Saul of Tarsus was the most unlikely convert. One can almost imagine the coffee shop chatter when the news got out.

"I can't believe it! Wasn't he nominated as the city's 'Most Likely to Succeed' person? Maybe people weren't clamouring for a selfie with him yet – but his popularity was rising fast! He turned into a loser overnight!"

Another person chimes in: "He certainly knew his stuff. I figured he'd be next in line to Rabbi Gamaliel as a Jewish theologian. He hobnobbed with the rich and famous, for sure! He had access to the highest levels of government. Some speculated that he would probably get a whopping plum position on the powerful Sanhedrin – but whatever happened to him?! He fell off his pedestal overnight."

"He sure did," Reuben said, "…off his pedestal and off his rocker! The guy lost it. He's a national embarrassment."

We can be sure the Apostle Paul felt the reproach of being identified with Christ. He was aware of the snickers and the sneers, the whispers, the rolling eyes, the rude hand gestures and all the nasty gossip going on behind his back – not to mention the in-your-face opposition he experienced after he became a believer.

Others were ashamed and embarrassed of Paul, but how did Paul feel? Listen to his upbeat, confident and happy words as he writes to the Christians in Rome:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” Romans 1:16 CSB

Disinherited by his relatives, disowned by his former associates and nearest friends, debarred from his influential position and discredited by his countrymen – quite a loss! You don’t experience all of those things and not ‘feel’ it. Yes, he ‘felt’ it.

Paul was not oblivious to the ridicule and reproach he suffered. Had he been, he would not have mentioned it. But on numerous occasions, the Apostle wrote about such experiences. In Philippians 3, he wrote that he had “suffered the loss of all things” for Christ. Rather than wringing his hands in despair and regret, he rejoiced that he had gained Christ.

If you have nothing, but you have Christ – you have everything. If you have everything but no Christ – you have nothing.

Unconverted friends and family members don’t have to do or say very much for us to be keenly aware that we’re definitely not on their wavelength. For a moment, we feel the hurt of being on the outside of their little circle. We feel the embarrassment of being the subject of their whispers or snickers.

Sensing the tension, our confidence goes out the window, even over small things. We feel like we’re on the periphery at work gatherings. And at a family gathering, it’s so awkward and belittling when someone asks: “Are you really into that stuff?”

If that feeling sweeps over you today, find a quiet corner and lift your heart to the Lord. Ask HIM to give you the strength and courage you need to keep a smile on your face and joy in your heart. You couldn’t go to a better One when you are feeling on the margins. If anyone understands rejection, humiliation, being misunderstood and being on the outside  – as well as the hurt of whispers and snubbing – it is Christ Himself.

Go to Him in quiet prayer when you’re feeling that way. And then, for a moment, think about the power that changed your life and your eternal destiny. No longer Hell – Heaven is your home. You have what your friends and co-workers don’t yet have. You have Christ and an eternal inheritance.

Dear Child of God, you may experience episodes of rejection down here, but remember you are accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6. You may experience the loss of earthly things, but think of what you have gained – Christ Himself!

Don’t hesitate to share a thought from your personal experience or a verse that has been a blessing to you –  in the comment section below. Or, if you would like to reach out privately, click below.