Saturday, June 19, 2021

a good exclusion: leap for joy!

One of the things that I used to struggle with a lot when I really started growing in my faith was that I had better discernment, so it was easier for me to tell what I should and shouldn't be saying/doing with the people that I was hanging out with. 

That feeling used to eat my up. I kept thinking to myself...is this worth it? Am I okay with not fitting in and possibly losing friends? Over and over again. There were times where I completely didn't fit in and it was very hard. 

As believers in Jesus we all have our own stories of how we came to know Jesus and made our faith our own, but I do believe that feeling I addressed above is something we all experience as we grow. As much as I would've liked to just skip over it, I am happy I got to experience it. 

That feeling, when you feel different, excluded and like you are not fitting in with your own friends is a good feeling. We have to start changing our mindsets to understanding that it is good! 

"What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man. When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy. For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember their ancestors treated the ancient prophets that same way." 
(Luke 6:22-23)

What blessings await...how amazing is that? It's not easy, but I promise as you grow, this will happen more and more and my encouragement is for you to have a vision of the blessings ahead. My life isn't sunshine, rainbows, and unicorns, but I've been through it all and where I stand in my faith and my relationships have flourished because of the things I have been through! Leap for joy and be happy when things are difficult.

Leap for joy...

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