Daily Devotional for January 24, 2020
Created Different
“I wish I were funny like Evan,” Mark said as he slumped into a chair.
“Everyone likes him. Evan says things that make the whole class laugh. Whenever I try to tell jokes, nobody laughs. Dad, how can I be funny?”
“Well, now, let’s think about you for a minute,” Dad said. “You told me how great Evan is. What’s great about you?”
“Me?” Mark shrugged. “I don’t know. Nothing, I guess.”
“Oh, I think there is,” said Dad. “I’ve noticed you’re very helpful and kind to everyone. I love who you are, even if you aren’t as funny as Evan.”
“Well, I’d rather be like Evan,” Mark muttered as he got up and walked away.
On Saturday, Mark was eager to play with his soccer team in the local youth league. Before the game began, the coach explained that one of the starting forwards would be late. “You’ll play forward for a while instead of goalie, Mark,” said the coach. “Gavin will be goalie to start.”
During the first quarter, the team did not play as well as usual. Mark struggled with his footwork as a forward, and the other team scored as the goalie fumbled. “Cole! I’m glad to see you!” Mark said when the missing teammate showed up. Mark gratefully returned to his regular position as goalie. During the rest of the game, he skillfully protected the goal, and his team celebrated a hard-earned victory.
“I sure didn’t like playing forward today. I’m so much better at goalie,” Mark told his dad on the way home. “I’m glad the rest of the guys like other positions and don’t all want to be goalies.”
“A team of all goalies wouldn’t be a good team, would it?” said Dad. “God didn’t create all of us to be goalies—and He didn’t create all of us to be funny like Evan either. He created us to be different, and He loves each of us. He created you to be you, not Evan, and He’s shaping you to be more like Jesus and reflect His love to others in your own unique way. You’ll always shine most when you’re being you, not when you’re trying to be like someone else.”
Mark nodded thoughtfully. “Okay, Dad. I’ll focus on being me instead of someone I’m not.” -Michael R. Blackman
How about you?
Do you ever wish you were more like someone else? Do you want to be more athletic? Or artistic? Do you think you’re too shy? Or too talkative? God made everyone different, with our own talents and personalities, and He deeply loves each one of us. What are some things that are great about you? Thank God for creating you just the way you are!
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