I Don’t Want to be Normal

Normal says that in the face of adversity we aren't joyful.

Normal says to be beautiful we must be a certain weight--and have no wrinkles.

Normal says our worth is measured in "likes" and "follows".

Normal says our identity is found in our abilities and successes.

Normal says our acceptance is found in the crowd around us.

But I don't want normal. I want God.

God says we can be joyful in all things, because joy in the midst of our sorrows produces in us that which normal circumstances cannot. Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

God says we are beautiful. No qualifications. You are all together beautiful, my darling, there is no flaw in you. Song of Songs 4:7

God says our worth is measured in him and through the price he paid for us, simply because of his great love. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19

God says our identity is found solely in him. But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9-10

God says our acceptance is found in him, and he doesn't play favorites. Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who [reverently] fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35

This life is full of what the world deems as normal, but at the end of the day their "normal" leaves us feeling insecure, anxious, and even unsure of ourselves. Sometimes even hopeless. But when we take our eyes off of this world and focus on God and the Truths he says about us, that one action ushers in stability, security, and bucket-loads of peace.

No. It's not easy to do. Situations can overwhelm at times like a breath-stealing tidal wave, but we can learn to do it. And God never, never, never fails to meet us when our obedience steps us toward him.

Today I challenge you to take one "normal" that you have around you (it could very well be one I didn't mention) and replace it with God. I'll even share the one I'm working on: my worth. I've come a looooooong way on this one, but in today's world of social media (coupled with working on becoming an author) finding my worth can shift into the wrong place. So I'm reminding myself daily of where my worth comes from and even putting myself on a limit of how often I can be on social media. Because at the end of the day, I want God's voice and truth to be the voice I listen to.

I don't want to be normal:)

What "normal" will you be working on?