Hope Beyond Rejection: A Story of a Mocked Prayer – by CP Foster

The day after a community outreach, while I was working outside at the church, a woman approached me unexpectedly. Her eyes carried a mixture of sorrow and embarrassment. She began to speak softly, offering an apology—not for something she had done, but on behalf of her daughter.

Through trembling words, she explained that her daughter, who identifies as a satanist, had come to our outreach the day before. During that time, she appeared to be listening intently to the message and even joined in prayer, seemingly accepting Jesus as her Savior. But later, the mother discovered that her daughter had only pretended. She had mocked the entire experience—laughing about it with her boyfriend and ridiculing the prayer she had spoken.

Hearing that was heartbreaking. It sent chills down my spine to think that someone could mock the love and mercy of God so casually. Scripture warns us soberly in Galatians 6:7:

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.”

These are not idle words. To reject Christ is no small matter—it is a rejection of the very One who gave His life so that we might live. Yet, even in the face of such rejection, God’s love does not fail. His Word reminds us in Isaiah 55:11 that His truth never returns void. What may appear as mockery today could still become a testimony tomorrow, because God alone has the power to turn hardened hearts into hearts of flesh.

As I reflected on that encounter, my initial sorrow began to shift into prayerful hope. Could it be that even through this act of defiance, a seed was planted? Sometimes the Gospel’s first contact with a soul causes discomfort or even rebellion. But the Holy Spirit continues to work long after the words have been spoken.

Jesus Himself knew what it was to be mocked and rejected. He was spat upon, beaten, and nailed to a cross. Yet, as He hung there in agony, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” His love never wavered—not then, and not now.

There are moments in ministry that remind us of the weight of eternity. Every person will one day stand before Jesus and give an account. For those who continue to reject Him, the consequences are eternal. But for those who turn to Him, even at the last moment, there is mercy and forgiveness beyond measure.

Our prayer for that young woman—and for countless others who mock or resist the Gospel—is that the truth she heard will someday break through the darkness in her heart. We pray she will come to understand that the love she once ridiculed is the very love that can save her.

Until that day, we will keep sharing, keep praying, and keep trusting that the seeds we plant in His name will grow in ways we cannot yet see. God’s timing is perfect, and His mercy is endless. Even in rejection, there is still hope—because no heart is beyond the reach of His grace.