Are you one of those people who were picked first for games as a child? Maybe you were one of the sought-after ones for the hope of being the date for the prom. Everything went well and you were popular. Maybe you were a cheerleader or on the drill team. Star of the football team.
Or, maybe you were like me, and sat at home when the prom was going on and was one of the last picked for the dodgeball game or volleyball game at school whether people were aware you were a good player or not. They just judged you by your size, appearance, popularity status, etc.
Those of us who were the left-outers suffered pain and rejection by our peers (and possibly family members as well).
Our Heavenly Father sees us as priceless, though! He created us and watches over us daily. To Him, we are irreplaceable! He will never push us to the side in favor of someone else and He gave us the talents He wants us to use for His Kingdom (whether you have discovered it yet or not).
Crystal Stine has written a devotional just for those of us who can relate to this syndrome of feeling overlooked and unwanted. I could SO relate to it and I hope you enjoy it too! Check it out!—>
There are Legos all over our house. Our collection began with just a few sets at Christmas one year, and now there are bins and bins of little colorful blocks. As my daughter builds, the larger Lego pieces are used first. They’re the ones that set the stage, the ones that overshadow the hundred little plastic bags full of nearly invisible parts, necessary and perfectly equipped for their purpose.
Sometimes I want nothing more than to be, like those larger Legos pieces, the established, obvious choice. But the larger and more impressive Lego pieces don’t make as much difference once the building is finished, not like you might think they would. As I picked up horses and mini figures, tiny hedgehogs, and sparkly snowflakes, I realized sometimes the smallest piece of the set makes the biggest impact.
Little pieces of clear plastic, nearly invisible, create beautiful windows.
Sparkly little dots add final touches to roofs and tables.
Carrot noses complete snowmen, and tiny ice skates adorn tiny feet.
Often, I’m the accent piece that plays a small supporting role. The quiet one overshadowed by the larger-than-life personality. The one who assumes I’m easily replaceable or unnecessary for the finished product—nice to have, but not a “must have.” But how generous of God to create the body of Christ specifically and intentionally to need every part—no matter how large or small.
Do you feel like one of the tiny, overlooked pieces in the kit? Are you still not sure that what looks plain and ordinary and messy could ever be part of the holy kingdom work your heart longs to offer to the world? Do you wonder how you can stay where God has called you when you aren’t sure the work you’ve been given is good enough?
Your presence and your purpose matter. Whether we’re the most impressive piece in a pile (helping others to stand firm!) or the smallest accent (shining brightly!), we glorify God when we unite for His kingdom. You are irreplaceable, perfectly equipped, and incredibly necessary to the work God has planned for you. In Christ, we can do more than we could ever imagine.
For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. For the body does not consist of one member but of many. –1 Corinthians 12:12-14 ESV
For whoever has despised the day of small things shall rejoice, and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel. “These seven are the eyes of the Lord , which range through the whole earth.” –Zechariah 4:10 ESV
If you enjoyed this devotional, take a look at Crystal’s book, “Holy Hustle: Embracing a Work-Hard, Rest-Well Life” here —>