Set Apart
When we explore the theme of being set apart we automatically refer to the things of the world, as scripture says in Romans 12:2- Do not be conformed to this world. But be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." Also John 15:19 says "If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world . But I chose you out of the world. Therefore the world hates you."
Let's stop there and really ponder on what it means by "world". Immediately I think everyone thinks of outside the home- in the sense of friends, social events or our conduct as a Christian in society etc. But today I want you to look at being set apart from your family! This is something personal to me that I have had to deal with this year. They are your first network from birth so you more than likely have a very close bond with them.
We all need to realise that when you came to God you came alone! He told you to drop your load, follow Him & He would show you the way. So immediately you've more than likely been in obedience doing everything the way your family has said but now you have a whole new master & his name is Jesus- a name above all names and they don't understand! Some are lucky they have the full support of their family behind them but what if you don't? Then this is for you.....
This is the defining moment where you must really come to terms with the fact that you are set apart-out of your home too. Because later God may use you to bring everyone in your family to Him -so do not be disheartened. But this is where it becomes difficult because you want to be respectful but it is very hard when you are not speaking the same language as them. So they don't understand your work & commitments to the Lord but remember when Jesus returned home to Nazareth they disregarded him saying "isn't this Joseph's son?"- familiarity overcame them. Jesus then said "Truly, I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown (Luke 4:24) I don't want you to be oblivious or blind-sighted by this.
As if fighting the battles of the world outside isn't enough but fighting the ones at home too? Not that your family may not be Christian but always remember there are levels to this so when you exceed the level of just being a mere church goer it becomes foreign to some of them- why are you always in church?, You are doing too much?! Even during a situation when you say lets pray about it they see it as if you are trying to brush it under the carpet because they don't know that Matthew 18:19 says , "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." Nevertheless, this is when you have to stand strong in the Lord, do not let the pressures of your household bring you down because it is only another scheme of the enemy, continuing doing what your spirit leads you to do, pray for them that one day they will come to understand but always remember He picked you to be set apart for Him!
In the Bible the prominent example that comes to mind immediately is Joseph! Rejected by his whole family because He was a dreamer- God revealed many things to him but they didn't take time to understand, rather they sold him as a slave but after they had lost it all they found themselves at the mercy of Joseph's feet! So you are not alone they same God that did it for Joseph will do it for you!
I hope you are encouraged to always be set apart no matter the situation.
May God bless you & Keep you
Jyvette
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