The Gift of God’s Acceptance

Six professors who looked like they hadn’t smiled since kindergarten sat at the long conference table like frozen statues, three on each side. The department chair pointed to my seat at the opposite end of the table.

I wasn’t the one standing before the six professors hoping they’d accept me, but I could feel anxiety rise in me as I imagined their icy stares. My dear friend and Southern author, Jeannie Waters, is the one who sat across from them and faced their possible rejection. She wrote about this heart-quickening experience in her beautiful devotional: A Place at His Table: God’s Daily Gifts to Satisfy Your Heart.

I asked Jeannie if I could share this story from her book because we’ve all felt the fear of rejection and the longing for acceptance. It can be soul crushing. 

Jeannie shares how she learned to conquer those fears and embrace the gift of God’s acceptance—the gift that satisfies, not terrifies, our heart.

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The Gift of God’s Acceptance

I dashed into the refuge of a restroom eight minutes before my appointment. Moisture dampened my palms, and I could barely swallow.

How could I face those PhDs? They only admit a handful into the doctoral program each year. I’m sure other applicants are more qualified. What will my colleagues at the college think if I’m rejected?

I could sneak past the door of the interview room, ride the elevator to the parking deck, and slip into my car. Surely, they’d had no-shows before. 

Instead of bolting from the required interview for doctoral studies, I prayed.

“Father, I’m too nervous to go in there. Besides, they’re not going to accept me anyway. But I need for them to accept me. Please help me.”

The Holy Spirit brought Ephesians 1:6 to mind. “He made us accepted in the Beloved” (NKJV). Based on our response of faith in Jesus by God’s grace, He accepts us in Christ, the Beloved of God, for His glory.

While I considered this powerful truth that God loves me and has already fully accepted me as His dear child, both comfort and conviction permeated my heart. 

I’d yearned for the approval of others. The words of Scripture pivoted my focus from people to God. He called me “accepted in the Beloved.” I don’t need the affirmation of others. I have Him, the God of the universe, as my Father.

I prayed some more.

“Father, I’ll stay for the interview. If they reject me, I’ll accept their decision as part of Your plan. Forgive me for allowing my desire for the approval of others to consume me. Thank You for reminding me I’m already accepted—by You. Thank You for the peace and joy You give me.”

I tucked my arms to my sides to hide the perspiration rings from the morning, smiled, and entered the interview room. Confidence from a heavenly source welled up inside me.

Six professors who looked like they hadn’t smiled since kindergarten sat at the long conference table like frozen statues, three on each side. The department chair pointed to my seat at the opposite end of the table.

They fired questions at me, and I answered. My voice didn’t tremble, and my heart didn’t race. One of my responses made their eyebrows arch, but God’s comforting truth reverberated in my heart. I am in Christ. I’m accepted by my heavenly Father.

When the department chair dismissed me with, “Thank you, Mrs. Waters. You may leave,” I felt like skipping down the gray-tiled hall. The cold demeanor of the committee members hadn’t frozen my confidence. Their rapid-fire questions failed to generate panic. The likelihood of rejection hadn’t flustered me. God’s approval had defeated my fear of rejection.

A lady in the hall spoke to me as I pushed the elevator button. “You look happy today. You must have heard good news.”

“Oh, I did,” I said. 

God’s Word had filled me with comfort and the reminder of a precious gift—His acceptance.

Two weeks after I’d faced potential rejection at the conference table, I opened my acceptance letter from the university. I shared my decision with Ray. “The committee accepted me, but I’m refusing the offer. I’ve thought a lot about this doctoral program and realized it would demand too much of my time away from our family. I don’t need the affirmation of others. I know now I only need the approval of One—our Father who’s accepted me already.”

After Ray’s hug, I went into the bedroom. On my knees, I confessed to God my pride and misplaced dependence on the approval of people. I knew if I earned a doctoral degree, I’d gain prestige among my college colleagues. I’d seen it happen for others, and I’d imagined my new status as the solution for my insecurities. Filled with God’s love, forgiveness, and acceptance, I praised Him.

Have you ever felt you needed—and depended on—the acceptance of others?

In Christ, His acceptance strengthens us to fight negative thoughts and feelings and stand against the desire to please others. We can enjoy our place at God’s table—regardless of what happens around the conference tables of our lives. Reject the fear of rejection and embrace the acceptance of God. Then extend His grace to others.

He made us accepted in the Beloved.
​Ephesians 1:6 NKJV

LET’S PRAY

Heavenly Father, thank You for accepting me as Your child. Forgive me for needing the approval of people. With Your love in me, I want to love and tell others about the acceptance they can receive in You. In the name of Jesus who loves us. Amen.

EMBRACING THE GIFT

When believers understand we’re already accepted by God in Christ, the truth promotes confidence and makes a difference in our lives. Commit to trust Him and walk in confidence this week.

SHARING THE GIFT

God is honored when we accept others the way He accepts us. Romans 15:7 says, “Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God.” Look for opportunities to share the love of Jesus with someone. Greet newcomers to your church, workplace, or neighborhood with a smile and include them in conversation. A sincere welcome embraces others like a warm hug and builds bridges to the joy of acceptance. 

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Thank you, Jeannie, for sharing this excerpt with us and the hope all believers have in Christ that no matter what—or who—we face today, we’re forever accepted in Him.