Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. (1 Corinthians 10:13 GNB)

In the New King James Version, the last part of that passage reads:

but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you might be able to bear it.

In the above scripture, temptation also refers to trials or tests. The verse reveals that God will not let us go through any trial that we cannot handle. In addition, through the test, God will make a way of escape. …but with the temptation will also make the way of escape…. In other words, the very thing that was meant to imprison you is the thing that God uses to set you free. It’s what He uses as your way of escape—your liberation. What was meant to harm you, God uses to arm you—your provision.

Rejection did the same for Nelson Mandela. This prominent humanitarian was banished for his convictions. His cause was to abolish apartheid in South Africa. His efforts to thwart the racism against black South Africans landed him in a prison on Robben Island for 18 years. Despite the rejection, despite the incarceration and despite the depravation of his human rights, Nelson Mandela responded to his plight with faith, hope and love. In fact he wrote:

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite.

With that kind of attitude, is it any wonder that Nelson Mandela won the admiration and respect of his jailer, James Gregory? Mr. Mandela responded with forgiveness toward the man who worked for the establishment that put him in prison. Consequently, similar to how Paul influenced his jailer, Nelson Mandela influenced James Gregory. Nelson Mandela helped stir James Gregory in the right direction and became his lifelong friend. Also, just like Joseph rose from being a prisoner to a governor, Nelson Mandela went from prison to the presidency. He went from being an inmate to being an icon.

Nelson Mandela was banished for his convictions. Notwithstanding, the rejection he experienced furthered his cause. Mr. Mandela was instrumental in the abolishment of apartheid in South Africa. It cost him 27 years of his life, but it gained him and other black South Africans their freedom from institutionalized racism. It also gained him a Nobel peace prize and the honor of being the first truly democratically-elected President of South Africa.² [1]