There is a famous line by movie star Patrick Swayze from the movie "Dirty Dancing " which says, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner". It's a classic scene (no movie recommendation intended) where a young woman named Baby realises she no longer has to live forgotten about or feeling small and underestimated by her family and peers. She had her "own thing going on."
It's a good reminder that whenever we feel squished, put down, or even controlled, it's a sure sign that something is amiss. God never created us to be "put in a corner" or to allow ourselves to feel small. He said, "let your light shine, and don't hide it under a basket or bushel". He wants the light, the life He has planted in each of us, to shine forth and bless the world. He wants the gifts, talents, and our hopes and dreams to cause life to bubble forth from every part of us. It's what Jesus called Zoe life- the life of God in us. He said, "I have come that you may have life, (Zoe) and life more abundantly until it overflows." (John 10:10)
His Word teaches us that He is the God of wide-open spaces, freedom, breakthrough, and bigger things than we can possibly imagine. If ever He does "hem" us in for a season, it is only so that He can protect and teach us some things, or it is necessary to more closely guide us because we don't see clearly what's ahead, but He does. (Psalm 23; Ephesians 3:20)
God's plan is that we feel tall and let our light shine for all to see. As Jesus said, "Who the Son sets free is free indeed". When we come into a relationship with Him, we are no longer slaves, under the curse, inadequate, unworthy, or need to believe or think of ourselves in any way that He has not said about us in His Word.
I encourage you to assess if any circumstance, person or thinking has or is causing you to feel small or in a corner. If you realise there is, then take some time to talk to God about it and seek His wisdom and Word regarding who He says you are and the strategy to move you out of the confined space you have found yourself in.
God is faithful, and you have far too much life to live and purpose to fulfil.
Today choose to be around who and what makes you feel tall and encourages your light to shine for all to see.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a lamp stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:15)
"But the people who do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits." (Daniel 11:32)
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." (Galatians 5:1)
Prayer: Lord, thank you that I am part of your family and that you see me as important and someone who is to be standing tall on a mountaintop and not be forgotten about in a corner somewhere. Please help me to challenge every negative, limiting thought and expectation today. In Jesus name Amen.
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