Hello Gardners, and happy May! I know I have said this every month, but this year is truly flying! Since the end of March, I have been juggling quite a bit with life and work, and I want to share what I am learning. Follow me.

I saw a video, “How Rejection Leads to Challenges,” on Instagram by Ryan Dunlap, the Conflict Strategist & Leadership Coach (IG: conflictish). He put into perspective a topic that I do not feel is discussed enough, and that’s how pride and the fear of being left out can cause us to want to be a part of something that God never called us to.

I’m sharing this video because it’s such a timely reminder of how rejection and challenges are often linked—and how both can push us closer to God’s purpose. Let it encourage you as you read today’s post.

Rejection is sneaky like that—it will make you second-guess yourself about something that you really did not want to be a part of. It’s a tactic that the enemy uses to get you to wonder, “Am I good enough?” “Is something wrong with me that they don’t like me?” “What if I am not smart enough or qualified enough to do that?”

God said I could do all things through Him. The key is making sure that what I am focused on is actually what He has planned for me. I want to make sure that I am being clear: There is nothing wrong with wanting a good life or being in community with others, but when those things become more important than being with God and who God has called us to be, it is a distraction. We have to reject distractions and the challenges that come with them.

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We often pray for purpose, clarity, and growth, but we rarely expect those answers to come through rejection or difficulty. Yet, as Ryan shared and as I’ve reflected on, it’s in those very moments of challenge that God refines us. Every closed door, every “no,” and every redirection is an opportunity to lean in closer to Him and trust that He’s working all things for our good—even when we don’t understand the why right away.

Rejection is not a challenge for God. He loves us so much that He will allow the rejection for our protection and redirect us to what He truly has for us.

If you’re navigating a season where rejection or unexpected change has left you feeling unsettled, I pray this encourages you:

You are not off track. You are not overlooked. God sees you, guides you, and uses even this to prepare you for what’s next.

Stay focused, watch the distractions, and keep your eyes on the One who never wastes a single moment of your journey. Also, remember what Ryan said: “Not left out—led out.”

Take care,

Tori B.💕🌻