© Arpad Nagy-Bagoly - Fotolia.com
As the fourth of five children growing up, there was always a lot of competition to get a desired role or other things I wanted out of life. I wasn’t always placed on the “A team” as it was not easy contending for my way with three older siblings and a little sister. I often felt pushed aside, overlooked and forgotten.
Do any of you remember the TV show “Land of the Lost“? (I am really dating myself here!) As a child, I loved to pretend play this show with my brothers and sisters. I always wanted to be Judy, who was beautiful, or Penny, because she was smart. Sadly, the only roles I was ever given were the Robot, Dr. Smith or some other less prominent character. There were many other instances where I was given less than desired roles, or asked to “sit on the sidelines”, while yearning to be a part of the team. My desire to belong was so deep that my little heart would cry out “pick me, oh please, pick me!”
Have you ever felt like you’ve been overlooked for something, even though you may feel you have the gifting or ability for the task? I have. And it is hard to watch others get picked to be “on the team” while left alone to sit on the sidelines, putting a smile on your face, and cheering them on. Inside, my heart was breaking and I was left wondering what was wrong with me. What could I have done differently to have gotten picked?
There are dreams and desires in my heart. Some of them are coming true now, while others I hope to someday fulfill. There are things I want to do, places I desire to go, and ministry assignments I long to fulfill in this lifetime, and I often question whether God will make a way for me in these areas. I don’t want to be overlooked. I can hear those words rising to the surface of my heart, “God, pick me, oh please, pick me!”
I’ve been reminded lately that God has already chosen me to be a part of His team. I wasn’t chosen for a specific task. Rather, HE CHOSE ME so that He could love me and so that I would love Him in return. He understands the yearnings of my heart, my dreams and desires to belong. And in those places of longing, He has been reminding me that in all things, His timing is perfect. He is the one who opens doors that no man can shut, and closes doors that no man can open.
I will give him the key to the house of David–the highest position in the royal court. When he opens doors, no one will be able to close them; when he closes doors, no one will be able to open them. (Isaiah 22:22)
Are you desiring to be picked to be a part of the team? Beloved, you have already been chosen by God. He’s called you into a love relationship with Him, first and foremost. Everything else is secondary. He knows the deepest desires of your heart to play a significant role on the team. He has not overlooked you, nor has He forgotten you. In due time, He will call your name and place you on the team where your gifting and abilities will shine.
Oh Barbie this devotion was really what I needed this morning. It is so funny how God directs our paths and leads us to places that encourage and inspire along the way. It was just lastnight that my hubby and I were discussing this very same issue and how these feelings that you have mentioned today has crept into our churches. How so many feel so unworthy and are longing to be used for the Kingdom, but because of social status or other things (which we are not always sure about) people are feeling left out. Just like that kid saying “Pick Me, Pick Me! – hand waving!” Yes, we feel this way at times and like you reminded me here today, we are already on God’s team and He does love us and we are Good Enough – has the world puts it! Thank you for sharing your heart and encouraging me in my walk today.
Oh, Barbie! This speaks to me on so many levels. My older brother and my older (boy) cousin who lived next door and I always played Dukes of Hazzard. They were, of course, Bo and Luke Duke. I wanted desperately to be Daisy Duke. But most of the time they made me play the part of Boss Hogg or if they were feeling generous I got to play Enus. I could totally relate to your story. 🙂
Okay, then there is the more serious part that speaks to me. I totally get the whole “Pick me, Lord!” Even when God does amazing things in my own life, I still tend to quickly forget them and compare myself to others and question. “Why am I not getting to do that?” It’s a constant battle to remember to be who God made ME to be and therein find contentment.
Thank you for such a thoughtful post. Great job!