As much as I try to show compassion and concern for others. . . there are times when I feel that I have "selfish" moments. While I love to work behind-the-scenes, I often find myself wondering, "Is what I'm doing making an impact?" "Does anyone care?" "Am I making difference?"
I feel like a lot of you may feel the same way. I'm praying that as you read this post, you will be encouraged to keep doing what you're doing- whether or not the acknowledgements or accolades come.
I'm pretty sure that most of us have heard or used the term {underdog} before. Basically, it's the person who is less likely to be successful at achieving something. Maybe people think that this person doesn't possess enough strength, knowledge, or notoriety. For whatever reason, the idea is that they have set themselves up for failure by even/just deciding to go after a particular goal.
Oftentimes, this title of "underdog" comes as a result of what other people have said to or about the individual but there are certainly times when we may find ourselves being our own worst critics and giving ourselves this unflattering label. {Do I have a witness???}
I feel like a lot of you may feel the same way. I'm praying that as you read this post, you will be encouraged to keep doing what you're doing- whether or not the acknowledgements or accolades come.
Oftentimes, this title of "underdog" comes as a result of what other people have said to or about the individual but there are certainly times when we may find ourselves being our own worst critics and giving ourselves this unflattering label. {Do I have a witness???}
This may surprise some of my friends but sometimes I've felt like others viewed me as an underdog and I have even thought of myself in that way. I remember when I was starting Ladies of Virtue Empowered (aka L.O.V.E.), I couldn't understand why I didn't have as much support as I thought I would. After a while, more churches were asking to host meetings and I started hearing different comments. Some people felt like I was too young to offer advice/host discussions. Others just didn't know what to expect. As time has passed, what God has done through L.O.V.E. continues to amaze me and although it seems like I'm on an unofficial sabbatical (lol). . . It's not over. There's MUCH more to come! I've learned that even when it feels like nobody's "checking for you," someone is always paying attention. And more than likely, they appreciate your hard work- especially if your motives are pure.
There's another aspect to this underdog mentality that I want to address. At times, we may feel that people are overlooking us and not asking for our help or expertise. . . but in reality, we may be hiding our gifts and abilities. How will people find out how articulate you are, if you never say a word? Why would anyone ask you to sing or play a song if they have no idea that you even possess such a gift?
A few weeks ago, I heard a word that convicted, challenged, and inspired me- all at the same time. Bishop Malachi Haines came from Matthew the 25th chapter. There, we read about the man who gave his servants different amounts of money and what they ended up doing with it.
The super-condensed point of the message is that it is VITAL for us to come forth and be profitable servants (of God). It's time for us to stop hiding because of fear and insecurity. People will talk- even if you are the most qualified person to accomplish this endeavor.
You may be working on something right now- with little to no support but don't give up! Keep Moving! And if you know that GOD has directed to do whatever it is that you're doing, you absolutely MUST execute it. [[Obedience is better than sacrifice!]]
Even if YOU feel like you don't have the resources, the connections, or the complete understanding to successfully complete your goal, it really doesn't matter. Stay connected to the SOURCE-> the all-knowing, all-powerful God. He will supply your needs and bring the right people into your path to be a blessing to you.
A prayer for you:
My dear sister/brother, I pray that you would allow God to be your strength. I pray that you will allow Him to encourage your heart. Submit to Him and follow HIS leading. Cast your cares at His feet and listen closely to His Voice. Fear and Insecurity have no dominion over you! Rise up and execute the vision that God has given you! I pray that He would surround you with a loyal and uplifting support system. Whatever you have planned. . . please leave room for God have His Way. Remember that He is in control and He can do much more than anything you could ever imagine. No longer will you be known as the underdog. Be a faithful and profitable servant! Allow God to work in and through you! Someone's life may depend on your obedience to Him. Replace fear with faith and doubt with confidence! You can and will do all things through Christ!
Amen.
Supporting scriptures:
*Colossians 3:23-24
*1 Samuel 15:22
*Matthew 25:14-30
*Ephesians 3:20
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