Qualified

I have realized that even with credentials, degrees, and years of experience, some people may still believe they know best and question your qualifications. This highlights the importance of remaining teachable, as true growth comes from learning. There have been times when I sat in meetings with those who did not believe in my potential—not because they doubted my abilities, but because they followed their agendas and ignored differing opinions.

You might relate, especially if you've pursued a promotion and faced rejection when sharing an idea. Perhaps you were told you weren't qualified to suggest anything or that it wasn't your place to speak up, only to be questioned later about your silence. This experience can leave you feeling confused, sad, and discouraged. However, remember that your voice matters. Rise above the negativity and believe in your worth; others’ judgments do not define you. Embrace your ideas and continue striving forward.

I am reminded of a powerful story about Jesus. It says, "He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him... All spoke well of him and were amazed at the gracious words that came from his lips. 'Isn’t this Joseph’s son?' they asked. Jesus said to them, 'Surely you will quote this proverb to me: “Physician, heal yourself!” And you will tell me, “Do here in your hometown what we have heard that you did in Capernaum.” Truly I tell you," he continued, "no prophet is accepted in his hometown." In this passage, despite Jesus's qualifications to read scripture and speak the word of God, some believed in Him while others did not. Jesus addressed their differing viewpoints to emphasize the strength that comes from believing in oneself. Recognizing that others may not believe in you is powerful, but maintaining faith in yourself is essential.

The people were furious, as it says, “All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way.” What incredible courage! If it were me, I might have hesitated, questioning why people didn’t like me or if I was good enough. This serves as a reminder to stand strong and stay true to ourselves, regardless of others' opinions.

This experience illustrates that being qualified may not always be enough. Others will have their opinions about you or believe what they’ve heard instead of getting to know the real you. It emphasizes the significance of believing in yourself, for not everyone will support your voice or actions.

If you've felt this way, I encourage you to remain teachable and not treat others as you have been treated negatively. May the cycle of negativity and limited thinking end with you. As you progress through life, may you become a magnet for courage, believing in people’s worth, potential, and the validity of their voices. Even Jesus had those around Him to help spread the gospel, and so do you!

Dear God, I pray that the person reading this can confidently walk past those who try to define their identity and worth. Help them brush aside opinions that hinder their path and pursue the destiny You have for them. Life may be challenging, but may those hurt by others’ words find strength in knowing that Your beliefs about them truly matter.

Grant them the courage to silence negative voices and embrace encouragement and belief in their potential. May they recognize they are here for a purpose, and as they pursue that purpose, they may encounter negativity, yet Your greater purpose will guide them. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

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1 Luke 4:16-17, 22-24 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204%3A16-30&version=NIV

2 Luke 4:28-30 (NIV). (n.d.). Bible Gateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%204%3A16-30&version=NIV