Does it ever feel like you don’t truly fit in? The Creator of the universe made us both to not fit in, and to fit perfectly, both at the same time. Today, we are highlighting 4 of the ways the Bible shows we were created to stand out.
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Have you ever felt like things in your life didn’t fit quite right?
Maybe your clothes felt too loose or too tight.
Perhaps you’ve outgrown your job.
Possibly, you’ve felt like You didn’t fit in with those around you.
On many levels I can relate to each of those scenarios.
When you feel like you don’t fit in
I stood in my closet, slowly but steadily beginning the mental descent into frustration. I had an event to attend moments later, yet I fell into a slump on my closet floor as I berated myself for gaining weight, leaving me insecure in my ill-fitting clothes.
To make matters worse, the shoes that matched the outfit I finally resigned myself to wear didn’t fit either. They tugged and rubbed in all the wrong places, and threatened to fly off my foot at any time.
A physical deformity of one of my feet means I’ve never had shoes that truly fit. And being of very petite stature, rarely have clothes ever truly fit either; but add a few extra pounds to my small frame and buttons would pop right off.
After assessing my outward appearance, and feeling less than satisfied, I continued in the same mental vein as I considered the condition of other aspects of my life.
I had outgrown and no longer seemed to fit what I previously considered to be “the perfect position,” and no longer experienced the same pleasure or fulfillment I once enjoyed. Yet the door hadn’t yet opened for me to leave or find the next position in my journey.
Just like the slippery slope on a diet when you’ve already eaten half a package of cookies and figure “what’s one more?” I seemed to fall prey to considering yet another area I no longer seemed to fit: my social group. Sadly, I no longer felt like I truly fit in with those I was surrounded by.
I surveyed my relationship with those in many of my common circles and concluded many of our values didn’t sync up with each other. Additionally, many were in different stages of life, either single, newly married, or with young children, or on the other end of the spectrum, enjoying their empty nests and considering retirement. Or God had us on different paths, and if I didn’t guard my heart and mind, I was prone to comparing my success or progress with theirs, feeling as if I didn’t fit.
God has shown me repeated grace and mercy. Just recently as I shared with a couple of friends about my desire to “truly fit,” the Lord gently showed me the error of my thinking.
We were created to stand out, not fit in
Jesus never truly fit. He was scorned in His own town, and mocked, betrayed, and crucified for being different from not only the rest of the world, but different from whom the world expected.
The Creator of the universe made us both to 1) not fit in, and 2) to fit perfectly, both at the same time.
4 ways the Bible shows we were created to stand out
1. Created to be a light in the darkness
In many respects, He created us to not fit in. He never desired for us to blend in with our surroundings. Instead, He created us to be a light. Light doesn’t fit in darkness-it displaces it.
2. Created to be like salt
He considers us salt. Salt doesn’t fit in, it doesn’t just blend in-it accentuates, punctuates, and gives flavor to otherwise bland food.
3. Created to stand out for Him
As a young teen, my son performed with a Christian youth performing arts group whose motto was to teach others to “Stand Up, Stand Strong, and Stand Out” for Jesus. He didn’t create us to truly fit in, He created us to stand out for Him.
4. Created to share His love
He created us to be an outpouring of His love. Without Jesus, the world doesn’t know how to love. Yet Scripture assures that “they will know we are Christians by our love” (John 13:35), a love that stands out and makes a difference.
God doesn’t fit in either
Science seeks to predict and explain. It seeks to make separate pieces of knowledge fit into a comfortable whole. Yet God is beyond explanation. Until we meet Him face to face in heaven, we will never be able to explain God. Instead of fitting Him into predictable boxes, God desires that we just believe.
We weren’t created to fit in. We were created to stand out. How do you stand out for Him?
Hope Prevails,
Dr. B
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Great post! I think we can all relate in one way or another. (I think most of us women anyway, have stood staring blankly at our wardrobe options and never wanted to leave our closets!) I love how you point out that Jesus didn’t fit in either… we were not made to blend in. We are in this world, but not of it! Stand up and stand out! Amen!
