“I’m Supposed to Be Here”
By Steve Backlund
I have a former intern named Ally who is an Igniting Hope Certified Belief Trainer and I recently met with her and her husband, Stephan. When we met, she shared something powerful with me. Ally said that in her own belief training session, the Lord revealed to her a belief that was life-changing and it was this: I'm supposed to be here.
This catalytic belief applies to two different areas. First, it applies when we find ourselves with people whom we are tempted to feel inferior to. When we say the words, “I'm supposed to be here,” it gives us confidence that we belong, and it increases the likelihood of a positive experience for us and others. A second situation where we apply this belief is in our regular responsibilities and life assignments (including our job, meetings we attend, our church, our home, and where we live). When we say or think in these places, “I’m supposed to be here,” it causes us to attach faith to our callings and increases the likelihood of us partnering with God in those environments.
In the Bible, we see many people who moved from doubt into an “I’m supposed to be here mindset,” Here are a few
Jeremiah thought because of his young age he wasn’t supposed to be among the prophets, but he was.
Gideon proclaimed he was not supposed to be among leaders because of his family background, but he was.
Moses didn’t think he belonged among the deliverers because of his speech impediment, but he was supposed to be there.
In other biblical examples, God showed up in seemingly normal situations because someone attached faith to their presence:
The deacon Phillip unexpectedly ended up in Samara because of persecution. He believed he was supposed to be there and brought a city-transforming revival (see Acts 8).
The Jewish people were taken captive to Babylon. God told them to invest in the place where they were. “And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it; for in its peace you will have peace.” (Jeremiah 29:7).
Before I go on, let me say what I am not saying as I present this truth. I am not saying we should use the “I am supposed to be here” belief as a means for self-promotion or as a license to kick doors down to get where we want to be. It is good to remember this Bible story. “So (Jesus) told a parable to those who were invited when He noted how they chose the best places, saying to them: ‘When you are invited by anyone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in the best place, lest one more honorable than you be invited by him’” (Luke 14:7-8). Yes, some of us will allow this story to create a passiveness in us, but it is important to understand who we are to honor as we seek to believe we are significant in the various groups we are a part of.
Here are some practical applications concerning what I am sharing:
Say to yourself frequently, “I am supposed to be here.”
Attack insecurity and inferiority with God’s promises.
Don’t try to impress people. Develop this powerful belief, “Whoever I am to have favor with, I will have favor with. Whoever is supposed to like me, will like me.”
Build the muscle of enthusiasm for your commitments to your family, work, responsibilities, etc. Be a thermostat, not a thermometer in those places.
“Steve, what if I am unsure I should be where I am?” If you are doubting, get a good decision-making process and then decide what you should do and where you should be. Then say, “I’m supposed to be here.” My book, Fully Convinced: The Art of Decision Making”, will help much with this.
Just like Ally, I see you using this incredible belief to bring personal victory for you and increased influence through you in incredible ways in the days ahead