You’re Different, And That’s A Good Thing
Sign up to receive blog updates straight to your inboxHave you ever felt like you didn’t quite fit in? Maybe you look around at your friends and think, “Why am I so different?” That’s okay. Actually, it’s more than okay—it’s God’s plan.
A few years ago, two of my closest friends told me something that stuck with me: “We’re all different.” It was right before I left for a long-distance backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail. They reminded me that being different wasn’t just fine—it was a strength. While they wouldn’t dream of trading their weekends for hiking boots and mountain trails, they saw something valuable in me that was uniquely “me.” Their words encouraged me to embrace the way God made me, even though it didn’t look like them.
We’re not all the same, and that’s intentional. God created each of us to stand out in our own way because we have different work to do and different people to reach. Imagine if everyone had the same personality, the same talents, or the same way of serving God. Life would be so boring!
Paul explained this perfectly when he described the Church as a body. Just like our human bodies need eyes, ears, and hands, the body of Christ needs people with different gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:17). Each one of us has a unique part to play, and without you being you, something important would be missing.
Romans 12:6 says, “We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” God made you one of a kind for a reason, and He didn’t mess up. Instead of comparing yourself to others, praise Him for how He’s “fearfully and wonderfully made” you (Psalm 139:14).
It wasn’t always easy for me to see my differences as a good thing. Growing up, I felt out of place because I wasn’t a “girly girl” like most of the girls I knew. I was the adventurous one—skateboarding, playing softball, and building forts in the woods. At the time, I thought my love for adventure made me weird, but over the years, I realized it made me exactly who God wanted me to be.
When I stopped comparing myself to others and embraced my God-given design, I found joy in being different. The things that made me unique weren’t flaws—they were tools God could use.
For example, I worked in a male-dominated field as a police detective, and my adventurous, fearless nature helped me thrive. It wasn’t just about doing my job—it was about reaching people, like hardened criminals, who might never hear about Jesus otherwise. I’ve seen firsthand how God places us in specific situations to make an eternal impact. The Bible says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:10 NIV
Whether you’re athletic, artistic, introverted, extroverted, or anything in between, God has given you gifts and placed you exactly where He wants you. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 12:18, “God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.” Your uniqueness isn’t an accident—it’s a masterpiece.
Maybe you’re the quiet type who listens well and offers encouragement to friends. Or maybe you’re bold and ready to lead. Whatever makes you “different” equips you to serve God in ways no one else can. The best part? We all work together, powered by the same Spirit, serving the same God (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).
God doesn’t want us to just embrace our own gifts; He wants us to celebrate the gifts of others, too. Even those who seem “weaker” or “different” are indispensable in God’s eyes (1 Corinthians 12:21-24). Instead of comparing or judging, let’s encourage one another.
The next time you’re tempted to feel insecure about being different, remember: God made you exactly the way you are for His glory. He didn’t make a mistake with you. Your “different” is what makes you special, useful, and uniquely positioned to make a difference.
Ask God to show you how to use your gifts to serve others and glorify Him. Whether you’re leading a Bible study, creating art, playing sports, or just being a good friend, your uniqueness matters. You’re part of something bigger—the body of Christ.
So, go ahead and embrace the “different” in you. The world needs you just the way God made you.
The Conversation
I love the encouragement. One of my Graddaughters is an introvert. Give her a book and she’s happy. I was l little worried because she did not have a lot of friends or activities and that was ok with her. She’s 21 years old now. She takes classes at Hillsborough Community College on line. She has a part time job but does not drive yet.
She’ll get there eventually. God loves her and he has a plan for her.
Thanks for sharing! God makes us all different for a reason. And everyone progresses at different speeds. As long as she’s making progress, she’ll get there. God does have a plan! It’s not always on our timetable though. It’s important for teens and young adults to know they are fearfully and wonderfully made!