How Do I Fit?
Have you ever found yourself wondering how you fit into God’s plan?
Being well aware of your own shortcomings, failures, & insecurities, in comparison to the perceived strengths, accomplishments, & courage of others can leave us wondering how we can have any influence in our hurting world that others can’t do better.
When I was growing up, I always looked up to those who seemed bold & courageous, the leaders & the ones already doing the work. I assumed that was for them & not for me.
I always tended to step back & let them do their thing, while I essentially sat back & made excuses for inaction.
Of course, we don’t like to admit it as inaction, but that is inevitably the result of letting others do everything that we are also called to do.
Not Lazy, Just Insecure
I don’t think it’s even necessarily laziness, but it definitely seems like Satan likes us to believe the lie that because others seem to be better, we shouldn’t do it as well.
Take this blog, for example. If I am completely honest with you, I feel completely ill-equipped & inadequate to run any kind of anything, let alone a weekly blog & Facebook community.
I see too clearly all of my rebellious nature & stubborn/selfish tendencies. I see my writing blunders & babblings & wish I didn’t sound “so dumb” in my writing, because my weaknesses are glaringly obvious to me.
Be a Light
But God has been giving me a sort of wake-up call with this type of thing.
The world needs lampposts in the darkness. Lampposts for HOPE. Lampposts that shine the light of Christ into this hurting world.
God wants people who are willing to show up & take a stand for Truth in LOVE.
Even If…
Even if I end up being a terrible writer & even if I mess up & even if I miss a deadline & beat myself up about it… God can still use my willingness to show up for Him.
Even if I am ignored & no one reads anything I share. Even if everyone thinks I am lame & have no business running a blog. EVEN IF NO ONE CARES… God can still use my willingness to show up for Him.
Maybe God…
If you are feeling it necessary to be a light for Christ, but you feel alone or inadequate in this endeavor, maybe God will use this blog to encourage you that it DOES matter & it IS worth it.
If you are wondering if Christianity is just my pick of the litter for religions, maybe God will use this blog to show you that HE is the ONE WAY to Truth & HOPE & that He offers this freely, apart from anything we are unable to give.
If you are struggling with a conviction & wonder if God is really working through that situation, maybe God will use this blog to solidify that Truth in your heart.
Even if I mess up & miss the point. Even if I speak poorly & am grossly inadequate, God can still use my willingness to show up.
Keep Shining Hope, Keep Showing Up
And so, I will keep showing up.
Not because I am especially disciplined or determined or selfless or humble or anything, but through GOD’S strength, GOD’S encouragement, & GOD’S help.
I am nothing. HE is EVERYTHING.
I am weak. HE is STRENGTH.
I am selfish. HE is KIND & GENEROUS.
I am limited. HE is INFINITE.
I am not worthy of this task, but HE CAN USE ME DESPITE ME.
He is everything!
Let God Maximize Your “Minimals”
We are ever incapable of measuring up to the needs of this world, but through God’s guidance & power & wisdom, we can have an impact! Through HIM.
We are always lacking. We are always prone to self-seeking. We are always insufficient.
BUT GOD IS OUR EVERYTHING.
But How???
How can you serve God when you are broken…? Because God is everything.
Lean into Him. Take your mustard seed-sized offering to Him & ask Him to grow your meager offering into something for His glory.
Maybe It Means
Maybe it means starting a blog. Maybe it means starting a prayer circle to uplift others by turning to God together. Maybe it means offering to help clean up the church once a week. Maybe it means offering to help improve the graphics at church.
Maybe it means bringing meals to those who are suffering. Maybe it means offering to meet with another woman or teen in the church to pray & encourage one another. Maybe it means being intentional in praying over the needs of your church.
Lean Into Him
God created us all uniquely. God designed us all specifically. God gave us all different gifts. But God fills in our gaps.
So, lean into Him. Ask for His guidance in where to go next & what to do next. Ask Him to fill in your gaps. Ask Him where He can use you. Ask Him to work out your God-designed potential in you. Ask Him to help you trust Him more & more each day. Ask Him to help you to know & love Him more.
God Is Still God
When you’re broken, God is still God.
He doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.
All we have to do is lean into Him & be willing to just show up.
Let His lamp be a light unto your feet. One. Step. At. A. Time.
Just trust HIM.
Coming Next Week
Check back on Thursday for this month’s special feature post!
Also, come back next Monday morning EST for some more encouragement from my heart to yours. <3
A Note from Michelle:
If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3
Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!
Weekly Special Spotlight:
Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!
Warrior Cuff
This brass gold, hammered, stacked cuff opens in the back and will be your go-to piece. (*Also available in silver color.)
Artisan Information:
The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & they grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!
Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!
(*Also shown: Fearless Earrings, empowering women out of poverty in Nepal!*)
Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!
