The Faith Journey: A Devotional

You're Not Invisible

(The following lyrics are from Invisible by Hunter Hayes.)

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." -Romans 8:18

Invisibility. At some point in time, we've all felt invisible. Maybe at school, maybe at home, maybe constantly. This feeling of just being invisible has plagued us all.

For me, it was in the hallways of school. A few years ago, I walked the crowded halls feeling unseen. I felt worthless and invisible. There were people all around me, some people who claimed to be my friends, and yet most of the time I just wasn't there. I was invisible.

"Crowded hallways are the loneliest places,

For outcasts and rebels,

Or anyone who just dares to be different."

Sometimes, the crowds are the loneliest. You're surrounded by people, and yet you feel all alone.

Maybe you just want to fit in. Maybe you just want to be noticed.

"And you've been trying for so long

To find out where your place is,

But in their narrow minds

There's no room for anyone who dares to do something different.

Oh, but listen for a minute..."

Maybe you're different. I know I am. I'm the Christian, nerdy, pig-loving, boot-wearing, book- loving writer who sticks out of a crowd, and yet can be invisible in one.

I've felt pushed down by others. Sometimes, I just wish I wasn't different. I wish I didn't have odd hobbies or didn't try so hard in school. I want to simply fit in. But that was so wrong of me. Some people try to push you down. In their narrow minds, there isn't room for you. And you know what? That's their problem, and their loss. Don't change who you are and the gifts God gave you for anyone. You may feel invisible and different, but you know what? Being different is awesome. Dare to be different, and dare to show your love for God to everyone. Don't hide, and don't be invisible. You see, God likes when you stick out. You may feel invisible, but you're not.

"Those words cut deep but they don't mean you're all alone,

And you're not invisible."

Please, hear me out. If they say horrible things, if their words cut deep, those words don't define you. Their hurtful words and actions don't mean you're alone - because you're definitely not. And you're not invisible - not to God.

If you feel invisible, if you ever have or ever will, know in your heart that you're not. What I didn't know at the time of my invisibility was that God loved me, and Jesus died for me. I'd heard the words, but I didn't believe them with my whole heart. Now, I do. I know God loves me and I know Jesus suffered and died for all of us - even me.

So, maybe you feel invisible. Maybe you feel alone even in a crowd.

Truthfully, you're not. God is with you. He is right beside you even though you believe yourself to be invisible. If you feel worthless, you're not. You're loved by God deeply, and He thinks you're a masterpiece. He created you, and He loves you. To Him, you're not invisible, but only visible. He wants you to shine for all to see because you are His masterpiece. You are beautifully and wonderfully made, and you're NOT invisible! To God, you're a shining light.

If you ever have felt invisible, know that God knows you. He knows everything about you and cares about everything that concerns you. He cares for you more than anyone, and He knows you. You may be invisible to some, but you are a visible, wonderful light in God's eyes. In the end, He's all that matters.

"You have searched me, Lord,

and you know me.

You know when I sit and when I rise;

you perceive my thoughts from afar.

You discern my going out and my lying down;

you are familiar with all my ways.

Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it completely." - Psalm 139: 1-4

Isn't that wonderful? God knows you completely, and loves you completely. You're not invisible.

"There's so much more to life than what you're feeling now.

Someday you'll look back on all these days,

And all this pain is gonna be invisible."

These days of hardship you might be having could be a test from God, and He only wants to make you stronger. Just know, please know, that there is so much more to life. Whatever heartache you may be feeling now, there is so much more in store for you. You may feel invisible now, but someday all your pain will be invisible.

God will strengthen you and take it all away. You will have joy with the Lord.

"Every heart has a rhythm

Let yours beat out so loudly

That everyone can hear it."

Your heart has a rhythm. God knows it, and deep down, you do too. I implore you - let your heart beat so loudly that everyone can hear it. God loves you, and He wants you to show His love. Don't hide your heart; don't hide your dreams and your talent. Go after them! Let your heart beat loud for the Lord. Let your heart beat so loudly that everyone will hear God's love and His Word.

"Oh, and never be afraid of doing something different.

Dare to be something more."

I dare you, go out and be something different, something more. Don't be afraid, for God is with you. Live for Him, dare to be different for Him, and your life will be something more. The invisibility you feel will itself become invisible.

"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

I hope these words have brought you some sort of peace. Most of all, I hope God can bring you peace.

Life is hard, I know. The Word even says you'll have trouble. In this world, you'll face many difficulties. The good part is, God's right there with you. The world may seem against you, but God is for you.

God is for you, and He has overcome the world.