poor from the dust and sets them among princes.

e) Biblical Example: Jephthah (Judges 11:1-11)
Jephthah was rejected by his family, but God raised him as a mighty deliverer.

2. GOD CAN BRING PURPOSE OUT OF REJECTION

Rejection does not mean uselessness. It is often a setup for something greater.

a) God Uses Rejection to Position You for Greatness
Leah’s rejection led to her becoming the mother of kings, priests, and even the Messiah (Genesis 49:10).

b) Rejection Teaches Dependence on God
When people fail you, you learn to trust in God completely (Isaiah 41:9-10).

c) God Turns Rejection into Testimony
Joseph was rejected by his brothers but later became a ruler in Egypt (Genesis 50:20).

d) God Writes the Final Story
Rejection is never the end; God always has the final say (Jeremiah 29:11).

e) Biblical Example: David (1 Samuel 16:11-13)
David was overlooked by his own family, but God chose him as king over Israel.

3. REJECTION PREPARES YOU FOR GREATER GLORY

Sometimes rejection is God’s way of leading you to a higher purpose.

a) God Uses Rejection to Refine Your Character
Difficult seasons build perseverance and faith (Romans 5:3-5).

b) Rejection Can Lead to Unexpected Open Doors
Leah was neglected, yet she bore six of Jacob’s sons, including Levi (priesthood) and Judah (kingship).

c) God Never Abandons His Own
Even when the world rejects you, God remains faithful (Deuteronomy 31:6).

d) God Chooses the Weak to Shame the Strong
1 Corinthians 1:27 says He uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise.

e) Biblical Example: Hannah (1 Samuel 1:6-20)
Hannah was mocked and rejected because of barrenness, but God made her the mother of Samuel, a great prophet.

4. HOW TO RESPOND TO REJECTION GOD'S WAY

Rather than becoming bitter, learn to trust God’s plan.

a) Do Not Seek Revenge or Harbour Bitterness
Romans 12:19 reminds us that vengeance belongs to God.

b) Remain Faithful in the Place of Rejection
Leah did not stop being a wife or mother despite Jacob’s neglect.

c) Trust in God’s Plan and Timing
Isaiah 55:8-9 teaches that God's ways are higher than ours.

d) Speak Life Over Yourself
Proverbs 18:21 says life and death are in the power of the tongue—declare God’s promises.

e) Biblical Example: Joseph (Genesis 45:5-8)
Despite being rejected and sold into slavery, Joseph forgave his brothers and recognised God's hand in his journey.

5. GOD'S PROMISES TO THE REJECTED

For every rejection, God gives greater restoration.

a) God Will Never Leave You
Psalm 27:10 says even if father and mother forsake you, the Lord will take you up.

b) God Will Turn Your Mourning into Joy
Isaiah 61:3 promises beauty for ashes and joy instead of mourning.

c) God Will Honour You in the Presence of Your Enemies
Psalm 23:5 declares that He prepares a table before us in the presence of our enemies.

d) God Will Restore What Was Lost
Joel 2:25-26 says He will restore the years the locusts have eaten.

e) Biblical Example: Leah’s Legacy (Matthew 1:1-16)
Though rejected, Leah became an ancestor of Jesus Christ, proving that God's plan is greater than man’s rejection.

CONCLUSION

Rejection is painful, but it does not mean the end. Leah’s story proves that God can turn rejection into divine elevation. When men overlook or abandon you, God sees and prepares something greater. Instead of allowing rejection to break you, let it push you closer to God, knowing that He has a purpose for every pain. Stay faithful, trust Him, and watch Him turn rejection into a testimony.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, thank You for seeing me even when others reject me.
2. Lord, turn every rejection in my life into divine promotion.
3. Every spirit of rejection and abandonment in my life, be broken in Jesus' name.
4. Father, give me the grace to stay faithful in difficult seasons.
5. I reject the spirit of discouragement and hopelessness.
6. Lord, use my life as a testimony of Your goodness.
7. Every door that rejection has closed in my life, let them open now.
8. Father, help me to see rejection as a redirection to Your greater plan.
9. Lord, give me the strength to forgive those who have rejected me.
10. I declare that I am not forgotten— I am chosen by God!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1. You are not forgotten; God has remembered you for greatness.
2. Every rejection in your life is turning into divine acceptance.
3. Your pain will give birth to a great testimony in Jesus’ name.
4. You will sit among kings and be celebrated where you were once despised.
5. The doors that rejection closed are now opening for you.
6. What men rejected, God is now lifting to a place of honour.
7. Your destiny will not be cut short by the opinions of men.
8. You will laugh last, and your testimony will silence your mockers.
9. Divine favour is replacing every rejection in your life.
10. Your story will end in praise, and your name will be remembered for good.

May God turn every rejection in your life into a testimony of His faithfulness in Jesus’ name!