Stand Out

Greetings in the name of the Most High God!
 
I love shoes. This week, I received a phone call from a local shoe store. I had visited this shoe store last month hoping to buy a pair of new leather dress shoes. I have big feet (size 14/15) and so the lovely lady who was serving me put in the nicest way possible, “we have run out of your size.”
Translation: “My, what big feet you have!” She kindly offered to order my size shoe from their factory shop and said she would contact me when my new “kicks” arrived. They called me to inform that they had received my order and it was ready to be paid and collected. As I tried on these shoes, I noticed that I was trying to squeeze a size 14 foot into a size 13 shoe. I proceeded to wriggle my foot in as I really wanted these shoes. I tried forcing the shoe on my foot whilst trying not to damage the shoe. It wasn’t to be. I would have to wait again. Once again, I would leave empty handed – or empty
footed.
 
Not everything fits. In all aspects of life, we will experience the disappointments of not fitting in. It may be a sport or hobby that we would like to try only to find that no matter how much effort we put in – we are plain and simply not good at it. This may also extend to those seeking friendships or relationships. We often discover that there are groups of people we would like to join despite our own interests not really matching up to theirs. We try to force ourselves to adapt to their habits and routines – but it doesn’t last – we just don’t fit. Forcing a fit can cause some damage.  Not only are we unhappy (doing something for the appeasement of others) but we can also be led into a routine of life that we may one day regret (like a group of friends who are a bad influence on your life).

God created us equal – but with “different gifts” (Rom. 12:6-8).  You have a gift that is unique to you. As it is a God-given gift, wherever you go, whatever you do, and whoever you encounter, your reverence for God will  make you stand out – fitting in is of no importance – STANDING OUT is what
makes you distinct.  Not everything is for you but in all that you do “work at it with all your heart, as
though you were working for the Lord and not for people” (Col. 3:23) and STAND OUT!
 
Blessings,
 
Rev. Gary Mauga