When Your Best Is Rejected

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“Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. - Psalm 30:5

Have you had a time when you offered your best, yet the result was rejection?

The expectation is when our best is given, we’ll receive a reward for giving our best. Most of us are taught this rule at home and school at an early age. We see this relationship between studying and test results. Hard work results in a promotion or salary raise. Or, by giving your best to other people- love, affection, or acceptance will follow. Sow a seed, and reap the desired fruit. However, this is not always an absolute and it can hurt deeply.

You may have had admiration for a person, a job, a team, or organization, and you wanted them to have admiration for you too. You wanted them to see and feel your value. However, your best was unsatisfactory for them.

It’s not possible nor realistic to expect our best will meet everyone’s needs. It does not mean that everyone who rejects your best is an enemy. We have all needed to reject someone’s best at one point or another in our life, because their best was not in line with our best physical, emotional, or spiritual needs or plans.

What Does the Word of God Say?

Despite who or for what reason our best is rejected, the Lord will never reject us when we surrender all areas of our life to Him, putting Him first over anything or anyone else, and giving HIM our best.

When we keep focus on Jesus throughout our day, and He is the WHY in all we do, He is pleased. If rejection by others is a result, understand that it has been allowed by God. It may hurt, but it has purpose for His good and perfect plan for those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Don’t you know, nothing happens in this universe without God allowing it to happen? For Jesus said:

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:29-30)

Jesus Understands Rejection

The Son of Man experienced much suffering on earth, and can identify with the pain of being overlooked and rejected by many, including His family (John 7:5), His hometown (Matthew 13:55-58), and many disciples (John 6:63-66). Jesus was not concerned with what people thought about Him, but rather put His focus on His Father’s business (John 4:34).

Jesus knew His suffering was for a short while, for His work on the cross would do much more for you and I, to live eternally with Him. He had to lean on the Holy Spirit to move past His rejection, and focus on the mission, purpose and plan of the Father. 

In addition to our blessing and gift of eternal life, Jesus’ suffering in rejection allowed us a God and high priest who understands our pain (Hebrews 4:14-15). He experienced it for that reason.

Pray For Those Who Reject Our Best

As mentioned, rejection of our best is a part of life. We all have been rejected at one point, and we’ve needed to reject another’s best. However, we may have people in our lives who never acknowledge our best- like a parent or spouse- who spear us with unnecessary and frequent criticism. We simply need to pray for a humbled and surrendered heart like Jesus, then persistently pray the same for them, and that their critical spirit be crushed under the heel of Jesus Christ. Pray for others who have rejected your best, that their plans succeed if aligned with the will of the Lord. And pray for the salvation of the unbelieving, that they will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Depending on the relationship, we may need to withdraw and start giving our best elsewhere, like leaving a toxic job to go work in one that will reward the best you have to offer.

God Uses Our Rejected Best for His Glory

Rejection can be the shears that God uses to prune unnecessary people and situations from your life. Or, to guide you into a new direction. It will require your faith and dependence upon Him. Do you trust Him?

Regardless of the reason for rejection, God desires to build you up to identify with Jesus Christ, to become more like Him.

And it’s not just about us. When we are able to identify with the pain of a rejected best, we can be a comforter and help to someone else who has felt and experienced rejection. 

Put the pain of your rejected best on the alter. Sacrifice it to Christ Jesus. Let Him bridle it, crush it, and use it for His good plans and purpose. Ask Him to part the uncrossable Red Sea in front of you, to use that rejection as dry land and safe passage for you to cross over into something new that He has for you. Whatever that new thing is, you can be assured that it will result in the glorious transforming into the identity of Our Lord and Savior- the greatest treasure this life has!

And if this has resonated in your heart today, you can pray right now:

Lord Jesus, I come to you in a posture of humbleness and surrender. I repent and ask for Your forgiveness for any disobedience. My rejected heart hurts right now. I pray that you heal me, and restore me. Fill me with all of you. I believe in your perfect plans, and I pray for the patience to see them unfold as you will. I pray for those who made the decision to pass me over, and may they be blessed with experiencing Your presence today. I pray all of these things in your powerful and almighty name, Lord Jesus. Amen.

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Health

Ultra-Processed Foods: What You Need to Know

Ultra-processed foods can create health risks when consumed regularly, including increased chances of obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, certain cancers, and mental health issues (more than 32 health conditions). These risks are attributed to the often high levels of unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, as well as artificial ingredients and the low levels of essential nutrients in ultra-processed foods.

_{Why Do Ultra-Processed Foods Exist?}

Several processing steps using multiple ingredients are involved in an ultra-processed food. They are often mass-produced with low-cost ingredients making them cheap and highly profitable. It is speculated that these foods are designed to specifically increase cravings so that people will overeat them and purchase more.

Examples are sugary drinks, cookies, some crackers, chips, and breakfast cereals, some frozen dinners, and luncheon meats. More detailed examples of ultra-processed foods include:

• Fatty, sweet, savory or salty packaged snacks

• Ice creams and frozen desserts

• Cola, soda and other carbonated soft drinks

• Energy and sports drinks

• Canned, packaged, dehydrated and other instant soups

• Packaged meat, some packaged fish, some vegetables, breads and buns

• Breakfast cereals and bars

• Sweetened juices

• Margarines and spreads

• Infant formulas and drinks

• Meal replacement shakes such as diet shakes

Depending on the degree of processing, nutrients can be destroyed or removed in ultra-processed foods. Peeling outer layers of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may remove plant nutrients (phytochemicals) and fiber. Heating or drying foods can destroy certain vitamins and minerals. Although food manufacturers can add back some of the nutrients lost, it is impossible to recreate the food in its original form.

_{Specific Dangers of Ultra-Processed Foods}

• Increased Risk of Obesity and Weight Gain:

  Highly processed foods are often calorie-dense and designed to be highly addictive, leading to overconsumption and weight gain

• Type 2 Diabetes:

  The high sugar and refined carbohydrate content in many processed foods can contribute to insulin resistance and increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular Disease:

  Processed foods, especially those high in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and cholesterol, can elevate blood pressure, raise LDL cholesterol levels, and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke 

• Cancer:

  Studies have linked high consumption of ultra-processed foods to an increased risk of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancer 

• Mental Health Issues:

  Ultra-processed food consumption has been associated with a higher risk of depression and anxiety

• Nutritional Deficiencies:

  Many processed foods lack essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to nutrient deficiencies 

• Early Mortality:

  Research suggests that diets high in ultra-processed foods may shorten lifespan

_{How to Avoid the Risks}

• Prioritize Whole Foods:

  Focus on consuming fresh, unprocessed or minimally processed foods like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains

• Read Labels Carefully:

  Be mindful of ingredient lists, paying attention to added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium content

• Limit Ultra-Processed Foods:

  Reduce consumption of items like packaged snacks, sugary drinks, processed meats, and ready-to-eat meals

• Cook More Often:

  Preparing meals at home allows for greater control over ingredients and portion sizes

• Make Healthy Swaps:

  Substitute processed foods with healthier alternatives, such as plain yogurt instead of sweetened yogurt or homemade pizza instead of frozen pizza

By understanding the dangers associated with processed foods and adopting healthier eating habits, you can significantly reduce their risk of developing diet-related diseases and health conditions. 

Consult with your licensed nutritionist, holistic/integrated practitioner, or medical doctor if you are experiencing health conditions that may be attributed to a diet high in ultra-processed foods.†* 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}