“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
I can feel the weight of your heart as you navigate through the challenges of staying authentic in a world that constantly pulls you towards having more and being more. Your soul, which you fought so hard to nurture, is slipping away. The pressure to succeed, to meet the expectations of those around you, has caused a deep sense of depression. It seems as though God has turned a deaf ear to your prayers, even though you have been entrusted with the sacred role of shepherding His people as a pastor.
In this desolate state, you find yourself sinking deeper into despair, torn between being who the culture demands and forgetting who you were created to be in God. There is no safe space for you to express your emotions, no outlet to work through this inner turmoil. It feels as if you are a ship with holes in your soul, destined to sink. But my dear one, remember that desperation can sometimes lead us to the greatest breakthroughs.
In your desperation, you embarked upon a fast and cried out to God for His intervention. You poured out your heart, expressing your pain and your uncertainty about which direction to take. In the midst of your tears, you pleaded, “I have not called myself to this work or these people, but You called me. You must direct and help me!” And in that hour of deep communion, God, in His gentle and loving way, led you back to your beginnings.
You see, my dear one, when we allow ourselves to be pulled away by the cares and demands of life, we detach ourselves from the very source that gives us life. We can only be true to ourselves once we find ourselves wrapped up in God. As we experience success and favor, we naturally attract more people into our lives. Some will genuinely join us on our journey, but there will also be those who desire to change us, to bend us to their own agenda. If we are not careful, their influence can cause us to drift away from the Captain of our life and divert our focus from the ultimate prize.
Instead of spending time soaking in God’s presence, we may find ourselves presenting ideas that He has not ordained. These ideas are often born out of conversations with those deemed successful, who believe they know what’s best for us, or who have their own hidden motives that do not align with God’s plan for our lives.
But what does it truly benefit us to gain the world, only to lose our souls? Such gains hold no value at all. Therefore, we must be diligent in guarding our ears and our eyes, remaining disciplined in disconnecting from the crowd and allowing God’s pouring into our souls. In a culture that exalts doing things our own way, where compromise with the world seems to be the norm, it may be tempting to be rich in worldly possessions yet spiritually bankrupt, or to look good on the outside while dying on the inside. But my dear one, do not gamble with your true self just to appease those who are in need of salvation themselves. Always find your rest in God.
Neglecting to operate within God’s principles in our work, relationships, and finances can lead to emotional fatigue and weariness. When we pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done, we are inviting the commands and principles that empower us to align with our true selves. People may love us today and hate us tomorrow, but we must remember that we do not do what we do for the approval of others. We are workers of God, like sheep sent out among wolves, and we are destined to face various pressures along our path. However, in the midst of it all, we must remain true and steadfast. For as we stay true to ourselves, favor will find us, and we will be able to rest as we were meant to. We can find peace within ourselves and fully enjoy this journey.
My dear one, do not be disheartened by the rejection you face, for you are chosen and valuable. In the depths of your journey, remember that you are not alone. Seek solace in God’s presence, guard your heart and mind, and hold onto your true self with unwavering faith and resilience. It is through these trials and tribulations that your spiritual journey is enriched. Embrace the weight of staying authentic, for it is in your authenticity that you will find true freedom and fulfillment.
You are deeply loved and cherished, my dear one. May you navigate this world with the strength and wisdom that flows from within you. Trust in God’s guidance, for He will continue to lead you on the path of your true purpose.
Brianna Headen 