Stand Out

As believers, we are called to be different and to be set apart from the world. God made us in his own image and likeness and describes us as his workmanship. Created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared ahead of time, that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2:10). We live in this world but we are not of the world as Jesus was not of this world.

As human beings, we have a need for acceptance and rejection can be heartbreaking. There are times and circumstances when we are not meant to fit in. There are people who God does not want us to be close to or to be associated with. “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you”(2 Corinthians 6:17).

There are many situations when we can look back in retrospect and see what God was protecting us from. How many closed doors did we cry behind when they were shut? How many relationships did we grieve when people walked away? How many times have we reflected on the past and thanked God for sparing us from some people and perceived opportunities?

Many missed opportunities is God’s hand of protection. Many relationships ended because God intervened. Many people rejected us because God did not want them in our personal space. Some people aren’t rejecting us but are rejecting the God that we represent. At times our relationship with God may serve as a source of conviction for some people. Do not worry about rejection as this is often God’s way of redirecting us. No longer cry about closed doors or missed opportunities as we cannot miss what God has in store for us. No one can take the relationship or opportunity that God ordained for you. If it belongs to you and God knows that it is good for you, then you cannot miss it.

“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness” (2 Corinthians 6:14)?

A.P.-Y.