READ: GENESIS 1:26-27; 1 CORINTHIANS 1:26-31; 2 CORINTHIANS 4:7; 5:17

My first day in Psychology 101, the instructor said, “There is no such thing as normal.” That really took me by surprise, but I was glad to hear it because I had never considered myself normal. I saw myself as a high strung, mixed-up teenager who grew into a high-strung, mixed-up adult. Go figure.

But the truth is, God created me to be the person I am. He made each of us uniquely, and that’s a good thing. I’m not saying God wants us to wallow in our individual struggles and sin patterns—He doesn’t want me running around haphazardly, snapping at people, and wading through a river of worries and doubts. Instead, it’s like we’re diamonds in the rough, and God wants to shape us. Even though sin twists the talents and personalities God has given us, He still loves us, and He sees us as infinitely valuable. That’s why Jesus came to save and restore us through His death and resurrection. When we put our trust in Jesus, we become new creations, and His Spirit begins to transform every part of our personalities.

Obsessive planning and compulsive hard work can be transformed into a God-honoring and solid work ethic, adding to any project or team. An active imagination that’s prone to worry can be guided by God to come up with awesome ideas to creatively minister to others and uplift them. And even though being impulsive can lead us into trouble, impulsivity can be remade into the courage needed to try something new in our walk with Jesus.

In 1 Corinthians 1:27, Paul writes, “God has chosen what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen what is weak in the world to shame the strong.” I’ve always loved that verse because I don’t think God can find a more foolish person than me. Yet He works through imperfect people—people who are devoted to Him yet mess up every day—to do great things in His kingdom.

My psychology teacher was right: there is no such thing as normal. I suppose life would be boring if there were. God created each of us uniquely in His image, and He calls us to serve one another through our differences. And even though we’ll all struggle with sin until Jesus returns, we can have hope knowing the Holy Spirit is always working in us. • Sharon Rene

• How could it be helpful to remember there is no such thing as a “normal” human being?

• What is one thing you like about the way God made you? Consider taking a moment to thank Him for this!

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 (CSB)