If you want to give through Grace Church you can do so here: https://pushpay.com/g/grace-alone?src=hpp&r=monthly Stories 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 Welcome 0:40 Pastor Rick Long's Message Begins 1:58 The Story of Hagar 6:22 Four Deepest Human Struggles 10:47 Biblical Context of Hagar's Story 15:12 The Trauma of Rejection 16:15 The Pathway Through Rejection 19:45 1. Bring God All Your Pain 24:17 Three Ways We Run Emotionally 31:20 2. Listen for God's Voice 35:54 Four Steps to Hearing God's Voice 38:08 3. Let God Alone Define You 45:12 4. Follow God's Direction 50:29 5. Believe God Isn't Finished Yet 56:33 Salvation and Invitation 58:42 Ministry Announcements 1:00:50 4th of July weekend service times
