Authentically Me
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” -Ephesians 2:10
Dear Sister in the Lord,
You are valuable.
Loved.
Treasured.
Accepted.
Talented.
Beautiful.
A masterpiece designed by God Himself. His workmanship, created in Jesus.
The temptation in this world and in our walk with our Redeemer is to believe the lie that our identity, worth and validation is placed in something other than the person of Jesus Christ. It could be external appearance, performance or the opinions of others, but whatever we place our hope in–apart from the person and performance of Jesus Christ–will ultimately fail us and never leave us satisfied.
You are here for a purpose. You have a unique mission from God. You are designed with special gifts with which to serve te Master and others in a way no one else could. Embrace your differences and use them for God’s glory–whatever that looks like in your life.
So let us cast aside the sin that so easily entangles (the inclination to turn to the right or the left away from the cross) and look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. When our eyes are on Him they won’t be on ourselves and how we appear to other people.
This chapter in the Resolution for Women was huge for me and my performance-driven personality and I hope it encourages you as well.
“You are a holy vessel of God, set aside for specific times when the uniqueness you offer can be fully used and valued.”
“Come take your place. Embrace your special role. Enjoy the thrill of capitalizing on your strengths without wallowing in misery over your lacks and differences or allowing yourself to feel threatened by those traits you should be celebrating in those you admire. You are not a mistake, no mere outcome of happenstance. Your creation was supernaturally superintended by Almighty God. You are extraordinarily significant.”
“Rather than seeking to impress and outperform others, and rather than feeling ashamed by what you don’t have and can’t do, relish the opportunity to stand as a living, walking, eating, breathing example of what God’s grace can do with a woman He has set apart, weaknesses and all, to be a sacred vessel in His service. You are a purposeful place setting. A masterpiece worth celebrating.”
“He has loved you enough to make you like no other, and He’s given you a task that is yours alone to complete with His abundant help and empowerment. Resolve to love being you, the way He loved creating you.”
STUDY QUESTIONS:
Record uniquenesses other people sees in you. Which of these surprise you?
Record how you can be more intentional about using and celebrating these characteristics.
How would the dynamics of your family, your office, or your relationships benefit from your doing this?
Sophie Miller 