For the Ones Who Feel Left Out

He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love. – Ephesians 4:16

There’s so much I want to do! I see people joining groups, finding their ministry, moving and shaking their neighborhoods, and I want to be a part of that! A part of something.

The world calls us to be more! Do more! Have more! Want more! Chase more!

But the Lord tells me that if I have accepted Christ, I already am more. I am His family, His friend, His body.

Don’t you realize that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who lives in you and was given to you by God? – 1 Corinthians 6:19a

If you are able to be involved in a physical way with the work God calls you to, then we cheer you! If you are able to go and do and accomplish, then you are doing amazing things and we encourage you to continue!

So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. – Galatians 6:9

If you are like me and are unable to participate in the nitty-grittier tasks within the Body of Christ, then I want you to take special note of this:

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair. We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. – 2 Corinthians 4:6-10

You are needed. You are essential. You play an important role, right where you are, each and every single day. Yes, you. Don’t look around to see who else I could be talking to! I’m talking to you.

Even on the days when the pain has you doubled over breathing His name. Even on the nights when the struggle has you questioning your sanity. Whether you’re struggling with grief, disability, addiction, or betrayal… there is a role for you to play and you’re already playing it.

It’s the same role I play.

Just stand there and shine.

That’s it. Shine for your family (even the ones who fight you about it). Shine for the nurse, the bank teller, the grocery stocker. Shine for the friend who holds up your arms. Shine for your neighbors, your church family, shine for the lost.

See, people are watching you. Especially if you are struggling. They’re waiting to see how to handle it. They’re watching for a crack.

What they see when they look at you is that reaching for Jesus really is an answer to any problem. They see that prayer changes things. They see the light that pours through those cracks and banishes the darkness that should be surrounding you.

And it makes an impact. More than you might think. More than you will probably ever know till you get to Heaven.

And so, I realize that I am already a part of something. I am already involved, invested, and making a difference.

And so today, and every day, I’m going to do my part. I’m just going to stand here and shine.

How about you?

Heavenly King, You alone see every deep desire to serve. You alone know our heartache when we feel left out. And You alone have provided that the weakest among us can have the greatest impact in this world, simply by showcasing You. Thank You, Father. In Jesus’ Name, Amen…

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May God Bless You,

Shelly