It's safe to say that each of us have questioned our purpose, our calling, to some extent. Whether it be because of what someone has said or done, the way we performed at a select task, other's opinions of us (informed or misinformed), or even our own insecurities, we have all felt that same uncertainty in our lives. It's normal. In fact, that is the purpose of faith, trust, and reliance.
But what happens when that insecurity becomes so vivid, that it shakes every part of our mission?
Before I say anything else, it's important to note: there is a difference between doubt and insecurity. Doubt is just a stepping stone to insecurity. But let's look at the evolution of doubt to insecurity as it pertains to God's calling in our lives...
There is always a seed. A seed that sparks that second guess. Not always, but sometimes that second guess grows into insecurity. We think about it, turn it over in our heads, over-analyze it, and obsess over it until we then begin to have feelings of inadequacy and inferiority. And this is where it gets sticky. This, like in any other situation, seriously can effect our performance. Often times in these situations we can find ourselves withdrawing, even if just emotionally. However, that means that our heart isn't in it. Which, obviously, benefits no one.
As Christians, we should remember two things:
A body functions as a unit. No part is superior to the other. Each part plays an intricate role.
"The body is a unit... and though all its parts are many, they form one body... whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free... we were all given to the one Spirit to drink... If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? ...But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be... those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor... there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other."
-Taken from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 NIV
God has anointed and appointed each of us to our own mission. Yes, each mission is very, very different, but equally important. What is so awesome is that God has us "just as he wants us to be". He has a plan. His plan is all that matters. We are responsible to that plan; not to our plan, not to other's plans, just God's. And ultimately, we will answer to Him.
So, if you know God's calling on your life, have confidence in it! Have confidence in Him! He knows what He's doing, and He thinks you're PERFECT for it. The role you play in the body of Christ is sacred. It's important, and requires your full potential, devotion, and heart. With you jumping all in with full confidence, you will gain so much, lives will be touched, and no one will be cheated.
Encourage, uplift, and empower one another.
"Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching."
-Hebrews 10:24-25 MSG
We never want to be the seed that causes another believer to become insecure. And you never know when one is dealing with that doubt and insecurity. A little encouragement goes a long way. We must remember and value the importance of the different roles of the body.
I know these thoughts are jumbled, ramble-ish, and kind of scatter-brained, but I really felt led to share this. It has been heavy on my heart for a while now, and I could never find the eloquence to say it, so I just didn't... until now. Good thing God still uses ineloquent people, or else we'd all be in a pickle.
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