The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

1 Samuel 16:6-7, “Then it came about when they entered, that he looked at Eliab and thought,

‘Surely the LORD’s anointed is before Him.’ 7 But the LORD said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his

appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for God sees not as man

sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.’”

“Gene, I don’t think that you’re going to be our pitcher.” I was about nine years old, and we had

gathered on the school playground for a game of softball. My pitches simply lacked the skill that was needed, and the words of my pastor were final. His words were hurtful at the time, but they

are as still as clear to my memory as if they had occurred yesterday. I was rejected!

Over the years, I have suffered rejection numerous times. I have been by-passed for jobs, terminated from jobs –yet, none of the word linger in my mind like those of my pastor now some

70 plus years ago.

Have you ever wondered what the sons of Jesse thought when they were rejected by the LORD?

Eliab, Shammah –all seven of Jesse’s eight sons had passed before Samuel, but none of them were the LORD’s choice to replace Saul as King of Israel. The Scriptures do not picture them as

evil or unworthy; they were simply not the LORD’s choice.

Rejection is not always a bad thing. As I review my multiple rejections, it is amazing to note that with each and every one, something better occurred. It didn’t always happen immediately, but it did happen! The key, I discovered, was not to be discouraged. Yes, it’s hard not to be; but if our lives belong to the LORD, and if we are confident of His involvement, and if our attitude and behavior aligns with His Word, rejection will take on an entirely new meaning!

No, I didn’t become the pitcher –ever! I became the catcher behind the batter. And I played every game, something even pitchers could never do! Be accepting of the LORD’s plan for your life. Keep a good thought, because “the LORD looks at the heart” –your heart.

Our prayers are lifted up for you every day,

Nana & Dado III

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”