A common lie that I have allowed myself to believe is that I don’t have a place. For the majority of my life, I have felt like I don’t belong. In groups of conversation I often feel talked over, ignored, or pushed out of the circle. Sometimes I even think, “Lord what is wrong with me?” Everyone seems to have a circle of besties that throw parties for them and text them everyday just because… but what about me? Because of this lie, I have wasted a lot of my time trying to fit in. To feel loved, accepted, and invited. Doing whatever I could to feel like I was seen, not to be the center of attention, but just to actually feel wanted.
It wasn’t until very recently that I clearly heard the Lord say to me, “Daughter, you were never meant to fit in. I didn’t create you for that. I created you to be with Me.” That word is so fresh that it still brings tears to my eyes as I write this.
The truth is, the desire to feel loved, accepted, wanted, and invited is something that can only be fulfilled by spending time with the Lord. He always meets us where we are, invites us in, and loves us with His abundant grace and mercy no matter how we show up. Not only that, but He chose us to be a people for His possession to proclaim the praises of the one who called us out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Throughout the rest of that chapter in 1 Peter, it is obvious that we are not called to blend in with the world – we are born to stand out. Not just because we are each uniquely made, but because as God’s people we are called to abstain from sinful desires and conduct ourselves honorably (and I don’t know if you’ve looked around out there lately, but there’s not a lot of that going on).
Because of the truth of God’s Word and honest friends, I now understand that it is okay if I feel like I don’t have a place. Heck, this world isn’t even my permanent home (Hebrews 13:14)! I’ve learned to take a deep breath and recognize when those lies creep into my mind, and I seek His face because I know He desires a personal relationship with me. I wasn’t made to look like influencers on instagram or whatever else I’ve made up in my head. I no longer seek my identify from outside sources based on the approval of others, but deeply know that I am a daughter of the Most High.
And guess what? You are too. Don’t get me wrong, I still have my moments and my hard days. I am learning to truly surrender my mind, will and emotions to Him so that I can truly live a life of love and peace. But ladies, allow yourself to bloom where you are planted. A flower doesn’t think of competing or comparing with the flower next to it, it just blooms. And every flower blooms in it’s very own time. Focus on the Son, and you will bloom no matter how many weeds may surround you.
We want to thank Paige Keller for sharing this post.
Women's Ministry 