Being Set Apart as a Young Woman

Have you ever felt like you were set apart? That’s because you are! (Deuteronomy 14:2). Sometimes we don’t know how to step into what makes us different. This is a whole process. I’ve been experiencing God’s hand of being set apart for years. And you probably do too. I’ve been recognizing how different I am from others whether it’s my interests, behavior, values, etc. Let's talk about it. 

I started to recognize that there was something unique about me early in my childhood. I didn’t desire some of the same things people my age did while growing up. In high school, I never desired going to house parties or being in big crowds like a lot of high schoolers do. I'd rather have a one-on-one conversation with someone and pour into them and them to me. Even in college, I didn’t desire going to clubs. I wasn’t a fan of being in the “mix” of things. I liked doing my own thing. It became hard for me to fit in with others because of it, even though I tried at times. Sometimes when I tried, I felt so out-of-place.

Sometimes when I was put in a “social norm” situation, I felt God calling me out of it. It’s like God was calling me to a higher standard. And now, I’m helping others through my story who may feel the same way. He knew I would get to this point. All of that has made me the woman I am today. He's so intentional. And even now, they’re certain things that I don’t conform to that can separate me from others because of societal standards. But as a young woman, you learn your value and stick to that. Remember what God says about you. He created you in His own image (Genesis 1:27). 

Being set apart from others doesn’t feel great, but is worth it for God to use you. You are beautiful. We often try to live up to a societal standard, but that won’t help us reach our individual purposes. Look at Daniel for instance. Daniel served in the Babylonian government. He was a favored, faithful, and righteous man. But the other government officials despised him because of who he was and how favored he was.

Daniel was set apart from them. He didn’t desire to be like them. So, they tried to find ways to persecute him and shame him. Daniel was set up by these officials and thrown into the den of lions because of his refusal to disobey God. God was calling him to a higher standard. Daniel was persecuted. But still, God protected him through it all. He came out untouched and still favored. Daniel remained true to God despite what the world thought of him or wanted him to do (Daniel 6: 1-28).  

Now when I see young women that stand out from others their age, I hope that they don't lose sight of their uniqueness because of peer pressure, the desire to fit in, and fear of not being accepted. It’s hard for us to fit in because we’re meant to stand out. We’re all called to be different. And some people may not gravitate towards you because of how different you are, and that’s okay, somebody will. Some people can even be intimidated by your uniqueness. God wants to use your uniqueness for His glory (Isaiah 43:7) He’s very intentional about how He made you. 

Being a young adult is the transition stage from adolescence to adulthood, so self-growth and self-development is essential during this time. If you’re feeling the pressure of being set apart and may be struggling with that, here are some valuable things that are still helping me today:   

Know Your Identity: Knowing your identity is key to being set apart. You have to know that your identity is in God alone. You belong to Him. Having that foundation will help you to understand why you’re so unique. God said He set you apart long ago. (Jeremiah 1:5) 

Study Scripture: I often read and reflect on scripture that coincide with what I'm going through to combat those negative feelings. Meditate on scripture that talks about how God set you apart. Allow His Word to comfort you in that moment.  

Build Community with Like-minded Believers: You’d be surprised about how many people feel the same way you do. It’s comforting to gather with others that are in the same situation as you. God has created us to fellowship and build community. (1 Thessalonians 5:11).  

Embrace Your Calling: If you know your specific calling, embrace it, acknowledge it, pray over it, and Step Into It. Let God speak to you even deeper about it. You can inspire people to do the same even if you don’t know it.  

Just imagine if we were all the same. Nothing would be exciting. So, I challenge you to reflect on what makes you unique. Is it your values, interests, behavior, etc? Being set a part is a gift from God. So let Him use your uniqueness for His glory. You always win in the end.