My Story – Pt 2 | Enjoying Everyday Life | Joyce Meyer

From Rejection to Redemption: Joyce Meyer’s Journey of Healing and Calling

Joyce Meyer’s story is one of brokenness turned into purpose—a testimony that no matter how deep the wounds of rejection and abuse, God can heal, restore, and use a life for His glory.

Joyce opens up about her early struggles. She admits she couldn’t think two positive thoughts in a row, constantly misinterpreted everything, and lived under the shadow of rejection. That root of rejection distorted her relationships—even with her husband Dave. A simple disagreement felt like personal rejection. But God began to show her that disagreement is not abandonment, and that her worth was not tied to anyone’s approval.

Her deepest wounds came from her own family. She endured abuse from her father and the crushing silence of her mother who failed to protect her. Forgiving her mother was harder than forgiving her father, because fear had paralyzed her into inaction. Joyce says, “Fear will do terrible things to you.” But even in the pain, she resolved not to be weak, and that determination fueled her perseverance.

When Joyce encountered the Holy Spirit in the mid-1970s, everything began to change. The Word of God, especially John 8:31–32, became alive: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” But that truth wasn’t about others—it was about herself. God told her, “Yes, abuse made you this way, but don’t let it be an excuse to stay this way.” That moment shifted her perspective. Healing meant taking responsibility for her own choices, peace, and joy.

Her journey into ministry began simply. While making her bed one morning, she heard God say: “Someday you will go all over the earth and teach My Word.” She wasn’t searching for a ministry—she was just living her life. Soon after, she started a Bible study at work, then at home. For five years she taught faithfully before stepping into a new season of ministry.

The road wasn’t easy. She was fired from her first church job as a secretary after one day. She served under young leadership that often clashed with her strong personality. She admits rebellion and mistrust of authority were deep in her, scars left by her past. But through trials, submission, and obedience, God shaped her character.

When God called her out to minister in St. Louis, she had nothing but faith, a mailing list, and a dented desk. She and Dave would travel to meetings in a rusty van, often sleeping in parking lots because they couldn’t afford hotels. Still, God never let them down—not one bill was paid late. Joyce reminds us: “Don’t expect promotion until you’ve paid your dues. You need more than talent—you need character.”

Through every struggle—financial hardships, rejection, self-pity, and strained marriage—God taught her vital lessons. She and Dave eventually learned to stop trying to change each other and instead love one another as they were. That decision saved their marriage.

By the time Joyce turned 42, she launched her ministry. At 52, she went on television. What began with a handful of women in a Bible study grew into a global outreach, touching millions. Her story is proof that if God calls you, He will equip and provide for you: “What He orders, He pays for.”

Her testimony speaks to anyone battling rejection. Rejection wounds deeply, but it does not define you. God never rejects His children. He chose you, adopted you, and has a plan for your life. Healing begins when you embrace your true identity in Christ—not as broken, but as beloved, accepted, and redeemed.

Joyce Meyer’s journey from rejection to redemption reminds us that God can turn even the darkest past into a radiant testimony. If you feel abandoned or unworthy, remember this truth: People may reject you, but God never will.