Romans 12:6-8 (NIV)

6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. 7 If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; 8 if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.

In viewing a recent Joyce Meyer telecast, she spoke on being a difference to others and that when we are baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, we are different. She made a statement that has really rang true to me, “You are Not Everybody Else!”

There are times when I wonder why I can’t do what other people do and why I have to live the life that I do, but that same sentence comes to mind and it’s a reminder from God that we are called to be different.

I can remember times when my Mother would fuss at me in regards to some friends I had made at school and she would be upset at something I was doing, or just being the loving, caring Mother she was and she’d have the same sort of sentence, “You are not somebody else, you are who you are.” I used to think, well, why can’t I be like everybody else? Now I realize more than ever that I was called to be different even in my youth.

As I look back and see where I have made many mistakes, I know that God has used me to teach others or that he has put me through something so that I can be a witness to others. I so enjoy my fellowship with the women at our church and our group studies. We grow together, we share our lives, adventures, sorrows, pain, tears, joy and laughter. When you find those whom you can truly be yourself with and you don’t have to explain your whole life to, then you’ve really found good friends.

Sometimes we don’t need to hear the whole story, just where you are right now and just being your friend. Sometimes the whole story reaches the right person and they can relate more, because they too, have shared in that similar pain.

My prayer for you today is that you become connected to a group. That you find a place of fellowship with other believers and that you grow in your relationship with the Lord.

Originally written 7-28-07