Navigating your journey with Christ as an introvert...

An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally. They enjoy spending time with just one or two people, rather than with large groups or crowds

The Bible teaches that we are made differently. Some speak quickly, while others quietly serve (1 Pet 4:11).

If you haven't noticed yet I'm an introvert myself, I like the quiet environment, solo dates, solo travel, the natural air breeze at 6 am in the morning, the drive at night when traffic has night down, and the sound of the ocean how loud it is but yet peaceful because it blocks out all other noise. Yepslowed that's me I am that, Christian who's also very reserved. My circle is tight, literally currently have one girl Godly friend shoutout to my girl Shaina, she's such a true friend and she's an answered prayer. I have 4 siblings and growing up I never was the loud one my younger sister can vouch for that. Seeing others loud and bold is amazing, and not being afraid to speak up was very intriguing to me. I remember I would tell my little sister who was 5 at the time and I was 11, I would tell her "mom said clean up" and she'll go "so". I hated confrontation even at that young age. I would clean up after her to avoid arguing with an a. My other sister is very reserved like me everyone would call us "butt buddies" because we 5-year-olds never went anywhere without each other. Fast forward, now I'm 20 my two sisters are 14 and 15, and the younger one is still loud and my "butt buddy" she's still introverted like I am. It's crazy that no matter how much you age you have some traits that just stick with you. I use to try to change myself, people would say " I can get you to come out of your shell" and I'd smile and be like "okay".

That's the point sis! Introvert or extrovert God can still use you in mighty powerful ways!

If you're an introvert you probably experienced becoming a people-pleaser, I would say yes to things that I knew I wanted to say no to or it was just wrong in God's eyes. It wasn't until I surrendered to Jesus, I begin to say no but still love. I realized Jesus didn't say "yes" to everything and everyone. For instance, in the Bible Jesus kept stating to people it wasn't his time yet. The devil will hate you once you say "no" to his lies, temptation, sin, attacks, etc. It may seem like people will leave you, discourage you, and call you names but the real enemy is satan. Don't get blindsided by the flesh because we wrestle against more than that.

"Jesus replied, "Woman, why are you saying this to me? My time has not yet come (John 2:4)"

Matthew 5:37 Let what you say be simply ‘Yes’ or ‘No’; anything more than this comes from evil.

The Bible gives us examples of introverts, Jacob is described as a “quiet man” (Gen 25:27), Moses was “slow of speech” (Ex 4:10), and Paul, Luke, Elijah, and Jesus in some instances as well. I recently just read about Elijah in 1 King. He was a prophet of God, he did what the Lord told him to but his only friend was Elisha. Then Moses' speech problems I relate to him so much I mean imagine being an introvert and leading a group of people in the wilderness. My point again is despite being an introvert all these people in the bible didn't let this stop God's purpose in their life. Paul wrote letters, don't you like to journal and write things down? Introverts love that because we have something to release those thoughts into and get out of our heads.

Jesus often stepped away to be alone to pray... but he also went out to different cities to preach. You see it was never about what we could do it was all about what God could do! Never limit God. Nothing is impossible with Him!

Matthew 19:26 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Common myths about introverts are: arrogant, hate people wanna be single forever, don't want friends, never wanna do anything, rude, boring, poor leaders, poor public speakers, need fixing, weak, etc. Chile the list goes on and on. Sure y'all can relate cause I can. The assumptions we get on a day-to-day basis are absurd. Let me go ahead and debunk those myths because I'm a living testimony, and I'm sure you are too even if you are not an introvert I'm sure you have friends, family, and kids who are. I can only speak for myself but I do not want to be alone, I love being around people I can relate to and easy to get along with, and I do want marriage, kids, etc. An introvert quietness doesn't equivalent to rudeness we just need to recharge with God.

How Can Being An Introvert Push You Toward God?

• We don't mind going to church alone

• Contribute to the intellectual life of the church

• meditative on God's word

• Know when we need God aka recharging Mark 1:35

• God can actually lead us to publicly speak, it's usually the thing you're afraid of that is your purpose

• Prayer Warriors

• Take head to God's small still voice

• Develops Discernment because of our observant behavior

How Can Being An Introvert Push You Away from God?

• Lack communication skills

• Try to control things because of the use of being alone

• Lack of trust in God because putting trust in others leads to betrayal

• Lives inside of head

• Being vulnerable

• Not getting to know others to love them

• self-sabotage

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Even though introverts have flaws, like any other person it's more of a reason we need God to help us. Just like an extrovert still need God.

Regardless of you being an introvert.. don't let that stop you from serving others and stepping outside of your comfort zone. This isn't an excuse to ignore God's commands, sacrifice your preferences for the sake of God’s people and the glory of Christ. All Christian's are to bear witness of Jesus Christ and spread the gospel (1 Peter 2:9)

As a Christian, you do not have permission simply to be who you are. You should recognize who you are, but become like Christ.

Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?

• Introvert
• Extrovert

Self-sabotage: Behaving or thinking in a way that is harmful to one’s own interests or development, especially when this is involuntary or unconscious. Being an introvert can lead to self-sabotaging your purpose, meeting new people, spreading the gospel, and more. I've been there I have self-sabotage things all because of my lack of understanding, communication, assumptions in my head, etc. Be aware of other people's feelings, get out of your comfort zone, and spend more time with the people you love.

Isolation/Wildnerness Season: the wilderness sometimes removes the noise and busyness of every day so we can hear God’s voice clearly. It can also be a season to encounter God in our discomfort and suffering. Usually, the wilderness season takes place right after you've fully surrendered your life to God. It can be tough and lonely b God is with you. I have been living with God for a year now and I'm still pretty isolated but not as isolated as when I first surrendered. I have so much quiet time with God now. Don't bypass this season.. well actually you can't bypass it. This season is needed so you can develop spiritual maturity.

In summary, being an introvert is okay, however, don't let that become an excuse to not do what God says all Christians should, and then do whatever he's calling you to personally like your purpose. Being an introvert isn't our identity, Christ is. The enemy likes to place identity crises on people to make them question who they are hence the loss of identity in society today. People don't know that their true identity lies in their creator who is the one, true God! Your identity isn't your sexual lifestyle, your marriage, or your career, none of that will fulfill you only JESUS will. Sometimes introverts and extroverts may feel better than other individuals of their own strengths, but don't compare yourself.

Our shared identity is found in Christ alone. Christ is all. He is our Savior and King. He is our identity, not our personality type. This is how we can love each other, forgive each other, and serve each other in grace.