Trying to Fit In
John 15:19 – “ If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.” ESV
Have you ever gone shoe shopping and come across a “bad” pair of shoes – only to learn that they don’t come in your size? It seems like they come in EVERY size but yours. So you pull the size closest to your actual size and try to squeeze your foot in them. Walking with a limp to the mirror, you pose and admire how fly your feet look in them. You even start daydreaming about all the compliments you would get the minute you enter a room.
Once you wake up, maybe from the pain of your size 7 ½ being squeezed in that 6 ½ shoe, you may even begin to talk to God. Why is it always like this – every time I find a nice pair of shoes or bad outfit it doesn’t come in my size. Every other size is there, but mine. Why did you make my feet this size? Why is my body shaped like it is? Been there? Maybe it’s just me.
Well, if you have been there, has He ever responded back? Did His response go anything like this…I made you just the way I wanted to – perfect – in my sight. You are never going to fit in the shoes, clothes, groups, communities, social gatherings, cliques, etc. like you want to. You are unique and wonderfully made. I made you unique because I knew you could handle it. I knew you could handle the periods of being alone; the stares; the comments; the hater-aid; the jealousy; and, the occasional failures. And, I also knew you could handle the success; the celebrations; the elevations; the promotions; the unique favor; the grace; the mercy; and, the unusual attention. All while remaining humble, but yet strong.
My child I made you to stand out, but yet you continue to try to fit in. Once you completely get comfortable with who you are and whose you are, I will be able to take you into what is next. So, stop trying to force your feet into “that” pair of shoes and get ready for the pair I have uniquely made to perfectly fit you. Only you can wear them. Only you will be able to walk comfortably, confidently and capable in them.
Walk in faith; live in love,
Mo Wood
Who is Monica Wood aka Mo Wood? This is a loaded question. Monica Wood is one who faith walks even when she doesn’t want to…or at least that is what I am told. Through trial and error I have made some mistakes – not many are visible – but all have left scars and traumatic war wombs. It is through the scars that I have learned what kind of faith I have and what kind of God I serve as I walk by faith, not by sight. And, for close to 4 years now I have been led to share some of my scars during a season of “transparency” in the form of my devotionals – Mo Moments.
