How to Stand Out in a Crowd...Without Even Trying

Infused in a frenzy, she did her best to keep the bells ringing.

"If I try hard enough, surely someone will hear eventually," she thought to herself as she frantically ran between three, shiny, small gold bells. Her arms ached from continually swinging the clapper on bell. A steady stream of people passed by, tuning out the sound of thousands of bells ringing across the prairie. A conglomerate of sounds that defeated the calls of her three little bells by a landslide.

But, she didn't give up. She kept running from bell to bell, pushing the clapper a little harder each time. Until one day, she wasn't sure she could lift her arms to ring even one bell.

That's when she heard it - a beautiful, loud, ringing somewhere in the distance.

Involuntarily, she searched the horizon for the sound, but to her astonishment, it was when she turned around that she saw the biggest, most exquisite bell behind her. Her bells paled in comparison as she shielded her eyes in awe to behold the most glorious creation - shining so brightly and steadily growing louder and more insistent. People stopped and listened.

A peace unlike any other filled her down to the core.

This is for you, my daughter. Rest, for I am ringing on your behalf. I will provide, you must only trust Me.

It's that time of year in law schools across the country - job searching. Law students across the country are frantically filling out resumes and prepping cover letters, sending them out in masses in hopes that at least one will result in a job.

I feel like that girl amidst the sounds of bells. Like that mass of ringing, each of us is doing everything we can to stand apart from the crowd - to speak up louder, to be more impressive, to be unique, to be heard... to be chosen.

It's not just job searching that's like this though. Such is life as well. Each of us goes through life seeking attention and approval. And in the world of the Internet - many seek fame and wealth.

We do everything we can to stand out from the crowd - to have a lengthy resume, the thinnest body, the most popular blog, or the best decorated home.

Amidst the chaos though, God has been reminding me that I don't have to try so hard. I don't need to feel lost in a crowd of shiny, loud bells. I don't need to push, shove or be the best.

Because I have Someone great speaking on my behalf. When He speaks, people listen.

I can email an resume. I can even follow up with a phone call, but the rest is out of my hands. But God? God can touch hearts, influence hiring decisions, and even physically move my resume, if needed.

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7

Maybe you're struggling to make good grades in school. Or you're feeling defeated by a bad habit or addiction you can't overcome. Maybe you feel the pressure to be popular or to be loved and accepted. Maybe you're doing everything you can to be noticed for your accomplishments, beauty or even your sorrow.

You are not alone. 

This doesn't mean you should give up or sit still. We must keep fighting - our spiritual lives are a battlefield. But, instead of trying to figure out the material things, trust the Lord to provide and instead focus all your energy on seeking the Kingdom of Heaven.

"Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's... You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you." -2 Chronicles 20:17

I love reading the Old Testament, especially the books of Kings and Chronicles, because there are so many stories of God stepping in for His people. Time after time, when Israel sought the Lord, He would help them battle and take over countries more powerful and mighty than Israel. It seemed humanly impossible, but not with God.

Whatever problems you're facing right now, whatever battle you're fighting, you're not alone.

A powerful God is fighting for you. Jesus is speaking on your behalf. Together, we will accomplish infinitely more than we ever thought possible.