Stories of Struggle | When I Feel Unseen or Rejected

If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthlyStories of Struggle: The Pathway Through is a 10-week series where we look at real people in Scripture who faced fear, rejection, waiting, and more—and how God led them through. Discover how He meets us in our struggles and leads us forward with faith, courage, and purpose.To Learn more about Grace Church go to https://gracechurchco.com/In this message titled "When I Feel Unseen or Rejected," Pastor Rick Long explores the biblical story of Hagar, an Egyptian servant in the household of Abraham and Sarah (Genesis 16). The message offers encouragement for anyone feeling overlooked, unwanted, or forgotten, emphasizing that God sees, meets, and speaks to people in their deepest pain.Key Takeaways on Navigating Rejection:Bring God all your pain (19:45): Healing begins when we stop hiding and bring our true, raw emotions to God. He is present in the wilderness of our struggles.Listen for God's voice (31:20): God speaks to those who slow down, eliminate distractions, and prayerfully seek His truth in His Word (36:00).Let God alone define you (38:08): Our identity is not determined by human rejection, societal labels, or social media. We are known, loved, and named by God, who is Jehovah El-Roi—the God who sees (39:28).Follow God's direction (45:12): Even when it requires humility or returning to a difficult situation, following God's path—not necessarily the easiest or most prestigious one—leads to true satisfaction and purpose.Believe God isn't finished yet (50:29): God met Hagar in the desert and promised her a future, reminding us that our current "wilderness" season is often a turning point where God provides and redeems (51:53).Ministry Announcements:Fourth Annual Forge Fury Classic Golf Tournament: Scheduled for September 14th at Arrowhead Golf Course, with a goal of raising $120,000 for the Forge Fieldhouse (58:42).Church Schedule Change: There will be no service next Saturday, but the church is encouraging everyone to pack the house for Sunday services on July 5th to celebrate the nation's 250th birthday (1:00:50 - 1:02:22).0:00 Introduction and Welcome0:40 Pastor Rick Long's Message Begins1:58 The Story of Hagar6:22 Four Deepest Human Struggles10:47 Biblical Context of Hagar's Story15:12 The Trauma of Rejection16:15 The Pathway Through Rejection19:45 1. Bring God All Your Pain24:17 Three Ways We Run Emotionally31:20 2. Listen for God's Voice35:54 Four Steps to Hearing God's Voice38:08 3. Let God Alone Define You45:12 4. Follow God's Direction50:29 5. Believe God Isn't Finished Yet56:33 Salvation and Invitation58:42 Ministry Announcements1:00:50 4th of July weekend service times