“Dear Hiring Manager, Thank you for your letter of November 1. After careful consideration, I regret to inform you that I cannot accept your refusal to offer me a position in your department. This year, I have been particularly fortunate in receiving an unusually large number of rejection letters. With such a varied and promising field of candidates, it is impossible for me to accept all refusals. Despite your company’s outstanding qualifications and previous experience in rejecting applicants, your rejection does not meet my current needs. Therefore, I will assume the position in your department this August. I look forward to seeing you then. Best of luck in rejecting future applicants.” The above letter was penned by a recent graduate who was frustrated with their inability to land a job despite attending dozens of interviews. Rejection is a fact of life. Rejection can leave us with dashed hopes and broken dreams, or it could leave us frustrated, angry, or bitter. In 1858, Abraham Lincoln received more votes than Stephen A. Douglas in the Illinois US Senate seat race. Still, the Illinois legislature used questionable legal maneuvering to send Douglas to Washington instead. Someone asked Lincoln how he felt, and he reportedly replied, “Like the boy who stubbed his toe: I am too big to cry and too badly hurt to laugh.” The fear of rejection sometimes chains us in a prison of fear, preventing us from taking risks that could lead to a new and brighter future. We all know the humiliation of being rejected, overlooked, ignored, and left for another. We also know what it feels like to be unable to actualize our persons, talents, and dreams in the way we would like. But we need to hold fast to the hope of Christ that the kingdom of God is among us, and ultimately, we are all joyously accepted if we turn to our suffering Savior.