Thanks Karrileea! If I want to be more like Jesus, I have to be willing to not blend in, Stand Up and Stand Out! (which also means getting out of my closet 🙂
I really enjoyed this. I have never felt like I fit in either, even in church situations. I try to stand out for Him by writing for Him as well. Thanks for sharing.
Mary, when we use our gifts and talents for Him, He lets us stand out in the best way. Keep writing!! Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
Comparing ourselves to others always damages and doesn’t build up. It’s so much better when we can see the uniqueness in each one of us and how He created us to fit into the shape He’s made us! Thanks for these encouraging words! 🙂
I so agree Rachel! God made us individually, and if He celebrates our uniquenesses, why shouldn’t we? Blessings!
Such great insights and a great perspective. I love the click to tweets too! Thank you so much. Stopping by from #LifeGivingLinkUp
I’m so glad you stopped by Stacey! Hope we see you here again for part 2 next week 😉 Blessings!
Dear friend…I totally ” get ” not fitting in, and I love your explanation about Jesus not fitting in either. What a comfort that is ! If we truly fit in that would mean all our rough edges have been smoothed off, and we would feel as if we had ” arrived” and get comfortable…and I just don’t see a time in the Christian life where anyone as arrived at such a place, until we enter Heaven.
I believe that the purpose God has in this is that we will always need Him during this life, and will always need each other, also. It’s as if we are only complete in one little area where we fit in the body with the person next to us.
I have to remember when my ” not fitting in” becomes bothersome and remember that God has placed me alongside others and that His purpose is that we rub each other the wrong way, thus causing uncomfortable friction…yet it is that very thing that God uses to shape us
I feel challenged about a women’s group I want to leave because I don’t fit 🙂 I need to pray some more about it after your post today!!
My dear Mary, your comments remind me of those my late friend, Margie would write in response to my post. Always so encouraging and uplifting, and always causing me to take my original thoughts and go just a bit deeper still. Another example of how we need each other. Iron sharpens iron, just as a friend sharpens a friend. I couldn’t be more thankful for your friendship, and the sharpening you do in my life. Much love being sent across the world back to you. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Because of His grace, we are saved. Loved and perfect in Him!
Visiting from #RaRaLinkup 🙂
Nothing could be truer Emily. And for that I’m so thankful!! And thankful that you visited this morning. Blessings, Sweet One!
Good reminders to not compare ourselves to others, but to just believe in God’s purpose for us. Thanks for sharing at Together on Tuesdays 🙂
Thanks so much! We were created in His image, only to look like Him. The better reflection we are of Him, the less others’ opinions matter anyway. He has a specific, individual purpose for each one of us to fulfill. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
God created us to be a light….amen! 🙂 And your question at the end of your article: “How do you stand out for Him?” caused my to pause and ponder those words.
My dear Dr. Michelle, once again you have given me much to think upon {which is a very good thing}. Thank you so much for faithfully joining Roses of Inspiration – I truly appreciate it 🙂 Hugs and blessings!
Sweet Stephanie, it always thrills my heart to see you visit and to read your encouraging comments. I delight in knowing that something in the words He gave me causes others to reflect more on Him. I hope you’ll come back for part 2 next week. Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I love this Michelle. We are not created to fit in but to stand out. We are to punctuate and add flavor to the lives of others in our spheres of influence. This post is such a great reminder of that truth. Be blessed! – Kia
Thank you Dear Kia! I hope you’ll join us back here for part 2. Blessings!
So many good questions and thoughts here! I’m glad you linked up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
Thanks Kristin! If it encourages anyone, it will be worth it. Hope you’ll come back for part 2 next week. #HopePrevails!
Every point you made about not fitting, whether it was physically, socially, or even spiritually were ones I can relate to. But your comebacks for each one spoke to how God loves us and created us to fit perfectly with Him all the time. Thank you for these words. I’m you neighbor at Blessing Counter today. Happy 4th Michelle!
