I've been realizing and learning with God that I have hid the real Tiffany for some time now. I've been apologetic for being myself without even noticing. I've let others make decisions for me. I've let others snatch the pen out of my Gods hands and write my story. Just like many others do as well.
What does this mean?
It means that we have unconsciously thrown who we are aside and learned to be like everyone else, or what pleases others. We've come to a point in this modern time that if you don't blend in, you're going to stand out. And apparently, "that's a problem."
When did standing out and being different become such a disease in all eyes? What is wrong with being set apart and different from the world? From the modern day church world? From family? If you don't, you're dishonored, you're hated, you become alone.
I came across reading in Hebrews 11, the Hall of Fame, and something, or should I say, someone stuck out to me.
Moses.
Hebrews 11:23-28, (and please read):
"23 It was by faith that Moses' parents hid him for three months when he was born. They saw that God had given them an unusual child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king's command. 24 It was by faith Moses, when he grew up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter. 25 He chose to share the oppression of God's people instead of enjoying the fleeting pleasures of sin. 26 He thought it was better to suffer for the sake of Christ than to own the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his great reward. 27 It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king's anger. He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the one who is invisible. 28 It was by faith that Moses commanded the people of Israel to keep the Passover and to sprinkle blood on the doorposts so that the angel of death would not kill their firstborn sons."
I know, it was a lot to read. But look back at what words are bold.
I was intrigued of Moses (and his parents) faith and how it wasn't passive. His faith is what made him stand out and be different. He did things different than what others would do, and for that, God used Moses. He loved Moses' faith, his action through his faith and his love for "the One who is invisible."
It didn't seem to matter much to Moses to be different, until God called him, but even then his faith in God became strong. He didn't apologize for who God made him to be. He stepped in position and became who God called him to be.
Like the greatest musical movie, that I obsessively watch, says, "I'm not scared, to be seen. I make no apologies. This is me."
That line speaks truth. We ought to stand firm upon God's word when He says, "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness and into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)."
I don't know about you, but I say no more being apologetic for who God made me to be. I am me. I am where He wants me. I will continue to "...separate myself..." (2 Corinthians 6:17) and step "..into His marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)." From now on (ironically said, as it is one of the song titles of The Greatest Showman's songs), I'm going to love (who God made) me (to be) and walk with God continuously; to become a better me in Jesus.
What greater time than to start off 2024 with this attitude. Not the world's "new year, new me" non-sense, but a biblical confidence of who God made you to be and who you are becoming to glorify His name. Stop hiding in the shadows of others and start shinning in His marvelous light.
You were born to be you, so be you and stop trying to be someone else.
Be blessed folks! Have an amazing (safe) New Year's Weekend! Talk to y'all next year 😉
Scripture of the Weekend:
"Therefore, come out from amoung unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don't touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you."
-2 Corinthians 6:17
Songs of the Weekend:
Who You Say I Am by Hillsong
Different by Micah Tyler
(Just a fun and funny song to check out -
Different by Hulvey and Torrey D'Shaun)
Add comment
Comments