Finding Your Place as a Misfit

Have you ever been in a meeting with your peers and felt very much "alone" in the room?

I have often found myself sitting around a big shiny table, lined with executive seating, charts in the corners, and coffee and donuts to the side. As I sit there and look around at my colleagues I wonder if all of this is right. Should I be here? Or rather, "What if they find out?" is the real question that comes to mind. What if they find out who I really am or who I am not?

I have been blessed to work with some amazing companies as well as ministry positions in my time. It seems that I am always invited to be a part of these teams that discuss major plans, projects, situations, and issues. As I look around the table at these teams I see people that are very knowledgeable and experienced. I can't wait to learn from these folks because I am not sure why I am even there. After all, what is it that I can contribute to a discussion with people of their caliber?

I talk to people, on a regular basis, about leading thrive Groups . One of the frequent objections to taking on this role is that the person does not feel that they are capable of doing the job. They say that although it is something that has been on their heart, they cannot teach and they do not know the bible well enough. In many ways this is good and you are exactly who God wants to be in this role. For one, I know that you will rely completely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in leading your group. You can't ask for better than that when it comes to direction. If this is you, accountability partners will be essential in your life. No one can ask for a better lifestyle for a leader.

It took me a while but I eventually accepted that God puts me where He can use me and the best part; He won't leave me hanging. Do people seek my ideas and views because I have vast stores of knowledge? No. I am simply a willing vessel for God to use and when one is willing He will give you the tools to do the job. Do I fall because of my lack of experience. Well, maybe. Actually, "Yes!" is a more appropriate answer. However, when you are willing to step out of your little box for God, He will help you get back up and show you how to learn from your fall.

So often we find ourselves not fitting in or feeling that we are not qualified for the place God is calling us to. Just yesterday I saw a saying posted on a church sign that read: "God does not call the qualified but qualifies the called." This is a saying that I think we, as leaders in His Kingdom, can embrace.

Follow the calling on your life and just remember to take the time to pray everyday. After all, how do expect God to share cool ideas with you if you are not talking with Him. There is a good chance you won't get an email, text message, or phone call from Him. I am pretty sure He really does prefer a good old-fashioned chat.