The One Thing That Will Set You Apart This Season

Reading Time: 3 minutes

We’re halfway through the year already. For some, that’s exciting as goals are being crushed, plans are working out, and momentum is strong. For others, it feels like the year is slipping away, and the energy that came with January 1st has long faded.

Wherever you find yourself on that spectrum, now is a great time to pause and ask: What will make me stand out in the months ahead? What is that one thing that will set you apart?

People everywhere are talking about pushing harder, resetting goals, and making the rest of the year count. And that’s good—we should strive to grow, improve, and use our time wisely.

But here’s something that’s often overlooked: beyond talent, ambition, and strategy, there’s one key ingredient that will truly set you apart, and that is God’s presence.

Look at this moment from Scripture:

One of them said he knew a young fellow in Bethlehem, the son of a man named Jesse, who was not only a talented harp player, but was handsome, brave, and strong, and had good, solid judgment. “What’s more,” he added, “the Lord is with him.”
1 Samuel 16:18 (TLB)

David had skill. He had strength. He had the look. But what made him stand out? God was with him.

Israel was home to numerous talented musicians. Music was a huge part of their culture. Yet, when King Saul was tormented and desperate for peace, only one name came up: David. Not because he was the best performer, but because he carried something supernatural.

It wasn’t the harp that calmed the king. It was the presence of God in David’s life that made his music powerful. That same presence helped him defeat Goliath. Those stones didn’t win the battle—God did.

So here’s the real question for you this season:

What’s the “one more thing” that sets you apart?

At your workplace, everyone may have the same qualifications. In your business, others may have more resources or experience. Among your friends, you may not be the most outgoing or popular. That’s okay. The X-factor is not your talent but God’s presence in your life.

Are you going to be just another name on the list, or will you be the one people look to because they sense something different about you? Peace. Wisdom. Clarity. Purpose. That’s what comes from living in God’s presence.

Maybe you’re in a relationship and your current “growth goal” is more romantic getaways or cute Instagram photos. Inasmuch as there is nothing wrong with that, what if you also focused on being the kind of person who brings spiritual strength to the relationship?

Or maybe you’re aiming to improve your image, career, or influence. Great! But beyond the surface, how’s your soul? Are you investing in the one thing that really lasts?

This season is full of opportunities—but it’s also full of distractions. Don’t get caught up in the noise. Refocus. Reconnect. God’s presence will bring clarity, direction, strength, and favor in ways you can’t manufacture on your own.

People may not always be able to put it into words, but they’ll notice. They’ll be drawn to the person who carries real peace, real power, and real purpose. That’s what David had. And it’s available to you too.

And when you truly walk with God, you’ll find that excellence follows. God’s Spirit doesn’t produce mediocrity. But His presence isn’t automatic, you have to pursue it. You have to practice being aware of God daily, in both quiet moments and busy ones.

So don’t let the second half of this year go by on autopilot.

Choose to be the one who carries the presence of God. That’s what will truly set you apart.