Have you ever thought you may be the missing piece to someone else’s puzzle, or the missing link to their chain? Has it ever crossed your mind that you may be the answer to someone’s prayers? It may seem a bit presumptuous to think you have what someone else needs in this world, but nothing could be further from the truth. We were designed to be interdependent and interconnected as a human race. God equipped every individual with unique gifts and talents to allow us to make contributions to each other’s lives. Hiding when it’s your time to share what God has trusted you with presents major problems. Refusing to share them is like having macaroni and cheese without the cheese, or red beans and rice without the beans. It’s time to stop hiding; we need your special ingredients to make our recipe deliciously complete.
Like turtles hiding tucked away in their sturdy protective shells avoiding harm, we hide our unique endowments from the world to escape injury to our souls. Initially, we experience a false sense of security. As time goes on, we start to feel regret, frustration, confusion, disappointment, and depression for not living up to our God-given potential. It is even more painful when we see someone doing the same exact thing God placed in our hearts to do and they reap the benefits of being a blessing for their obedience. If we are not careful, jealousy will take over our souls. These tormenting emotions are a direct consequence of us being out of the will of God for our lives.
Although we may escape the risk of rejection from people, we will have to answer to God for walking in disobedience to His Will and purpose for our lives. Reflect on: 2 Corinthians 5:10 AMP For we[believers will be called to account and] must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be repaid for what has been done in the body, whether good or bad [that is, each will be held responsible for his actions, purposes, goals, motives – the use or misuse of his time, opportunities and abilities].
Every time we tear ourselves down or devalue the gifts inside of us, we are essentially telling God he did a terrible job of creating us. This completely contradicts Ephesians 2:10 ESV, which states, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Disobeying God to please people places us in direct opposition to Him. Saul is a perfect example. In 1 Samuel 15:24 NLT, the scripture states “Then Saul admitted to Samuel, “Yes, I have sinned. I have disobeyed your instructions and the Lord’s command, for I was afraid of the people and did what they demanded. But now, please forgive my sin and come back with me so that I may worship the Lord.” But Samuel replied, “I will not go back with you! Since you have rejected the Lord’s command, he has rejected you as king of Israel.”
Let’s stop hiding and bring our missing pieces and ingredients to the table. There are people waiting on you to share what God has deposited inside of you. Allow the Holy Spirit to flood your heart with peace and courage to do what God has called you to do. Meditate on 2 Timothy 1:6 NKJV, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
*All Scriptures used in this blog are typed as written in the Bible from NKJV; AMP; ESV; and NLT*
12 thoughts on “Stop Hiding”
A very encouraging read. I really appreciate how you use real life examples to get your point across. This book is very inspiring as well as uplifting. It made me look at rejection from a different point of view. It taught me how to use the rejection in my life to my advantage and to not give up on pursuing the goals that were placed in my heart from God. Thank you so much for explaining it so clearly. God Bless.
We all have faced this, that thought am I good enough–know that you are. Learning that rejection doesn’t always mean denial when it’s God’s plan and not our own. Great read, your words just reaffirms the need to remind people and ourselves that life comes with some rejection’s. We have to learn from it and learn how to move forward in obedience to His will and His word. Love it!
Wow!! This is confirmation for the feelings I’ve been going through. I know God has given me gifts, but I would always talk myself out of using them for fear of rejections. I had to read it twice and each time it brought more JOY to my spirit. I can’t wait to share this with my daughter, who is an young adult trying to find her voice.
Very Inspirational and Heartfelt. THANK YOU FOR THIS AFFIRMATION
This is a wonderful confirmation and a beautiful sentiment that encourages all to know they are valuable and necessary to other’s success. I love the part about being “the missing piece to someone else’s puzzle”. You are truly a blessing to the world. May God continue to bless you with creativity to reach the nations.
A timely reminder that we have a responsibility to use whatever God has given us to help draw others to Him. 2 Cor. 5:10 said it all. No more hiding and procrastinating.. souls are waiting, it’s not about us! Thanks Maria! Our obedience frees others to be obedient.
Maria, congratulations on the extension of your Victorious Pathways ministries! Praise God for your faithfulness – using your gifts for God’s Glory and blessing the kingdom…by ‘not hiding’. I am ruminating on these words, asking God for full revelation and resolve to apply His truths to my life. Your words and your faithfulness to obey His will is inspirational. May you continue to be blessed and be a blessing!
Maria,
Thank you for reminding us that we are truly “inter-dependent”. This is a timely word. Continue to bring the relevant, impactful messages so needed today.
Love,
Deborah Pegues
Well said…we’re in this life together!!! Continue to fulfill your destiny, Maria!
Such an on-time word well received by myself, and I’m sure God has used you to speak boldly before His people to remind us that there are blessings awaiting our obedience. As we walk by faith and trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, acknowledging Him in all our ways and allowing him to direct our paths. May this be just the beginning of your victorious journey!
Thank you so much for reaching out to me. Your book is right on time, because your book is going to encourage me to move forward with my new business Adventures. Thank you Maria for your book. I believe God places people in your life for a reason. I thank God for you.
Hello I really enjoy reading this the words means so much, this is AWSOME Congratulations to u both for the first time you received a lot of great people . Sending my love to both of yall
This is a constant reminder that Gods rejection is our protection 🙌🏾❤️
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