Living Changed: Embracing Identityনমুনা

Choosing to be Part of His Plan  

When we agree with the labels assigned to us or believe we don’t measure up, we miss out on the beautiful life God wants for us. He created each of us with a special mixture of qualities, strengths, and talents, and He hopes we will choose to use them for His kingdom. However, when we are too focused on our insecurities, those negative thoughts and emotions can easily distract us from His purpose for us.

Years ago, I heard about a women’s Bible study that I wanted to attend. I felt so self-conscious that I almost didn’t go. I told myself they didn’t want an overweight stay-at-home mom who couldn’t bring anything useful to the discussion because she didn’t know enough about the Bible. Somehow, I pushed through my fears and went anyway. As He always does, God used that small step of surrender to begin a transformation in me. He helped me see my worth and better my self image. 

What I didn’t realize at the time was that God was asking me to trust Him so that I could later help other women do the same. Only when I surrendered my insecurities to Him was I able to step into my calling. In fact, what I learned in that Bible study is the very content I used when I began teaching. If I’d allowed my fears to keep me from going that day, my life and my ministry would look drastically different. Perhaps even eternities would look different. 

Knowing who we are in Christ gives us God-confidence. It’s not because the imperfections that cause our insecurities go away, but because we realize our weaknesses are made perfect in His strength. Truthfully, God doesn’t need us to be flawless. He specializes in using people who feel unworthy, inadequate, and incapable. All throughout the Bible, He works through imperfect people of different races, genders, and ages to accomplish His will. Nothing disqualifies us in His eyes. Only we can take ourselves out of the game. We get to choose if we’re going to let God define us and be a part of His plan, or if we’re going to allow others to define us and miss an opportunity to impact eternities.

Action Step:

Consider for a moment, how the lies you believe about yourself might be keeping you from hearing God’s direction for your life. Do you listen more to the opinions and expectations of those around you, or are you most in tune with what God is speaking to your heart? Don’t miss out on God’s purpose for your life because your identity is misplaced. Ask God to root out the lies buried in your heart. Let Him rebuild what was broken down. Then ask Him to show you how you can help grow His kingdom. You have a special place in His heart and an essential role in His plan.