A devotional by Kerry Sue Teravskis
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
–1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
“You are a zebra in a herd of horses,” my Coach Lino said. He’s not a traditional athletic coach, but my coach to get me back in the game of walking. Having suffered with broken feet for three-plus years has brought a lot of things to the surface. My zebra-like quality, for one.
Standing out, being different, not one of the crowd is difficult. Living for the glory of God is not for the faint of heart, nor does it happen without purposeful thinking. You have to decide to do it all for the glory of God. Knowing how to do this only comes from reading and obeying Scripture as well as being filled with God’s Holy Spirit on a daily basis so He can be the Guide.
The Apostle Paul lived for the glory of God. He didn’t always (see Acts 9:1-19), but once he found the Truth (Jesus Christ), or rather the Truth found him, he was sold out for Jesus. He knew what it meant not to live for Christ, and what a joy it was to live for Him. Living for God requires every aspect of one’s life: eating, drinking, working, being a neighbor, friend, co-worker, family member…Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.
Living for Jesus will usually involve sacrifice, being different (like a zebra), and going against the ever-changing standards of our culture. You’ll be misunderstood, challenged, and forgotten with “You’re no fun anymore” comments becoming more frequent. However, as one draws closer to Jesus, these do not matter—only pleasing the Father and bringing glory to Him do.
While living in Costa Rica attending language school, my husband and I wanted to get involved in the local church, but we did not want to be with a bunch of English-speaking ex-pats (expatriate). Therefore, we traveled by bus to a small town outside the city each week to housed a tiny congregation. While there, we were able to do all for God in another language as well as another culture. We were the “zebras”. But as we immersed ourselves outside of our norm, the language school, and the familiar American culture, we learned what it meant to bring glory to God in all things, and in different ways.
It was difficult trying to make ourselves understood. But because we all had common ground in our walks with Jesus, using our words to communicate was secondary. The love of God shined through, and this became the focal point of our time with them. God showed us what it looked like to live sold out for Him—whether it was performing special music in Spanish, participating in Vacation Bible School (VBS) or having the pastor over for an all-American meal.
We were different, we looked different, spoke differently, acted differently, and made many mistakes whether in the language or with the cultural cues. But with us reaching out to fellowship with our new friends who are part of the family of God in Costa Rica, it was truly beautiful because despite our differences, we all desired the same thing: to please and honor God.
Do you feel like a zebra, already standing out, but not sure what to do next? Is there an area in your life where God is calling you higher and the road seems tough, rough and lonely? Do you know what you need to do for the glory of God but fear gets in the way?
The point is: Turn to Jesus. He understands what it means to be misunderstood or feel like an outcast. Talk to Jesus, release your fears and anxieties to Him then allow Him to guide you. He will because He is a Good Shepherd who doesn’t want any of His sheep (us) to be lost.
Let’s Pray: Father God, it is a joy and a delight to do all for You, but I will admit it is intimidating at times. Being different can be overwhelming. Yet, where I want to blend in, You desire me to forget myself and look to You. I honestly desire this too but am unsure how it will look or how to proceed. Lord, please give me the courage to be different and to live my life, out loud if necessary, for You. Help me to acknowledge You in all my ways and as I do that, please make my paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). In the name of Your Son Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Song of Reflection: “The Cause of Christ” (song) by Resolved. Listen to it here.
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Author Bio:
As a wife and Marmee to three adult children and one brand new daughter-in-love, Kerry Sue’s life is very full. She met her husband in college and served in the mission field with him for a few years before settling down back in the United States of America to raise their family.
Kerry Sue’s family was a homeschooling family for 20 years and they enjoyed it immensely. For the last 23 years they have lived on a small farm in Northern California where they have raised many farm animals, along with growing and preserving their food. Kerry Sue’s family farm has been a great source of enjoyment and a place to host many family gatherings. She maintains an open-door policy for dear friends—old and new.
Following and serving Jesus Christ is an integral part of Kerry Sue’s life as well as her family’s.
Whether it’s singing in our church choir, teaching children or leading and lecturing at a women’s Bible study, Kerry Sue loves to demonstrate her love for Jesus by giving to Him in service. She’s been a blogger for more than eight years, a Bible study writer for two years, and a devotional writer for about one year.
Kerry Sue writes about finding God’s Sovereignty in our pain and suffering.
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Connect with Kerry:
Blog: https://www.sovereignblog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.teravskis
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ksteravskis/
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