In Christ, I am loved, accepted, favored, blessed, forgiven, strong, imperfect, brave, human, free and chosen.
A lot of people have commented on how 2020 has been a difficult year. Any by difficult I am not just talking about the pandemic. I'm also talking about difficulties surrounding life in general.
In the spirit of full transparency, I'd like to be honest with you all and tell you that this has been a tough week for me. Thoughts of feeling worthless and like God couldn't possible have any place for me in the ministry for someone like me have crept into my mind a few times.
As Christians, we are taught to resist the devil and he will flee. But what do we do when he keeps coming back and attacking our minds/hearts? Or even use people close to us to do/say things that make us question God's calling in our lives?
Truthfully, I wish I had a simple answer to the above questions; but I don't.
Growing up in a Christian household hasn't made me any more immune to the tactics of Satan. If anything, it's taught me to rely more on Christ when I am faced with challenges. With that said, I wanted to share with you a couple things I was reminded of this past week about who I am in Christ.
The first reminder is:
As a child of God, we have been chosen
Personally, I believe that one of the hardest feelings in the world is feeling unwanted. Feeling like you don't belong in a particular crowd, or in a group of people, or on some team can definitely be hurtful. As Christians, the devil would love to come in and try to attack our minds and heart with thoughts and feelings like this.
Perhaps for you, it might not be feeling unwanted, it might be feelings like: 'God can't use me because...' of my past; or because of my background; my education level; the amount of things I have failed at; my lack of job or stable income; my lack of children; my failures...
But I want to remind you of a verse that I was also reminded of earlier this week.
1 Peter 2:9 states "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
The Greek word for chosen is "elektos" which means to select and also implies favorite.
Imagine this: the God of the universe taking His time to select you, (not just anyone, but you), to do something for Him. How exciting! No wonder why the devil tries to discourage us from fulfilling God's plan.
Now, please understand that just because we have been chosen by God doesn't mean we are better than others. Certainly not!
He has chosen you and called you to serve and point others to Him. And only with a humble heart can we truly accept that calling.
The second reminder I wanted to share is:
2. His Grace is sufficient for you.
Paul, a man so many of us Christians look up to and admire gave us the secret of his strength - It was in Jesus Christ.
In 2 Corinthians 12:9, he wrote: "And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Interestingly, Paul's life wasn't free from difficulties, but he knew where to turn when things got hard.
The truth is, no matter the intellect, will or emotion, we all have areas of weaknesses in our lives and there are times when all we have left is His grace (which is more than sufficient for us).
Conclusion
2020 has certainly been a hard year, but just remember that you are still a child of God and He is still in control of your life. You are chosen and no matter what you have faced or will face, His grace is sufficient for you.
I was listening to the local radio on my way to work earlier this week when the song "Who You Say I Am" came on the radio. I do not own the rights to the song, I just provided the link so you can listen to it if you choose to.
Quick Prayer
Dear Lord,
Thank you for who you are. Thank you for saving me and choosing me to be yours. Thank you for reminding me of who I am in you. Please forgive me for the times I have listened and believed the lies of the devil. I surrender my heart and mind to you. Lord, in spite of all I may face, help me to rest and rely in your grace. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Stay Blessed!
Inspiring Blog | Grace to Inspire | United States
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