SINGLED-OUT ON PURPOSE
I remember, growing up as a child – I was always the unlucky one – well so I thought. Especially at school – I was that kid that always
got caught on the wrong side of things. It didn’t matter how many other kids were also doing wrong – for some reason I would always be the one who got singled out. The entire class could be making noise but I seemed to always be the one that the teacher would single out. Or maybe a group of us could be late from coming back from lunch break – and again I would be the only one to get singled out. Excuse you what about everyone else who came in late – did you not just see them. Why am I being the only person who is being singled out; why am I being the only one being punished. I never understood why this always happened until now when the Lord opened my eyes to see what was actually happening. God said the reason why you were being singled out wasn’t because your teachers didn’t like you – No in fact they loved you – Loved you so much they singled you out not to shame you but to help shape your character to align with the leader they saw you to be. The potential they saw in you was what caused them to Single you out.
And Guess what? – God also does that with you and I – He will purposely single you out to bring the best out of you. Friend, there will be times when God will Single You Out for your benefit and His Glory. However uncomfortable or difficult -It’s necessary .
Being singled out is not the easiest thing to embrace. But God reminded me that He singles out those that He loves. The purpose of singling you out is not meant to break you, but rather to prevent you from further self-distraction. I have had times when I will go to the Lord in prayer complaining about so and so – complaining about how they did me wrong. And instead of God backing me up and cheering me on in my sulking and complaining attitude – He instructs me to go make things right by apologizing. “URRRH God; did I not mention I am the one who was wronged here and not the other way around. I am supposed to be the one receiving the apology “. But God response remains the same “Go make things right”. I never understood this kind of instruction. Sometimes I would cry back to the Lord that I be the one on the receiving end of an apology- “Lord for once can’t he/she come and apologize this time around. Lord you know they are at fault – so why am I the one going to make peace” – You know what I am talking about right?
In cases like this when God Singled me out and called me out to go apologize even though I wasn’t at fault or not entirely at fault – He reminded me – Because you are my Light – Because I have chosen you and set you apart you – You will do what is right by Me. I see the bigger picture – will you let go of your ego and follow through.
Whenever God singles me out I am encouraged and reminded that I am supposed to shine His Light at all times. When people see me they are supposed to see His Image in me. So if my behavior is not reflecting His light – He singles me out. It doesn’t matter if everyone else around speaks unbecomingly, behaves crazy, responds rudely, have no regard for authority or others– Because He expects more out of me, He singles me out.
The bibles says in
Hebrews 12:6 (NLT)
“6 For the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.”
When God singles you out – its because He loves you. From the above scripture it is evident that when God is disciplining or singling you out – His doing it for your best – Training you to live God’s holy best. At the time being singled out, being disciplined isn’t much fun. However, later of course, it pays off bountifully, for it is the well-trained who find themselves mature in character and their relationship with God. God improves our character every time He disciplines us. Let’s face it; admitting that you were wrong to someone is not easy, apologizing to someone is not easy (especially if you don’t think you are wrong), being the bigger person can be quite the challenge – But when we heed to God’s correction and do as He instructs we will reap the reward sooner or later. God is continually working in us so that we can be Holy like He is. So today embrace God’s discipline and when He singles you out know that his simply shaping the right character in you and molding you to be more and more like Him.
Maybe God has been singling you out:
- At your workplace – how you relate or speak to your co-workers or boss,
- In your marriage –how you respond or treat your spouse,
- With your Friends – how you are always right and it’s all about you;
- On Social Media – what you post – does it reflect the Christ in you?
- The TV shows you watch;
- The Jokes you entertain and laugh at and so on.
Do not be dismayed – If He is correcting you through conviction- it’s because He loves you. As the sons and daughters of God we are held up at a higher standard in all we do. What may be a free pass to some may be a NO NO to you.
I encourage you to hold with high regard your interactions, your actions, your attitude, your daily living..etc For you are the IMAGE of God on earth. Embrace his discipline and correction – You have been singled-out on purpose; for a purpose.
This week challenge:
- Take heed to God’s correction, rebuke or instruction (If GOD has so long ago told you to make things right with a friend, a sibling, a parent, a spouse, a co-worker , the lady at the grocery store.. you name it – Take it upon you to go and make it right. You will be amazed at how a sincere apology goes a long way and softens even the hardest of hearts)
- Do what is right according to God’s standard – WWJD
- Let your light shine brighter and brighter everyday
Remember:
YOU HAVE BEEN SINGLED-OUT ON PURPOSE FOR A PURPOSE
Be blessed and be encouraged 🙂
~Lady Rue J. aka Ruvimbo Judith
“Let Your Light Shine”
LRJ 