The Powerful Purpose of Introverts 预览

Day One

God Created Introverts and Extroverts

Scripture: Genesis 1:26-31

One of the biggest 'Aha' moments in my life happened at a campus ministry meeting in college. I sat cross-legged on gray carpet in an old building that smelled like new coffee. I wore a red shirt and jean shorts. I heard the word “introvert” for the very first time.

I instantly felt less alone and more understood. But for years my understanding of being an introvert still focused on what I didn’t like or want to do (small talk). But that’s not the whole story, or even the most important part, of being an introvert or extrovert.

Then I became an author, life coach, and counselor who has spent years studying what really makes us introverts and extroverts. It turns out our brains and nervous systems are wired in different ways. I now believe God intentionally created introverts and extroverts.

When I look at the creation story, I see many complementary pairings—day and night, land and sea, male and female. Introverts and extroverts are also a complementary pairing, and about half of the population is made up of each type. 

Because our culture is a bit more extrovert-centric right now, introverts can think they need to change. But our noisy, chaotic world needs what introverts have to offer more than ever before. Introverts have valuable strengths like listening well, building meaningful relationships, having true influence, and the ability to deeply reflect.

Pastor Adam McHugh says, “We can say that we are created as introverts. When our Creator knit us together, he shaped our brains in such a way that we would find satisfaction in reflection and comfort in a slower, calmer life.”

Professor, author, and leadership strategist Jeff Hyman found that “when stacked against each other in a wide range of roles,” introverts perform as well as extroverts.

It doesn’t take acting like someone else for introverts to find success and be great leaders, friends, or influencers. 

If you’ve ever questioned who you are as an introvert, then I’m inviting you to trade your self-doubt for holy confidence. Trying to be someone we’re not leads to burnout and other struggles. I know because I’ve been there. I also know that embracing who God created us to be leads to freedom, joy, and offering our gifts to those around us. 

We’re here as introverts for such a time as this, placed in this world for a purpose. Let’s take the next step toward that purpose together today.

What have you been told being an introvert means? How does knowing God created you as an introvert change the way you see yourself?