What makes you unique?
Nick Vujcic recently sat down and shared his story. Born limbless, he knows better than most what it’s like to be treated differently because he’s not like everyone else. Unfortunately, the world looks down on people who are different. Whether it’s a physical difference or personality difference, it’s hard to fit.
Spoiler alert: And you were created to be different! Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
The way you were created was intentional. Every freckle, birthmark, strand of hair was placed by God to make you uniquely you. That quirky sense of humor people don’t always get? Yep, God wanted you to have (and enjoy) that!
God has a plan for you. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Being physically different and ostracized, Nick doubted God’s plan for him. He wanted to know that Jeremiah 29:11 was meant for him too. But when you’re experiencing daily rejection like Nick did, it’s hard to hold onto the hope of a better future.
You may feel rejection because of the way you were raised, how you look or because of the way your mind works. People will always find ways to make someone feel like an outsider because it’s an unfortunate part of our human nature. But remember this truth: Your circumstances don’t determine your value. One more time, in case you missed it: What makes you unique, doesn’t make you less than anyone.
Know you’re in good company. The Bible is full of people who were different than everyone else. Moses was raised in a different home and culture than the rest of his people. Esther was beautiful and given special treatment. Job lost his family, his wealth and his health. David was the lowest, youngest and smallest of his brothers.
Moreover, Jesus came to help us embrace the ways we were created differently than everyone else. In fact, Jesus was different than what people expected. They expected the Savior to come with thunder and lightning, huge muscles and power that spoke for itself. Instead, Jesus made a quiet entry as a helpless baby. He taught peace, love and unending forgiveness. He didn’t come to judge and condemn people, like everyone expected, he came to give us a second chance; he gave us redemption. Jesus understood how to use what made him different – his mind and heart – to create a lasting impact on the world.
Nick eventually understood that God’s plan for his life involved being limbless and because of that, he’s been able to positively impact millions of people worldwide. (Check out his ministry for more info on how you can help the brokenhearted.)
Being unique isn’t a bad thing. In fact, it’s a blessing. Now, we may not always feel like that, but if we’re patient, God will help us change how we view our differences. So pray through how you can best embrace who God designed you to be. Because being different can change the world for the better when we trust God’s plan for our lives and celebrate what makes us unique.