Believe me, I tried not to do it. I tried to stay away from jumping on his band wagon; but I just couldn’t help it. Although a litany of naysayers, haters, and sports antagonists—oops, I mean sports analysts, were ripping him apart, I chose to align with the plethora of people who admired and supported “team” Tebow. For years, right from his successful stint at Florida, I heard about Tebow but I didn’t get caught up with his fame. However, the intense scrutiny on him drew me to his side.
Despite the blatant progress made by the Denver Broncos, sports analysts after analysts kept saying that Tebow was not an NFL Quarterback. He can’t throw. He’s not good enough. Yeah, they won, but it’s the defense; it’s the coach; it’s the other team messing up, and blah blah blah. Yet, Tebow torpedoes; and so does his team, toward the top of their division. The criticisms hurled at Tebow sound all too familiar.
They remind me of my book, Rejected for a Purpose: How God Uses Rejection to Help You Find and Fulfill Your Destiny. In it I discuss 8 benefits of rejection. Tebow does not only personify the theme of my book, but he also exemplifies someone who takes advantage of one of the benefits. One of the benefits rejection inadvertently brings into your life is inspiration. When people try to make you insignificant, minimize your contributions, focus on your weaknesses, in addition to telling you that you can’t have it, you can’t do it, and you can’t be it, you’re being rejected.
Funny enough, God loves rejects! And He uses them to confound the wise. Rejection humbles you. However, humility is a magnet for God’s grace. Amongst other things, God’s grace is His favor and power. Therefore, when you’re rejected the setback sets you up to receive God’s divine enablement to help you do what you could not do on your own strength. Do you know anyone who seems to be enjoying a lot of favor right now?
If you don’t know let me give you a clue: His initials are “T-T.” And this does not stand for temper tantrum. People like Tebow are inspired by rejection. All his life, people have doubted him. But the naysayers only fueled in him the passion to succeed, to persevere, to win. In my book, I mentioned 3 ways to respond to rejection. Tebow responds with all 3. But let me highlight one of his responses. His faith.
Usually when we experience rejection we lose faith in ourselves. The rebuff coerces you to think less of yourself since others devalue you. Some even lose faith in God. Sometimes people reject us from relationships because of our REALationship with God. Hmmm, sounds familiar doesn’t it? One way to deal with rejection and get a great deal out of it is not to lose your faith but to hold on to it. If you do not already have faith I encourage you to reach out for it by reaching out to God. He is close to those whose hearts are broken and have a crushed spirit (Ps 34:18). He will revive you. He will revitalize you. And He will restore, replenish, and rev you up for your life’s purpose(s). These might not happen overnight, but they will happen.
There are at least 4 reasons why people criticize you. 1) People criticize you because you’re not like them—you’re different. 2) People criticize you because you’re not with them—you’re not in their group. 3) People criticize you because you’re not for them—you disagree with them. 4) People criticize you because they feel you took something from them—you got the break; they didn’t—they’re hating.
Regardless of why people criticize and reject you, encourage yourself and keep moving forward. If you’re being ostracized because you’re different, remember that sometimes you have to be different to make a difference. If you’re snubbed because you’re not with a group, remember that God is with you. If someone gives you the cold shoulder because you disagree with them—without being disagreeable, keep your head up and agree with God. If people drank too much “hatorade” and are on a hater-raid on you because you got blessed and they didn’t, it’s ok. Take the high road. Remember this quote from Bishop T. D. Jakes, favor ain’t fair.
After putting their feet in their mouths and eating quite a few humble pies, some of the experts are coming to terms with the fact that since Tebow was given the thumbs-up to be the starting Quarterback for the Broncos, something miraculous started happening. The Broncos went from 4 losses and a win to 7 wins and a loss. At the time of this writing they have a record of 8 wins and 5 losses, total. Sports experts can’t explain why the chips are falling Tebow’s way; but they can’t deny that he is a winner, either. Some say it’s the Broncos defense. Some say it’s their coach. Some say it’s their opposing teams messing up. Some say it’s Tebow. Tebow says it’s team work. What do you say?
Practically, I believe it’s a combination of all of the above. Notwithstanding, there is an underlying force that allows all those factors to gel. I believe there is a main ingredient in the Broncos’ stew of success. And Tebow has the recipe. What is the recipe, you ask? Well, I tell you what one sports radio commentator said. He said that Tebow was not responsible for the success of the Broncos. I don’t know if he was being sarcastic or if he was really serious, but he said that Jesus Christ is the reason why the Broncos are successful. He said there is a power helping the Broncos. And he said on secular radio that folks need to go on their knees and make sure that they are right with Jesus. Wow!
From here on out regardless of what happens with the Broncos, there is something special about Tebow. Whether people may want to acknowledge it or not, God has His hands on him. And He is using him for purposes bigger than touch downs and successful goal kicks. God can do the same with you and any rejection you experience.