Pursuing PurposeSample

Growing up, I had this odd confidence. It was the confidence a frizzy-haired, thick-glasses wearing, braces-for-days, custom-inserts-in-sneakers-so-I’d-walk-straight 11-year old shouldn’t have, according to the world’s standards anyway. I'd tackle projects at school, sing in the church choir, and lead my group of friends in creating a homemade Broadway production without any hesitation or fear of what others might think.

Something happened as that preteen started to mature and grow. The older I got, the less confidence I had. I'm not sure where or when the confidence leak occurred. But gradually, I became concerned with living up to expectations, with comparisons to her or to him, and constantly looking over my shoulder to please.

From setting goals at work to choosing the right friends for movie night, I mentally and emotionally picked apart everything, weighing out what would win the most thumbs ups, brags, and “way to go” mentions from others. I'd allowed my purpose and who I was and why I was created to be carved out by others – not carved out by my Creator.

Forget FOMO. This devotion is about FOWOT. Fear Of What Others Think. It's about insecurity. It’s about confidence – or lack thereof.

If comparison is the thief of joy, then insecurity is the assassin of purpose.

God has a purpose for you. I need you to believe that before we move on. You might not believe me, but surely you believe His Word. Ephesians 2:10 says that God created us to do good works that He planned for us in advance. He created you on purpose, for a purpose.

This purpose is YOURS to be confident in. This purpose was carved out just for you and your talents and your skills and your life experiences. And, as we’ll discover in the coming days, when God plans your purpose, He also provides a process, progress, and promises.

Personal Reflection:

Where in your life have you experienced FOWOT? Before moving on, ask God to reveal to you areas of your physical, emotional, and spiritual life where you have let comparison and insecurity overshadow His plan for you.