"Trained To Fit In.....Born To Stand Out"

Born to Stand Out: Embracing Your Unique Calling

In a world that constantly pressures us to conform, it's easy to forget that we were created to be different. From childhood, we're trained to color inside the lines, to follow the rules, and to fit neatly into society's expectations. But what if we're missing out on our true purpose by trying so hard to blend in?

The story of Joseph in the Bible offers a powerful reminder that standing out isn't just okay – it's essential to fulfilling our God-given destiny. As the favored son of Jacob, Joseph stood out from his brothers from the very beginning. His father's gift of a colorful coat was a visible symbol of this favoritism, but it was Joseph's dreams that truly set him apart.

When Joseph shared his visions of his family bowing down to him, his brothers' jealousy turned to hatred. They couldn't understand why Joseph would have such grand dreams when they didn't. But that's precisely the point – Joseph's calling was unique to him. God had placed something special within Joseph that wasn't meant for anyone else.

This truth applies to each of us today. We are all created with a unique genetic makeup, different from anyone else who has ever lived. This isn't an accident or a quirk of biology – it's evidence that God has designed each of us for a specific purpose. You have been given gifts, talents, and a calling that only you can fulfill.

But embracing our differences and stepping into our calling isn't always easy. Joseph's story reminds us that when we choose to stand out, we may face opposition, even from those closest to us. Joseph's brothers were so threatened by his dreams that they plotted to kill him, eventually selling him into slavery in Egypt.

This dramatic change in Joseph's circumstances might seem like a setback, but it was actually part of God's plan to position Joseph where he needed to be. Sometimes, answering the call to be different requires us to leave our comfort zones and enter unfamiliar territory. Like Joseph, we may find ourselves in a new "Egypt" – a place that feels foreign and challenging. But it's in these moments of trial that God often does His greatest work in and through us.

The disciples of Jesus offer another powerful example of embracing a call to be different. When Jesus approached Peter and Andrew as they were fishing – the only life they had ever known – He invited them to follow Him and become "fishers of men." The Bible tells us they immediately left their nets and followed Jesus. They chose to leave behind the familiar to pursue something greater, even though they couldn't fully understand what lay ahead.

This immediate response challenges us to consider: what might Jesus be calling us to leave behind? What comfortable habits or mindsets are holding us back from fully embracing our unique purpose? The disciples' willingness to step out in faith, trusting Jesus even when the path was unclear, serves as an inspiration for us today.

It's important to remember that being different doesn't mean being perfect. Joseph's story is filled with ups and downs, moments of great success and painful betrayal. But through it all, we see that "the Lord was with Joseph." This assurance applies to us as well. When we step out in faith to pursue the calling God has placed on our lives, we can trust that He goes before us and remains with us, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Embracing our uniqueness and pursuing our calling isn't just about personal fulfillment – it's about making a difference in the world around us. Joseph's willingness to use his God-given gifts of dream interpretation and administration ultimately saved not only his family but entire nations from famine. When we choose to stand out and use our unique abilities, we become conduits for God's blessings to flow to others.

So how do we practically apply this call to be different in our daily lives? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Identify your unique gifts: Take time to reflect on the talents and passions God has given you. What makes you stand out?

2. Step out of your comfort zone: Like Joseph and the disciples, be willing to leave the familiar behind to pursue God's calling.

3. Trust God's timing: Remember that setbacks may actually be setups for something greater. Stay faithful in the small things.

4. Embrace community: Surround yourself with people who encourage you to be your authentic self and pursue your calling.

5. Keep your eyes on Jesus: In a world full of distractions, stay focused on the One who called you to be different.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 12:2, "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind." This transformation isn't just about thinking differently – it's about living differently. It's about having the courage to color outside the lines, to take the road less traveled, and to pursue the unique calling God has placed on your life.

You were born to stand out. Your DNA, your experiences, your gifts – they all point to a purpose that only you can fulfill. Will you choose to be different today? Will you step out in faith, trusting that the God who created you uniquely will equip you for whatever lies ahead?

The world doesn't need more people trying to fit in. It needs individuals who are willing to embrace their God-given uniqueness and use it to make a difference. Like Joseph, like the disciples, and like countless others throughout history who have answered the call to be different, you have the opportunity to leave an indelible mark on the world around you.

So today, take a moment to consider: What dream has God placed in your heart? What calling have you been running from? What would it look like to fully embrace the unique person God created you to be? The journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it. Because when you choose to stand out, you open the door for God to work in ways you never imagined possible.

You were trained to fit in, but you were born to stand out. It's time to embrace your calling and let your light shine.