You’ve just completed a major project or prepared a simple dinner. At the end of all your work and effort, there was silence. No applause. No thank-you. Not even an “atta-girl.”
What are you feeling?
Honestly, when I find myself in that situation, I wish I could say I’m fine. More than fine, since I’m doing all I do for the Lord alone, right? I’d like to think I don’t need others’ recognition.
This summer I took the Enneagram test. Anyone else take it?
Well, I “discovered” I’m a 3. Any other 3’s?
They call us 3’s: The Achiever. We’re the success-oriented, pragmatic type; adaptable, excelling, driven and … gulp … image-conscious.
Can I just tell you after I took this test, I actually pulled my hoodie over my head. Image-conscious? I felt like I was reading a description of many of the things I’ve been trying for years to overcome!
Unfortunately, this “getting-past-performing” girl still gets stuck, especially at times when the thanks or compliments never come.
I am so grateful for a woman like Deborah in Judges who models what it looks like to be a woman who doesn’t have to have the pats on the back. I encourage you to read this strong woman’s story found in Judges 4:1-16. Not only was she chosen to be the only woman to fulfill not only a military role, co-leading an army of 10,000 against an army with 900 chariots, she also served as a judge over all the Israelites.
Following this major victory, Deborah’s proclams in Judges 5:2-3, “When the princes in Israel take the lead, when the people willingly offer themselves — praise the LORD! Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I, even I, will sing to the LORD; I will praise the LORD, the God of Israel, in song.”
After such an amazing accomplishment, I don’t hear Deborah singing her own praises. No, not here, not in the verses before nor in the verses after. In fact, not only does Deborah not shine the light on her own success, but centuries later when the New Testament book of Hebrews was written, her name is actually missing.
“And what more shall I say? I do not have time to tell about Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah, about David and Samuel and the prophets, who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions” (Hebrews 11:32-33, NIV).
Here in the Hall of Faith, Deborah’s co-leader is listed; meanwhile, Deborah, a very important playmaker, is left out.
If Deborah could somehow have seen this New Testament passage, how do you think she would have responded? You think she would have posted on Instagram to make sure she got some love somewhere?
I don’t think Deborah would not be like me, wondering where her appreciation and attention came from. She obeyed God and did what she was called to do.
Accolades and applause were not part of the package.
The confidence in Christ woman doesn’t need appreciation. Deborah didn’t have to have an “atta-girl” from anyone but God. She continually pointed to God, never needing to draw attention to herself.
A confident woman doesn’t crave other people’s approval; she already has God’s. When we know we have His approval, our craving for other people’s approval decreases.
I’d love to say, “That’s me!” So self-assured, I don’t need reassurance from another. I’m not quite there yet; maybe you’re not, either. But, as we continue to learn about faith from women like Deborah, we can keep moving closer to becoming secure women with Christ-like confidence.
Lord, I so want to be a woman whose whole purpose is to shine light on You. Build in me a confidence — built on You and Your approval of me — that no longer craves or needs the applause of others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
If you want some scriptures to mull over today, here is a few to copy onto phone:
Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” (NIV)
Psalm 115:1, “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your loving kindness, because of Your truth.” (NASB)
Let’s learn from each other:
When you have served well, made a hard choice or gone above and beyond, what’s the reaction of your heart if no one notices?
The next time you don’t receive the recognition you longed for, what steps can you take to settle the stirring in your heart?
