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## Dare To Be Different We did not enter this earthly realm empty. Our Heavenly Father loaded us up with gifts, purpose and destiny before sending us here on earth. In the Book of Jeremiah, we read that God sets us apart to fulfil the assignment He has given us. What does it mean to be set apart? Simply put, it means to be different from others in a noticeable way. Being different is never an easy task! It comes with its challenges such as dealing with fear, worry, doubts of your calling and assignment and most certainly other people's opinions. To be different takes courage, confidence and also a tenacious spirit. Being different is definitely not for the faint hearted but for those who are ready to stretch their faith and fulfil their potential and purpose. Let’s consider the disciples in Matthew 14:22-33, who were out at sea in a boat in the middle of a storm. One of those disciples, Peter, dared to be different. All of the disciples were together in the same situation - there was chaos, fear and worry about what might become of them as they were being tossed by the vicious waves and storm. You can almost imagine the scene: cries of panic, confusion and despair. How would they make it to dry land safely? Suddenly, in the midst of the fear pandemic, Jesus comes like a ghost, walking towards them on the sea. Notice that Jesus comes walking, not running. He is walking because He is giving someone the opportunity to recognise Him in the storm, daring someone to be different. The disciples shouted “it's a ghost” but Peter sees an opportunity. They all were looking at the same thing, but Peter saw differently. As his perspective was different, so were his actions. He became famous for walking on water. All of the disciples had the opportunity, but only Peter stepped out of the boat. Believers have been set apart. When the world is living in fear we live in faith, when the world is full of darkness, we shine our light. We need to be the change we want to see! If you want to see change in your household, it starts with you. If you want to see change in the community, it starts with you. If you want to see change in your life, guess what - it starts with you. If we are going to be advocates for change and impact then the process must start with us. There will be people who question your experience, credibility and knowledge but remember they do not see what you see, so don’t let them stop you. Saul tried to stop David fighting Goliath based on experience. The enemy tried to stop Gideon based on his credibility. The disciples in the boat probably tried to stop Peter, with all good intentions, from stepping out of the safety of the boat to walk on water (in the middle of a storm!). Nonetheless these three role models ‘dared to be different’ as they blocked out background noise and discouraging voices. Likewise, God is beckoning us to do the same. We just have to step out and The Holy Spirit will guide and order our steps into greatness. Don’t delay, dare to be different today!