1 Corinthians 15:8
Last of all, as to one born abnormally, he appeared to me.
Do you ever feel like you just don't fit in? I went to Catholic school for 1st through 8th grade. When reality hit that I would be leaving these friends I'd grown up with and braving the wilds of public school (cue dramatic music), I was scared, intimidated & overwhelmed. When fall came, just as I had suspected, I felt alone and isolated. Not only was I the private school kid, but everything felt like an inside joke where I was on the outside.
I can't help but think about that as I read these words from St. Paul. He reminds us that he did not become a follower of Christ the way the others did. He didn't know Jesus during His time on Earth. He didn't get to dine with Him or witness His miracles in the community. He didn't have a group of confidantes to share thoughts and emotions with while sorting out his faith.
But Paul uses this fact to glorify God. One translation of the word "abnormally" is "out of due time" or "the one abortively born." A child born before his due date is weak, unexpected, unformed - All like Paul's faith. But he reminds the Corinthians, and us that even though his story isn't like the others' it is still important and his witness is still effective.
So if you feel out of place, whether it's at work, school or church, remember that just because you're not from or in the same place as every one else, doesn't mean God doesn't have you in the RIGHT place.
