Made for Mediocrity

Have you ever found yourself thinking “is this it? Is this my life?”

Have you ever thought that your life is pretty much settled, that you won’t become more than who you are now, and it ain’t, yes ain’t getting any better?

Sometimes I have thought “I can’t,” or, “it won’t happen for me” all because I felt trapped in my circumstances, boxed in by the cards I was dealt.

The thoughts continue: Maybe this is all that I can do in life so I should stop dreaming, stop writing my ideas down, just stop. I should pull out of everything I’m involved in, everything I’m working on to accomplish my goals because I’m only destined for a 9 to 5. That’s it. Stop shooting for the stars. That ain’t my playing field. Earth’s gravitational pull aka life, is going to keep me from higher heights, from touching the sky. THIS IS IT!

I started to believe I was made for mediocrity.

Truth be told there’s nothing wrong with my job, my family of one, or my life in general, but my heart yearns for more. Does yours? Why though? Why want more if you are made for mediocrity? I don’t get that God. Why set me up to desire more if I am not destined for anything more than a humdrum, subordinate life? The Holy Spirit’s response: I AM GREAT.

I want to share this with you:

Whatever it is that is inside of you, bursting to come out: those are things God put there!

Now mind you, some of the things you desire and want badly are not from God. They are straight up your flesh. They don’t give Him glory, but give you glory; however, those things that bring Him glory…that blesses His people, that yields the characteristics of the fruit of the Spirit, those things are from Him. They were put there on purpose, and not to sit idle.

They are a part of the map of your life’s journey. Doubt. Fear. Insecurity. Naysayers. Those are things that will try to prevent you from the clouds, from the stars, from jumping over the moon, from feeling the sun’s rays against your face.

The feelings of rejection, betrayal, and even the hurt/regret experienced because your own folly are all real. Those feeling are deep, but they aren’t fact. Do not base decisions or plan your life’s trajectory on your feelings. Feelings are indicators. Acknowledge them, but then take a step in the direction of those things put in your heart by Him.

You were made to be GREAT. In fact, you are GREAT. I have a legitimate argument that proves you are great: You are your Father’s child.

Ask Him! Ask the Father about your life. I already know some of the things He will tell you because He revealed it in His Word:

“…I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” Psalm 139:13-14
“Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10
“I loved you at your darkest.” Romans 5:8
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
“Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.” Genesis 1:26
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will–to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6
“In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” Luke 12:7

That’s truth!

There is nothing mediocre about the God we serve, the Savior we are indebted to, the Holy Spirit that guides us, and the children He has called to be His own.

So why would you or I even allow ourselves to think thoughts of mediocrity? Well, we are human, and we have an enemy who seeks to devour us one fearful thought at a time. But speak the truth about yourself to yourself! The Word of God, given thousands of years ago, has been spoken to you for those moments when you think you are made for mediocrity. He loves you! You are His! Mediocrity is not a family trait! Accept the fact that you are great because you come from the best of the best.

Keep going. Keep trying. Keep dreaming. Keep working. Keep hoping. Take those steps in the direction of those things God has put in your heart. Keep at it. It will be tough, but the greatest and most celebrated stories always have the most challenging times and hurdles to overcome.