Mary, I never cease to be amazed at how thorough and comprehensive God’s word is. He anticipated our every need. If we’re all honest, we all have insecurities somewhere, but the great news is that He can heal them all! I hope you’ll come back for Part 2 on Monday! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Great post! I love the way you bring to light to it. We’re not supposed to blend in, we’re supposed to draw the world to us. 🙂
Light attracts, and His light shines brightest. There is nothing sweeter than when someone tells you that you reflect the love of Christ. Blessings!
You are so right! We were created to be the salt – the spice!! – in the earth, not to match everyone else. Great post! Found you this time on the Grace & Truth linkup. 😉 Have a blessed weekend and a Happy 4th!
Yes Dalynn, that’s why He made us all individual, but all to reflect Him in a dark dark world. Hope Prevails!
Amen! What encouraging words. Yay for standing out, with God backing us while we do so!
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
Thanks Jennifer! It takes a little twist in our thinking for some of us, but really, He calls us to stand out. Thanks for stopping by, and taking the time to comment! Blessings!
I often feel like I don’t fit in, and yes part of it seems to because I’m a Christian. It’s hard when you feel like you don’t fit in with other Christians though.
MB, oh yes, you are so right about that. I often realize in situations like that, though, that I’m trying to fit in with who they seem to be, and in reality, we often don’t know each others’ true stories, hurts, pasts. The truth is, God only wants us to look to Him to fit in. That takes so much pressure off. Blessings!
Such a beautiful post. I’ve often felt as if I didn’t fit in, and I struggle oh so much with my close not quite fitting either. Thank you for the reminder that God has created me to stand out, square peg in a round hole, tight clothes and all. Thanks for joining the conversation at The Weekend Brew!
Barbie, if we’re really honest, I think everyone has those things about themselves that makes them think they don’t fit it. But what it really comes down to is the enemy tries to diminish our value in our own eyes, when the TRUTH of God says we are heirs to the throne, we are highly favored, we are called His beloved, Jesus called us friend… That’s the kind of fitting in I want to be focused on, tight clothes or not 😉 Because of Him, Hope Prevails!
I have so been there, my friend! No matter how much we tell ourselves that what others think, that thought still creeps back in and beats us up every time. Loved your point that Jesus never fit in, and that God made us to fit and not to fit all at the same time. Great post, Michelle!
Thanks my Friend!! The Word says we have a very real enemy who seeks to steal, kill and destroy…He does this in many ways, but it usually comes back to trying to steal our fellowship, kill our confidence, and destroy our relationships. Comparison is a fast track to all those things. But the Truth says, we are accepted in the Beloved! Blessings, my friend!
Love your words of wisdom! We must meet soon-too close not to.
Thanks Susan. I definitely agree!!
No wonder we don’t know where we fit in! We do and we don’t at the same time.
Awesome post Powerful truth to help us overcome the pain that comes from “feeling” different, but being a bold, godly woman.
I love this message. I have never really felt like I fit in either. I love that we are to Stand Out. I have to think about today as the cafe eating breakfast. We sat at a very obvious place, the first table inside the dining room where everyone can see you. My hubby fixes my plate for me as I have a tremor which makes it difficult to cut meat or put gravy on my biscuit so he sets my plat up for me. People notice what he does and I felt this tap on my back and the lady behind me asked how long we had been married. I told her 54 years and she mentioned how my hubby takes care of me. I shared about my tremor but I also shared about how much we love each other and he likes to show me by helping me. She and her husband were both listening closely. They were just so sweet and kind. We stood out as older folks who truly love each other so we got to share Jesus and I got to share a scripture card I make with her. They were blessed and we were blessed. But out light was shining. And then I read your message and have a totally different understanding of our role in this world. Thank you for sharing this! Oh, the couple bought our breakfast too. God is so good.
Your words are definitely resonating with me today! I have often felt like I don’t fit most places; thankfully, the older I get, the more I’m OK with that. I never thought about the fact that Jesus didn’t fit in either … He truly is able to empathize with us in that regard, isn’t He?