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Surrendered --------- Proverbs 31 OBS Blog Hop





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

Nothing can separate me from Jesus’ love.  His love is unstoppable



Yes, Peace is a person that was stretched out on a tree so that I could be free.  

“Our problems refine us but they don’t define us.”  ~Holley Gerth

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!





Comments

  1. Michelle ~
    What 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)

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