Well this is a story all about how my life got flip turned upside down…I’m obviously not the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, but life has taken a series of twists and turns for me. From career change to divorce to blended family to financial struggles to several other things, the last almost 5 years could use a serious refund in a few areas. Can anyone relate? There are some things you would not change, while there are other things you would have rather not had happen?
All of these things threw me into an identity crisis of sorts. I was trying to find my new normal and trying to avoid anything that even closely resembled past hurts. These attempts have led to some extremes in my life that are on their way to balance.
Many of us get caught in this trap. We forget that our true identity is in Christ. We desire to be the most liked pastor or whatever applies to you. God didn’t call me to be liked. He didn’t call me to be a jerk, but I should not find it a strange thing if certain people don’t like me or my family. Some of that comes with the invisible bullseye that a pastor and family wear on them when they enter ministry. Not everyone liked Jesus, and they have even less reason to like me.
The truth is that is takes hardships to reveal true character. Character has been defined as being in the dark what you portray to be in the light. While these moments are painful, I would rather be real (even if it takes pain to cause it) than to keep up appearances and walk around with the best of the fakes.
My conclusion may be a bit juvenile, but there is a song from the animated movie “Cars” that highlights the practical lesson. It is not a Christian song, but I think you can relate if you have struggled with being the person others want you to be rather than the person God wants you to be. If you are on that journey of self-discovery, I pray that you find yourself.
Matthew Winters (Honest Thoughts from a Pastor) 
I enjoyed reading this. Something I’ve come to understand, you really do have to “lose yourself” to find Him.
So true and so biblical!
I’ve been struggling with a very similar path at the moment. Some many changes seem to be popping up that I am not prepared for… causing me to rethink who I am and who I have been. Great post, and great song choice.
God has laid on my heart we are entitled to nothing when it comes to people liking or even understanding us. It has oddly given me a sense of comfort.
It is a liberating truth.
I’m starting to learn this as well, that hardships (though not caused by God) can be the tools in which He peels back our layers to get to our heart, the core of our being or character as you said. The truth is, God loves us to much to leave us where we are, He’s seen our future and knows what we would be missing out on if we never had challenges to overcome, hardships to mold us.