WHEN PURPOSE DOESN'T LOOK POPULAR

One of the basic need of humans is to be seen. The need to be wanted, accepted and approved by others.

And in our world today, where visibility and popularity often connotes value, walking in the light of purpose can feel lonely and somewhat insignificant. It seems like everyone is moving faster, shining brighter, and getting noticed. 

On the other hand, you who seek to live in obedience to God's instruction per time  don't draw attention. Your purpose looks slow, hidden, or even strange to others. What happens then?

The truth is, God’s purpose for your life won’t always look popular. Sometimes, He calls you to build when no one else understands what you’re building. He calls you to walk a path that doesn’t make sense to the crowd. That's not really comforting, right?

But understand that there's a difference between living for purpose and living for popularity.

Purpose is about fulfilling God’s assignment for your life. It’s about obedience, faith, and surrender. Whether you agree or not, everyone on earth has an assignment. Some don't know what it is, some are following the status quo while some don't agree with God and with it.

Popularity, on the other hand, is about human approval. Simply doing what gets attention, likes, or applause. The social media world is a perfect depiction of what I'm talking about. Never you think that likes and engagements validate a purposeful life. Scratch that!

Purpose and popularity rarely walk together.

Purpose is obeying God even when no one is watching you or clapping for you. Popularity is doing what people want, even when it displeases God. 

Purpose is steady; popularity is loud. Purpose builds legacy; popularity fades quickly. 

Like a seed buried in the soil, purpose often starts unseen. The seed is invisible underground, but that's where the roots grow. Meanwhile, fireworks may shine and make noise for a while, but it disappears in seconds.

Throughout Scripture, we see people who followed God’s purpose even when it didn’t look impressive or make sense at all to others.

Noah was building an ark before anyone had seen rain. He looked crazy. People mocked him. Yet his obedience saved a generation. (Genesis 6-9)

Mary, a young virgin, accepted a divine assignment that brought misunderstanding and shame but she carried the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ.

David was first a shepherd boy in the bush before he became king.

Joseph, was first sold as a slave and a prisoner before he became second in command in the whole of Egypt.

Tell me, does any of these scenarios look appealing from the beginning?

Yet these great people made history.

I'll be honest with you: 

Walking in purpose especially when it’s not popular is hard.

It can be difficult when you’re doing what God told you to do and it seems like no one notices. 

It can be difficult when others move ahead while you feel stuck in a waiting season.

But because it's unpopular doesn’t mean it's unimportant. You're not seen doesn’t mean you're forgotten.

God often hides great men and women in quiet seasons before revealing them. Just like David was tending sheep long before he faced Goliath, your hidden place is not a waste, it’s preparation. This should console you.

God uses quiet seasons to build your strength, purify your motives, and prepare you for visibility; especially for building strength and purifying your motives. Many people have crashed so badly on their way to greatness because they took short routes and refused to wait.

When your purpose doesn’t look popular, it’s a sign that God is shaping you for something beyond human applause. So, wait!

However, to stay steady and focused when purpose doesn't look popular; when you feel unseen or undervalued, here’s how to keep your focus:

• Stay anchored in prayer. Talk to God often because He sees what others overlook. Staying in prayer keeps your heart aligned with His will.

• Feed on the Word of God. It reminds you of who you are and what He’s called you to do, even when circumstances tends to disagree.

• Focus on faithfulness, not fame. Consistency as they say, is the rule of the game. It is regarded as success in God’s eyes. Keep showing up, even when no one is watching or when it feels tiring.

• Surround yourself with purpose-driven people. The right friends fuel your fire. Walk with people who remind you that heaven’s approval matters more than men’s applause.

• Celebrate progress, not attention.

Every small step counts. Growth may not be dramatic. Infact, it isn't. Just take it easy with yourself and strongly trust God.

In conclusion, God’s approval outweighs the world’s applause, no matter how much the world's system make you feel.

Your purpose might not look popular right now but trust me, it’s powerful. Heaven celebrates obedience and faithfulness .

The same God who sees your secret faithfulness will reward you openly. The same God who called you is watching over your journey, even when it feels unseen.

So keep walking. Keep building. Keep believing.

When purpose doesn’t look popular, remember: it’s still purpose.

Walk your purpose with confidence because one day, the same people who didn’t understand your obedience will see the fruit of it. 

 “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” (Galatians 1:10)

“Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” (Matthew 6:4)

God bless you and remain in purpose.