If you are feeling dejected because of another's rejection, consider Paul's life and words. He did not give up or lose faith.

When on trial for her life, Joan of Arc said she felt abandoned, even by her own family. In the midst of her trial she cried out, "It is better to be alone with God."

Have you ever felt abandoned? The Apostle Paul did. If there was one thing that caused Paul sorrow, it was the lack of courage of some of his closest friends.

This doesn't mean that all of his friends and colleagues abandoned him. Luke was with him, but many of the others were scattered throughout Asia Minor. Near the end of his life, he expressed his feelings of loneliness when he recalled his former companion and colleague in ministry, Demas. Paul wrote, "Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me" (2 Timothy 4:10).

Few things break the heart of a servant of God more than to witness people who have every reason to succeed in their Christian faith choose to take another road. It causes despair for a parent to watch his child walk away from God. It also is heart-wrenching for a godly man or woman to watch as a spouse lives in spiritual rebellion.

The next time someone hurts you, remember what Philip Brooks said: "In Christian life, the deeper depth of sorrow and higher heights of joy often come together."

Is there a Demas in your life who is breaking your heart? Are you experiencing the hard, cool hand of rejection from someone you love? Paul experienced the same thing. If you are feeling dejected because of another's rejection, consider Paul's life and words. He did not give up or lose faith. He continued on with the work of God; remaining faithful regardless of his personal disappointments. You can, too.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for never leaving me or forsaking me. Help me to remain strong in you, continuing in my work for you. May I remain faithful regardless of the faithlessness around me. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).