Turn rejection into preparation. Delay is divine development. Keep praying, preparing, and pressing forward.
José Hernandez didn’t grow up with privilege. He grew up in the fields picking strawberries, tomatoes, and grapes alongside his parents.
They were migrant farmworkers who came to America for a better shot.
Every sunrise meant sweat, and every summer meant sacrifice. But even then, with dirt on his hands and scuffs on his pants, José looked at the moon each night and believed he was made for something more.
At ten years old, he told his dad, “I want to be an astronaut.”His dad didn’t laugh. He knew faith without works is dead (James 2:17), so he handed José a six-step blueprint to guide his journey:
José took this lesson seriously. Each rejection from NASA tested his resolve. But instead of retreating, he leaned deeper into discipline.
José showed perseverance and purposeful preparation. And every “no” was another step toward becoming who he needed to be when the "yes" finally arrived.
For 15 years, José applied to NASA. He heard “no” eleven times.
Most would’ve quit after two or three rejections. But faith isn’t built on comfort; it’s forged in the fire of rejection.
As Romans 5:3-4 says, "We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope."
José didn’t waste his waiting:
When he noticed that other astronauts were pilots, he became one.
When he learned many were scuba divers, he got certified.
When he realized speaking Russian was an advantage, he learned it.
He didn’t make excuses. He made progress doing what he had to with all his might (Ecclesiastes 9:10). And he became the kind of person who stood out.
That’s a powerful lesson on how to compare yourself to others for the better.
When you face rejection, it’s easy to question your calling. But rejection doesn’t mean “you’re not good enough.” Often, it simply means, “not yet.”
Jose’s story reminds us that God doesn’t rush the process. Sometimes, He delays success to develop your character.
Because the right door at the wrong time can crush what the right time could have called forward.
After becoming an astronaut, Jose didn’t just ride off into the stars. He came back home and planted seeds.
He created the Reaching for the Stars Foundation to help students, especially the overlooked ones, chase STEM dreams.
That’s what faith in action looks like. It’s the same heartbeat that inspired me to build PRAY.COM: to grow faith, cultivate community, and leave a legacy of helping others.
Jeremiah 29:11 promises, "For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
So wherever you are today, remember: rejection isn’t failure, and delay isn’t denial.
Your dream might be on round 7 or round 11.
But keep going.
Keep praying.
Keep preparing.
Because, as José wisely says, “Sky’s not the limit. Space is.”
And with God’s help, you’re just getting started.
