Fitting In.

You have their attention, they are looking at what you are doing. They see Jesus in you!

1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12 and 13.

Dear friends do not be bewildered or surprised when you go through the fiery trials ahead, for this is no strange, unusual thing that is going to happen to you. Instead, be really glad---because these trials will make you partners with Christ in His suffering, and afterwards you will have the wonderful joy of sharing His glory in that coming day when it will be displayed. 

   Each of us are different. We look different and we each think differently. It takes time to fit in and become one of the gang. Everyday we are surrounded by people with attitudes. We don't know how their day has been going or what trials they are facing. All we know is that they are in our space and we have to adjust ourselves to the conversations that are taking place.

   Maybe you are dealing with stuff and you just do not feel like interacting with others. Yet they are there. Listening always helps us learn before we speak. Some of us are better at that than others. We all have the ability to wait and to walk away if we are uneasy, uncomfortable or not sure how to process a situation. 

   Having the perfect life is unreal. It would be nice if we had only a handful of concerning thoughts, it would be nice if we did not worry but that would not be realistic. You can have a good job that allows the bills to be paid and all your needs to be provided. Then your concerns and worries are on other things such as guarding closely what you have. You may think that you get along with others but are you really? 

   We all want to be loved and cared about. Fitting in is not easy. Maybe you are someone who has compassion and easily gets along with others. Maybe you are intellectual and you have the answer before everyone else. Maybe you would rather that others take the lead or maybe you are just lazy and do not put any thought into where you are or what you are supposed to be doing. 

   We are all different. Some are argumentative, and some need to get their opinions out. Some are humble and ready to work with others creating a relaxing environment that is enjoyable. 2 Corinthians chapter 1 verses 3 and 4 say; "What a wonderful God we have---He is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does He do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort that God has given us." 

   We are meant to fit in, someplace. We can try our hardest to create and live a life that we are happy with. We can submit to the life we have and tell ourselves this is what it is and even though you have expectations and hopes of what you would like it to be, we don't always get what we would like. 

   We cannot avoid others. They are there and we do have to interact with one another. It is in your wants and desires that you get disappointed. God does not want us to be sad, He wants us to be happy with the life we have. And He wants us to do that by living in His blessings. It is through our joy for the life He gives to us and the thankfulness that we have to Him, that others get to share what we are experiencing.  

   How we feel and the things we are dealing with show in our daily interactions with others. You do not have to discuss your personal life with anyone. However if you are frustrated and uncomfortable than others can sense your anxieties. Our happy face can only be concealed for so long before what is troubling us is spoken about with someone. 

   Let Jesus be the one you talk with. He talked with God about everything. And now we are invited to come before God, as a member of His own family, all because of God's love for us. Everyone is trying to fit in. Everyone is trying to figure out what to do. Everyone has temptations and desires and everyone must deal with sadness. 

   We all like the good times and the feeling of happiness. God wants us to focus on Him and trust in Him to provide all our needs. You will have to work at taking chances, you will have to interact with others and you will have to talk with God about everything. He is your heavenly Father who cares about how you act, and the choices you make. Most of all He loves your praise and gratitude towards Him. He loves that you love Him and are thankful to Him for Jesus and salvation. 

   With God there is no problem fitting in. There is no need to take our eyes off of Him. Just as a little child holds close to their safe place, you too are kept safe in life with God. 

   Thank You Father for Jesus. Thank You for Your love. We may not understand, but we surely know that you love us. 😊    

Proverbs chapter 10 verse 19.

Do not speak too much. You keep putting your foot in your mouth. Be sensible and turn off the flow. (The living bible.)

Ephesians chapter 2 verse 8 and 9. 

It is by grace that we are saved through faith, not that of ourselves. It is a gift of God, not of works, lest we boast.  

Matthew chapter 24 verses 45-47.

Are you a wise and faithful servant of the Lord? Have I given you the task of managing My household, to feed My children day by day? Blessings on you if I return and find you faithfully doing your work. I will put such faithful ones in charge of everything I own!

Matthew chapter 5 verses 13-16.

You are the worlds seasoning, to make it tolerable. If you lose your flavor, what will happen to the world? And you yourselves will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the worlds light---a city on a hill, glowing in the night for all to see. Do not hide your light! Let it shine for all; let your good deeds glow for all to see, so that they will praise your heavenly Father.