Am I God’s Friend or Enemy? – Created to Stand Out — Devotional

Hello friend,

“Do you not know that being the world’s friend is being God’s enemy?” — James 4:4

For a good portion of my life I tried to “fit in” with whomever I was around. Whether it be family, extended family, in-laws, friends or co-workers. I realized that often in order to “fit in” with others I was sadly stepping away from my relationship with God. Don’t get me wrong I was still praying and spending time with God but the more I tried “fitting in” with others, the more distant my friendship with God became. I didn’t realize it at the time but I was trying to reside in two different worlds.

Created To Stand Out

I never really thought about how my relationships with others can affect my relationship with God. In some ways I kept the relationships a bit separate. I never denied God and spoke of Him freely to others. However, by trying to “fit in”, I didn’t always have the confidence to “stand out”. Without this confidence I would find myself focused on pleasing others and making them comfortable. Sadly, by focusing on other’s comfort, I didn’t see that I was making my relationship with God a bit uncomfortable.

God’s Friend or Friend of the World’s

For years I went back and forth from trying to “fit in” and being ok with “standing out”. It wasn’t until I grasped the concept that I was not created to “fit in” that I found some freedom in being who God created me to be. Far too many times in my Christian walk I spent trying to be a friend to the world. When I was focused on “fitting in”, I was inadvertently making myself an enemy of God’s. OUCH!! When I realized this my heart was immediately saddened and broken. My sadness and brokenness caused me to take a step back and examine my life through the eyes of God. You see, I no longer wanted to be a friend to the world as I was no longer willing to sacrifice my relationship with God.

Being God’s Friend — Is Enough For Me

I had to get to a place in my life that even if it meant only having God in my life it was going to be enough for me. No human relationship can take the place or surpass the fulfilment in my life than my relationship with God brings. I am working on stopping my tendency to want to “fit in” and am becoming more and more confident with “standing out”. I am forever grateful for the grace of God that enables me to press forward. It is such a joyous feeling to chose to be God’s friend.

Prayer

Father God, even though it is not always easy to hear, thank You for Your truth. Your truth brings such great joy and freedom to my life. I ask that You will forgive me for all those times that I was more focused on “fitting in” and inadvertently making myself and enemy of You. Lord, I pray that You will give me the confidence to “stand out” and that You will nudge me when I get unfocused on what truly matters. I desire to honor You with my life, help me to do this. May our friendship continue to flourish and grow. I love You Father.
In Jesus’ Name ~~ Amen

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Have you been living in two separate worlds? Are you needing to make a choice as to whose friend you are going to be? I want to encourage you today to make the choice to be God’s friend. Make the choice to not strive to “fit in” and allow God to shine through you as you “stand out”. 

Let me know in the comments as I would love to hear from you and pray for you too.

Are you interested in reading more of my devotionals? I am including a link for you:

Victorious Living — Devotions – click on link

A great bible resource that you can use to read a vast assortment of bible translations:

Bible Gateway — click on link

Blessings ❤️

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