Many years ago I shared my desire to be a writer with someone who I loved and trusted. The blank stare and eventual “why would you want to do that?” stung deeply because they didn’t understand that this was a God-given fire in my heart that I couldn’t shake (although I had tried). Even as I was writing The Things They Left Behind I felt misunderstood and lonely.
If you are feeling unseen or unsupported right now in your calling, I want you to know that you aren’t alone.
voter-less
Our gifts and talents are not meted out by committee. We don’t need a majority vote to give us the go-ahead to glorify the Lord and serve others.
I know it’s hard when people don’t believe in you. Your heart aches when your motives are misunderstood and criticism grinds your excitement into dust. You want to quit.
Guess what? God gets the only vote.
applause-less
God’s calling in our lives doesn’t depend on anyone else understanding it.
Obedience is the entire meal deal.
Why is this so profound? Because when we stop seeking human approval and focus on pleasing God, we push back the darkness. You were never gifted so you could serve yourself. You were gifted so you could bring the message of Jesus into a hurting world.
Do you feel like no one understands your calling? Let me encourage you with this: I need you and your gifts to encourage my heart when the road feels really hard. We collectively need you. You need me. That is the body of Christ at work.
noise-less
You are unique, don’t compare yourself to anyone else. You have a profound anointing on your life placed there by the Almighty God so lean in to the quiet, lonely space that is the doing of God’s will.
You may face criticism. Don’t let it stop you.
You may feel discouraged. Keep going.
Obedience will cost you something, it always does. Discipleship has real consequences. Were the first disciples unscathed by following Christ? Did their friends and family fully understand? Did they receive worldly commendation for the choices they made?
No, their lives were completely upended because they became part of a global transformation in the name of Jesus. They refused to stand on the sidelines of history and so their commendation came from God.
Colossians 3:23-24 says “Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”
Blessings
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This was the perfect birthday gift today. I really needed this reminder, thank you ❤️
Happy birthday dear friend! Your gifts are full of purpose and value, YOU are full of purpose and value. I am so thankful we crossed paths xo
Beautifully expressed, as usual. My heart resonates with this for more reasons than are fully known. I felt I walked obediently through something no one around me could understand ‘why’ and my motives were sometimes questioned, still are and I feel will be when the day comes I share more (if and as leaded) but if there’s a nudging – as you say that no matter how we try to deny – persists. May Gods hand prevail over it all.
Grateful for your words, your realness and your presence in my own walk. Gods blessings flow over you, around you and through you friend.
Thank you Ang, I continue to pray over you and KNOW that all things have purpose and value in the hand of God regardless of anyone else’s understanding it or not. Much love to you today!