The world is not an easy place. People are imperfect and can say things that
hurt and sting and stick like glue forever.
But the attacker that can be the worst to me…is ME.
This is right where the Enemy wants me. This is what he wants me to be doing. Attacking myself. Bringing myself down. Being too distracted with myself to focus on
Him- Jesus.
But what if I look at my imperfections, failures, and
disappointments as a way to come to Jesus?
What if I look at my insecurities and lay them at the
feet of Jesus?
Instead of feeling like I’m not worthy of being in His
presence - maybe I see myself as approved and perfect in His love? “My kingdom is not about earning and
deserving: it’s about believing and receiving.” (Jesus Calling) So…instead I take back what the Enemy tries to
steal from me! Peace!
“Peace is a person.
No one can steal Peace from you.
And nothing can steal you from Him.”
~Ann Voskamp
I recently bought a book by Max Lucado called, You are Special. I bought it
for my kids but really…it’s for everyone.
Here is a description of what the book is about from Amazon.
“In
You Are Special,
Max Lucado tells the story of Punchinello, the wooden Wemmick who believes that
he isn't good enough because of what others say about him. When will
Punchinello realize how truly special he is?
You
Are Special
is a beautiful story that reminds us that we are precious to God just the way
we are. It is through spending daily time with him that we begin to see
ourselves through his eyes. This is an important truth that children and
parents need to know: God loves us even though we make mistakes and have flaws!”
“The stickers only stick if you let them.” ~Max Lucado
The stickers come from not only the critics but also from
the worst critic of all…me. When
Punchinello started to have a little belief in Eli…his maker…a sticker fell
off.
When I start to have a little belief…faith…then I will
start to see myself as a child of God.
Beautiful. Loved. Secured.
“Therefore there is no condemnation for those who are in
Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1
Yes, Peace is a person that was stretched out on a tree
so that I could be free.
So this world is not an easy place. I sometimes am not an easy place to be in. But I don’t have to be my worst critic. It must hurt God to listen to me
sometimes. I wouldn’t stand for my children
to do this to themselves and He must feel the same way when it comes to us. So if I wouldn’t let it happen without
fighting for my kids….without telling them how valuable they are and what
really matters….then why do it to myself?
Why do I believe it for my children but toss it aside for myself?
I feel like God is saying to me, “Michelle, I made you and I know who you are and what you have
done. I know what you will do. But I love you. You are my precious child. No one can change that…not even you! I am proud of you and all that you are. Give
your troubles to Me. Release your grip on
all that you hold so tightly. I love
you. Rest in that. Know that I am for you…and if I am for you
then who can be against you? I sent my
Son to die for you. Your sins are washed
away with His blood. Yes, I know what it
is like to be troubled but fight back with My words. My word is alive and active and sharper than
any double-edged sword and it will shut the Enemy’s mouth. Believe in Me and know that nothing can
separate Me from you. Nothing. You are
my beloved child and I love you.”
Instead of looking at my problems and failures as road
blocks…I’m going to move the mountains that I create and bring them to Jesus.
Two years ago...I never would have believed that I would
turn my photo a day blog into a “This is me and my faith” blog. He is working in me and moving me in the
direction He wants me to go. I just need
to continue to listen and follow. And to
know that the only critic that I need to listen to - is God. Because the stickers only stick if I let
them.
Releasing the white knuckled grip that I have on myself! Stretching my arms wide…opening the clinched
hands and letting Peace fall down on me!
Michelle ~
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful visual tribute of God's amazing love for each of us. You shared so many TRUTHS from the Word of God!! Thank you for sharing that God's Word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword and it will shut the Enemy’s mouth! His Word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path" (Psalm 119:105) ~Stacey M. (OBS Small Group Leader)
Thank you Stacey for your kind words. =)
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