Do you know what you call an elephant who is not important? Irrelephant. Speaking of that, being left behind is one of the loneliest feelings in the world. Being left behind can feel like a quiet ache in the pit of your stomach. It’s the stillness after a door closes, the echo of footsteps that aren’t returning, or the call that is never returned.
You may feel confusion and wonder, “Why wasn’t I enough?” It’s a sadness that clings like fog, and it’s hard to see ahead. Sometimes the feeling is anger. Sometimes a longing, but often it’s just a hollow silence where connection used to live. Or maybe it never was there at all. It feels like you are irrelevant.
Toy Story
If you follow Woody in the Toy Story quadrilogy, you may be able to relate in some way. It seems everything is for a season.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP
There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven.
When that season is over, we often feel lost and left behind. Without purpose.
There Was No Connection
Or maybe there never was a season where you felt you fit. You may have felt you never fit in there, or anywhere.
You and I have both heard people say, “I wonder what my purpose is in life?” They search their whole life for it. Some seem to find it for a while, then lose it and are left wandering.
Finding Strength
This is where good encouragement is needed. Where you fit may be more unique and harder to find for you than for others. But make no mistake,
God created you for good works.
Ephesians 2:10 AMP (for emphasis)
For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].
Speak Identity and Purpose Over Others
This is the heartbeat of encouragement. Remind others gently, as you speak to them, “God created you for good works.” When people feel irrelevant, they’ve forgotten their value. The value they have in Christ Jesus. Who they are in Christ Jesus. Reaffirming that their worth isn’t based on visibility, usefulness, or others’ approval brings hope and strength. Strength, growing, and thriving come from togetherness.
The feeling of being needed (having purpose and relevance) comes from the strength of our attachment to the Vine (Jesus) and the strength of the support (The Trellis, which is the body of Christ). When we aren’t attached or abiding with Jesus, and we are not attached to others (the body of Christ = The trellis) then we lose purpose and any sense of relevance.
A Tear-Jerking Story – The 100 Yard Dash
I just returned from a business owner conference. One of the keynote speakers was Tom Flick (check out his bio). The next day, after arriving home, I had breakfast with my wife after church. I shared the following story with her that Tom shared at the conference. I couldn’t get through the story without choking up and crying, and my wife was in tears as well.
The restaurant was full, and I am sure many were wondering what in the world was wrong with us. Here’s the story that gave us tears of joy as it happened way back in 1976 at the Special Olympics taking place in Seattle, Washington:
Nine contestants, all physically or mentally challenged, assembled at the starting line for the 100-yard dash. At the sound of the starting gun, they all started running—well, not in a dash, but with the determination to finish.
Just out of the starting blocks, one boy stumbled, fell, and then began to cry. The other eight runners noticed, slowed down, and then something incredible happened: one by one, they turned around, went back to him, and helped him up .
Then, all nine linked arms, turned, and headed to the finish line together.
The crowd in the stands rose to their feet and cheered, many crying—not for who won, but for what it meant. Their hearts were touched in a significat way.
Some versions of this story say only a few turned around, others say all of them. Regardless, the impact that those who did turn and go back was significant. The power we have to affect others should never be underestimated. What those kids did greatly affected that one boy’s life. But you know what – it had a significant impact on all that watched an emotional, tear-jerking moment take place. It was a life-changing moment for all who were present.
Check out the scene from Toy Story when Andy moves on in his life without Woody…
Challenge 1
This is the “I Need Purpose and Relevance” Challenge – Dig into God’s word to see what He says about you and His purpose for you. You do have a purpose. You do have relevance. Jesus Christ created you for good works. He is for you, so be it!
Challenge 2
Put yourself in a position this week to speak life, relevance, and purpose into someone’s life. Let the Holy Spirit lead you across the path of someone who needs these words spoken into their life, their heart. Who is He already putting on your mind to accept this challenge with even now? Be Jesus to them. So be it.
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