Do you feel different from everyone else? God doesn’t see you that way!
The other day I happened to visit an educational institution in search of some information. While there, the lady assigned to give me the information surprised and amazed me. Though she was not what most of us call a ‘normal’ person, her understanding of the topic I needed to know about was fantastic. She explained everything very clearly and patiently, often referring to her personal experiences. By the end of the chat, she was encouraging me, instead of me encouraging her!
Look back at your childhood. What perception did the society have towards people who were physically or mentally different? The way I remember it, the community looked down on such people, merely because they were different and could not blend with everybody else. After my chance meeting with this lady, however, it dawned on me that although she looks and acts different from most people, God’s plan for her still came to pass. She has been to school, has a good job, and as a result is an inspiration to many people. In spite of all the negative vibes society may have had towards her, she has succeeded!
What am I driving at? We are all different, yes, but for some people, the differences can be a challenge. Below I will share some scriptures that will encourage you, your children and your friends who may differ from society’s expectations.
- Psalm 37:23-24 “The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” (NLT)
The Lord delights in EVERY DETAIL! Nothing about you surprises him. After all, he created you! Parents with children who have learning difficulties or social challenges need to remind themselves that God delights in their children because he created them.
Note, also, that the Lord knows we are bound to stumble as we walk through life. He promises to be right there to hold our hands.
- Psalm 139:16 “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” (NLT)
This verse encourages me when I cannot figure out what is happening in my life. God saw every moment of my life before I was born. He knew that the present challenges would come along, and I would emerge victorious.
This verse from Psalm 139 reminds us that each one of us has a different path to follow. For example, my life’s journey is different from that of my brothers, my husband, and my children. Does that make us different? Yes! Do our differences exclude us from the plan of God? NO!
Sadly, society today exerts pressure on people who are different, making them feel like second-class citizens. Interestingly, most of us do not realize that we are all different in some way; it is just that some differences are more evident than others.
This post is to encourage anyone who is feeling like they will never measure up to the standards of society. Remember that God created you, and if you take the time to seek his will concerning your life, his purpose for you will slowly become apparent. It doesn’t matter what people say – God loves you, and he has a purpose for your life.
Let me end with two of my favorite verses.
Jeremiah 29:11 ‘”For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.“‘ (NLT)
Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”(NLT)
Have a great week!