You Are Set Apart For A Reason
Last week, my Sunday post was about tests. The testing that the Lord might put us through to grow spiritually and personally. Some tests work on our character, attitude, compassion, and empathy. Other tests can work on things you might struggle with, and for me, it is strength. I’m not talking about the kind of strength needed to lift weights, but the kind of strength it takes when you are set apart.
Maybe some of my shy readers can understand what I’m talking about. I don’t like going anywhere by myself. I prefer to have a friend along to talk to, and it is even better if that friend is outgoing. They have no problem talking to everyone and asking all the questions I’m too shy to ask, and people gravitate to them like flies.
Being Set Apart Is Not Fun
For some reason, I don’t think the Lord wants that for me. I’ve had a couple of great friends in my life. The ones that you can call every day and talk to for hours on the phone. “Want to go grab lunch?” “How about going to get a mani-pedi?” “Feel like going shopping?” Yes, yes, and yes!!!
For reasons beyond my control, each friend has been taken from my life. Each time, I have grieved, and each time, I’ve been left with an empty spot in my life. Every time I saw an FB post of my friends going to lunch, shopping, or taking trips without me, the pain would once again be fresh.
I cried more tears than I can remember, and I asked the Lord over and over why this always happened. At that time, it never occurred to me that He could be trying to teach me a lesson. One that I’ve resisted with all my heart and one that has been in place for many years. It seems like the longer you resist, the longer the test will continue.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted.
17 Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish.
I know the Lord hears me, I know He loves me, and I don’t think this is a punishment. It is a life lesson that I am slowly coming to terms with. Do I like it…NO! But I’m finding out that I am stronger than I thought. I have learned to lean into the Lord for strength. He doesn’t forsake me, no matter the circumstances.
Over the years, I have also grown personally. I can now get my mani-pedi without a friend next to me. Shopping obviously isn’t an issue for me any longer, and I’ve even traveled on a plane all by myself. Even with all the gains I’ve made, I still felt like David, lonely and troubled.
The Gifts Of Being Set Apart
Recently, I read a devotional about being set apart. I had been looking at my alone time as a time-out. I felt like I was sitting in a corner, away from everyone else who was laughing and having a good time. Maybe laughing and having a good time was the issue; maybe I was being set apart from everyone for a reason.
Yesterday, I spent my time searching for the gifts I’ve received from being set apart. I know I’ve grown in ways I never would have if I had always leaned on a friend to navigate things for me. I’ve been able to put lots of time and effort into my business that I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. I am starting to appreciate time alone, especially on my back porch, listening to the birds chirp and the occasional deer that wander through the yard.
I feel like the Lord has set me apart, and I’m still learning all the reasons why. The best part…I’ve been set apart – not set aside!
To GOD Goes The Glory!
Have A Blessed Day!
Totally identified with this post. I have had wonderful friends come and go also and it’s so hard but I’ve learned to rely on myself because even when a new one comes into my life it doesn’t mean they will be there forever. Life can get lonely!
Clearly, many feel the same here. Thank you for sharing this beautiful and vulnerable post. I think there are many factors at play. Life has changed since the pandemic, many people stay home more & go out less. Moving apart & friendships of convenience. People filling their own void with someone or something else. Political views, Friendly neighbors move out, not so friendly folks move in. Success vs Jealousy. Really the list could be endless. I have noticed some issues here too. Changes cause us to adjust and they can be uncomfortable & painful. I’m also shy in many instances. My husband’s a little quiet but the BEST guy. We don’t drink (because of Rx’s) – that makes MANY people uncomfortable. I’ve noticed childish cliques as people age that are beyond comprehension. Know you are not alone. With God’s love & understanding we will all navigate our way through. Love your Sunday posts the most. Keep it up & God bless.
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Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt issue and how God is holding you near Him and always working in our lives!
God bless you!
What a lovely reflection and one many of us can relate to. You are not weak because you sometimes miss being with others. It is how God made us. I love how you use this time to be closer to God and to be creative!
God Bless!
One spring when there was still snow on the ground a single little bird landed arrived and landed our juniper bush and proceeded to eat the berries on it. I asked my husband why it was here all alone , shouldn’t it be in a flock? It so happens that it was a Townsends Solitaire. The name says it all. Being alone is perfectly natural for that little bird. Ever since that day I have been more at peace with being a loner and don’t feel like I’m weird anymore. It is just the way I am!
That’s beautiful.
Oh my goodness, your beautiful and powerful words about being “set apart” touched my heart so deeply! I, too, often feel set apart, but God sure knows what He is doing as it is serving me well. It has allowed me to be a better wife, mother (and mother-in-law) and Nana to nine grands under the age of 7! My heart is happy! 🩷
As much as I love seeing all of your amazing fashion posts, I absolutely treasure your spiritual reflections! Thank you and God Bless you for sharing both!
Jan, I agree, when you’re set apart, it leave time for things most important.
Boy I sure needed this today!
Thank you for today’s post. I too, am an introvert. It took me many years to realize that God was protecting me during a specific season in my life. I am stronger now & can look back & thank Him for His protection during that time. He was & is my Rock.
Thank you for blessing us & sharing with us, Tania.
my goodness that sounds like me. thank you for your prospective. blessed be.