Embracing Your Unique Gifts Without Seeking Approval from Others

A fellow missionary from England has a fish tank filled with beautiful fish. I inquired whether he had a Siamese Fighting Fish. He was taken aback by the question and explained that he wanted multiple fish in his tank, which is why he chose not to get a Siamese Fighting Fish. Habakkuk asks why God, who is in control, permits the Babylonians to oppress the people of Judah as if they were mere fish with no ruler or defense. In wrestling with this question, Habakkuk discovers his answers. Today's blog post will explore the same question, but from a different angle and through a different story, hoping the readers will find their answers too.

Siamese Fighting Fish are regarded as some of the most aggressive freshwater fish. Their dominant temperament causes them to engage in fierce battles until the male rival is defeated. 

Siamese Fighting Fish illustrate that domination is violent. In human interactions it can involve different shades of aggression—be it physical, verbal, social, or passive-aggressive—all with the singular aim of overpowering an opponent.

Today, I invite you to explore the story of Joseph from Genesis 37-39. When Joseph, the annoying younger brother, receives a vibrant robe of favor from his father, his brothers do not respond well.

When Josip received a visible token of his father's favor—a beautiful, colorful robe—he finally caught his siblings' attention, though not in the way he had hoped. His immature attempt to assert dominance over his brothers led to a series of unfortunate events. The story unfolds with many twists and turns regarding who uses what means to dominate the others.

As you contemplate Joseph's story this week, consider the vibrant robe of the Father's favor bestowed upon you. His favor is visible in the various gifts woven into your personality. You are the Father's delight, and He is showcasing His favor over you.

Vibrant gifts can sometimes draw unwanted attention from peers, but Father is in control and has wonderful plans for you. As you begin a journey of discovering beautiful colors of various gifts you were given, He will shape your character and guide you in selecting the right words and making wise decisions, so that the given gifts can produce the fruits of various solutions the world around you needs. 

“I’ll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.” - Jeremiah 29:11 MSG