Lonely at the Top

Fulfilling your dreams and purpose may bring you the influence, affluence, glamour and sense of accomplishment anyone could dream of. That is indeed beautiful and admirable, but what is not often said about success, is that it is always envied.

As a result, every step closer to the top comes with battles you’ve never fought before. Criticism is sharper than you’ve ever endured and isolation is deeper than you’ve ever imagined. It’s a strange paradox, it’s like the higher you climb, the lonelier it feels.

You see, success and purpose bring light, but light also casts shadows, and in those shadows lurk the challenges, the whispers and the doubts. You may suddenly find yourself the subject of scrutiny from people who barely know you but feel entitled to judge you.

“Who does she think she is?” “He’s changed.” They’ll call you out for mistakes they would never hold themselves accountable for. They’ll question your motives, your choices, and your worth, and in the silence of your heart, you’ll wonder, “Is it worth it?”

The higher you go, the fewer people truly understand the weight you carry. It’s not that they don’t care; it’s that they can’t comprehend. The top is lonely because not everyone can climb it with you. Not everyone can handle the air that thins as you ascend. When you’re fulfilling your purpose, you may find that some of the people you thought would cheer for you become silent. Others may even turn against you. It’s painful to discover that the people who were with you in the crowd won’t be with you in the spotlight.

The higher you go, the louder the voices of criticism become. They come from people who have never walked in your shoes, who don’t understand the sacrifices you’ve made. Suddenly, everyone becomes an expert on your life, your decisions, and your character.

Jesus faced this too. The same crowd that shouted “Hosanna!” as He entered Jerusalem cried out “Crucify Him!” just days later. He was sinless, blameless, and perfect, yet He faced the harshest judgment. If the Son of God wasn’t spared, why should we expect anything different?

But here’s the thing, their criticism doesn’t define you. Your purpose isn’t for them to understand. It’s for you to live out and for God to complete. And as painful as it may be, criticism is often confirmation that you’re making an impact.

Yes, the top is lonely. But it’s also where your purpose shines brightest. It’s where your obedience to the call inspires others, even if they never tell you.
Remember, the battles you face at the top are a sign of your growth. You’re no longer fighting the same fights you did at the bottom because you’ve outgrown them. The challenges may be greater, but so is your strength.

The top may be lonely, but it’s also where you’ll meet others who’ve climbed their mountains. It’s where you’ll see the view of all you’ve overcome, all you’ve built and all you’ve become.
So, don’t despair. It’s not a punishment, it’s a privilege. It means you’ve stepped into your purpose. You’ve dared to rise above the noise, the comfort, the crowd.

Keep climbing. Keep trusting. Keep shining. And remember, while the top may feel lonely, it’s never truly empty. God is there, and He’s cheering you on.

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