There is no greater pain than being dismissed by those closest to me.
The people I most desire to support me—the ones who should be my biggest cheerleaders—are often the first to doubt, reject, or dismiss my transformation.
Jesus knew this feeling intimately. He went home, walking in power, wisdom, and purpose, only to be met with skepticism and dishonor (Mark 6:4-6).
I’ve “returned home” twice in my life.
The first time, in the early 2000s, I was uncertain, shaky, and easily swayed by the voices around me. I based my truth on what others thought rather than God’s calling on my life. That doubt left me weak, vulnerable, and unable to stand firm.
The second time, in 2016, I came back stronger, walking in truth and power. And that has created a gap in some of my closest relationships.
Sometimes this is hard to experience.
It’s not just with family—it happens with newer relationships too. Some people struggle with our transformations. The difference is, grace seems to exist more in those moments than with those who have known us the longest.
FAMILIARITY CAN BREED RESENTMENT
People struggle to see transformation in those they’ve known for years.
But here’s the hard truth: We’ve all been guilty of this too.
How often do I overlook what God is doing in others because we’ve known them for so long?
How many times have we dismissed growth simply because of familiarity?
One thing that really hits me—when I moved away in 1996, I was largely absent from my three younger sisters’ lives as they grew up. I missed the wonder of watching them become who they are today.
I wish I could have been more present.
God, help us not to miss what You are doing in others simply because we think we already know them.
FAITH MATTERS
Jesus’ hometown limited the miracles He could perform because of their doubt.
Yet, for those who still believed—even in an atmosphere of rejection—miracles happened.
That tells me something powerful:
— We cannot let the doubt of those around me stop us from believing in what God is doing.
— Even when others refuse to see, we must hold on to faith.
— God is still moving.
JESUS WAS AMAZED — AT THEIR UNBELIEF
They had every reason to trust Him, yet they rejected Him.
I’ve felt that sting—when those closest to me can’t see what God is doing in my life.
But Jesus didn’t let their doubt stop Him.
— He moved forward.
— He continued teaching.
— He fulfilled His mission.
That is my takeaway today:
People will doubt. People will talk. People will misunderstand. But our calling does not change.
We must press on and GO.
And here’s the most important part—we cannot make the same mistakes.
We cannot dismiss the transformation happening in others.
We cannot judge someone based on who they used to be.
We must celebrate the work of God in those around us—even when it challenges our expectations.
We must be the people who believe.
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