LENT Day 17
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 18
Lent Devotional
Day 17 - Monday, March 9. 2026
"Rejected by the Ones You Trust"
Scripture: Luke 22:61–62 & Psalm 27:10
One of the deepest kinds of pain we can experience is rejection from someone we trusted. It’s one thing when criticism comes from a stranger. It’s another thing when it comes from someone who knows you… someone you opened your heart to… someone you believed would stand with you. That kind of rejection cuts deeper.
In Luke 22, Peter one of Jesus’ closest friends denies even knowing Him. Three times. After the third denial, Scripture says “the Lord turned and looked at Peter.” In that moment, Peter realized what he had done and broke down in tears.
Imagine that moment. Jesus had just been arrested. Everything was falling apart. And one of His closest followers publicly rejected Him. Jesus knows what it feels like to be let down by the people closest to Him. He understands the pain of betrayal, abandonment, and rejection. But the story doesn’t end there.
Later, after the resurrection, Jesus restores Peter. The same man who denied Him becomes a leader in the early church. Jesus didn’t define Peter by his worst moment. And He doesn’t define you by yours either.
When people fail us or when relationships break in ways we never expected it can leave us feeling alone. But Psalm 27:10 reminds us of a powerful truth: even if the closest human relationships fail, God never abandons us. Jesus understands rejection. He walks with us through it. And He can bring restoration even from the deepest wounds. You may not be able to control who rejects you. But you can trust the One who will never leave you.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for understanding the pain of rejection. You know what it feels like to be betrayed by someone close. When I feel hurt, abandoned, or misunderstood, remind me that You are always with me. Help me not to let rejection harden my heart. Instead, give me the strength to trust You with my pain and the courage to keep loving others. Bring healing where there is hurt and restore what has been broken. Amen.
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