19 August | Youth
«If someone thinks he has good reasons to put confidence in human credentials, I have more: I was circumcised on the eighth day, from the people of Israel and the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. I lived according to the law» Philippians 3:4-5, NET
If you sometimes feel like a “fish out of water,” you’re not alone. There are people who think it is an unforgivable sin to be “different” from the majority in the way they are, think or act. They behave like “ugly ducklings,” trying to be accepted and loved. It is weird. However, it's even stranger to imagine that someone with “all the desirable qualities” could feel rejected, isn't it? But it happens! It was like that with Nicole. Being one of the best students in her class, one day she sat at the back of the class and, in silence, said the following prayer: “Lord, I wish that today the teacher would ask me a question, and I would not know the answer!” She wanted to make mistakes and “be” embarrassed, just to be like most people. She wanted to stop being smart, the student who knew everything, and become, let's say, a regular student.
God doesn’t need unusual people to serve Him, but He doesn’t reject anyone, not even those who seem like the “odd one out.” Look at Saulo’s example. Since he was little, he has always been very promising. When he grew up, he stood out among Gamaliel's disciples. He had the profile of a leader and an enviable power of persuasion. His “bright personality” caused admiration, and he was already used to it. He just didn't expect his “superpowers” to be a problem. He had to learn to master them. “I count all things loss,” he declared (Phil 3:8). For him, Christ became the most important thing.
Someone's qualifications may result in envy, fear, self-protection, prejudice, or any other reason on the part of some people. If you have been a victim of this, present your case to God. As incredible as it may seem, you need to learn to defend yourself for being overqualified, above average, “too qualified.” There will be tears, doubts, dilemmas that could be avoided, but won't be. Your honesty, fidelity, baptism, curriculum, “pedigree” and even your word will be questioned. Only God will remain, and only He will sustain you. It was like that with Paul. It can happen to you too. But you know the advice the apostle would give you, don’t you? Proceed! Sometimes it doesn't seem like it, but the reward is worth it.