Misunderstood, Not Mistaken: Embracing the Path Less Traveled

After five long years of hard work, setbacks, and comebacks, I decided to close the church that my team and I had built from the ground up. 

Like most big decisions, this one didn't sit well with everyone. Most folks didn't understand why I would make such a move when things finally starting to look up.

As I journey through life, I find myself treading the difficult path of being misunderstood.

Every step I took was met with confusion and doubt, not just from my family and friends but from my peers and even strangers. 

My struggles reverberated around me, leaving me feeling lost and alone.

The Sting of Misunderstanding

A unique pain stabs at your soul when you feel like an alien in your own life narrative. 

Be it the ambitions in your mind, the passion in your heart, or the dreams that fuel your nights, the hunger for someone to “just get it” is real.

How many times have I wished for just a glimmer of understanding in someone's eyes? 

Too many.

Understanding Is Not About You

But here's a revelation: being misunderstood isn't a curse. 

It's a sign. 

It's a sign that you're ahead and see a future others haven't glimpsed yet.

It's not about them not getting you; it's about you getting them to a place they can't even envision. 

It's not about you, but them.

The Beauty in the Journey

Imagine the joy of taking someone on a journey. 

People are so conditioned to resist change that even when it means a positive desired outcome, they resist because of the uncertainty that comes from venturing into the unknown.

They question the path and doubt the decisions, but the realization dawns when they arrive at the breathtaking view at the end. The "AH-HA" moments, when they finally see what you saw all along, are worth all the doubt and confusion. 

That's the journey we deny others when we insist on immediate understanding.

Echoes from the Past

Throughout history, the heroes of our faith have faced countless challenges, including doubt, ridicule, and gross misunderstanding. 

However, they persevered not because they sought to be understood but because they had an unshakable vision that kept them going crazy despite all odds.

From Abraham, who obeyed God and journeyed to a new land, to Jesus, who faced persecution and ultimately sacrificed himself for the sake of humanity, these individuals serve as examples of how being misunderstood can actually be a valuable experience.

Recalling the lives of these fellow misunderstood travelers, can help to strengthen our resolve and clarify our purpose in life.

They remind us that being misunderstood is a standard cost of walking with God.  

The Power of Persistence

If Jesus, in all His divinity, faced misunderstanding from even those closest to Him, who are we to expect immediate clarity? 

Yet, He persisted, driven by a purpose more significant than the need for immediate validation.

That's the lesson: Persist. 

In the end, understanding may or may not come, but your vision's worth isn't tied to it.

Questions to Ponder

- Have you felt the weight of being misunderstood?

- How does it shape your actions and decisions?

- Is the potential for a positive impact on others worth the initial confusion?

In the quest for understanding, remember: it's not about immediate validation but about leading others to a future they've never imagined.