If we look through history, there are numerous examples of how artists, musicians, engineers, doctors, etc. were underappreciated, undiscovered, or underestimated in their lifetime. Have you ever thought about how that applies to Jesus? (or us by extension?)
We have heard about it in the scripture, that people often questioned Jesus or wondered why a “carpenter’s son” was preaching. What I was pondering this past week is that the Romans and the pharisees truly believed that Jesus’ crucifixion would solve their problem with him and his followers. It did not. The apostles did not all run away, they spread the word of what they had seen and experienced, they healed people. They did not stop.
The charm here is that Jesus knew who he was, he didn’t need the world to validate him and tell him who he was. He told the disciples, I am. It took the disciples awhile to grasp the meaning, but they got it.
Why don’t we get it? Why do we look to other people to verify our identity? The outside world is constantly telling us who we should be, what we should like, even what we should look like. Why do people listen? That’s easy, people like to fit in and be liked. Unfortunately the people following the crowd are missing out on the quirky, interesting, amazing world and people around them who are not afraid of being themselves.
I’m tired of people wanting to put me in a box and say “this is how you are, this is what you are”. I am not at all like most of them believe. I know exactly who I am and what I am capable of. Do not underestimate me.
Here is my example from the last week. I have a health challenge. Most people do, and many do nothing to change it, so I understand the point of view, even if it’s wrong.
My doctor doesn’t believe I will make changes. I am proving her wrong. Some people I know do not believe it either. I am proving them wrong. People tried to destroy my reputation. They did not. I proved them wrong. The people who tell me it’s not going to work. I will prove you wrong.
Don’t tell me who I am, I know. Don’t tell me I can’t, I will do it anyway. If you doubt me or don’t want to help, get out of my way. I will go around you. Don’t underestimate me, you will be wrong.
You may be thinking, Sarah, I’m not like you, I can’t do it. Yes you are like me and yes you can. Stop looking outside for someone to tell you who you are or what you can become. If you don’t have clear direction, pray about it. God will show you the way. Don’t underestimate His (or your) power. Listen to the small voice inside. Jesus changed the world one moment at time, one heart at a time, yours is next.
❤️