5 Days to Believe You’re Going to Make It Sample

What’s Happened to You Hasn’t Changed Who You Are

A couple of years ago, our team at Proverbs 31 Ministries was brainstorming a new T-shirt concept. Once it was designed, printed, and delivered, it was time to photograph the T-shirt for the bookstore. And I volunteered.

Now, here’s something you need to know about me. I’m not usually the one who raises her hand and says, “I’ll volunteer to model that shirt!” Nope. Modeling is not my thing.

But this shirt had words on it that felt so personal to me: known and loved.

“Known and loved” had been an anthem drumming in the background during some really hard days when I wondered if I’d survive the circumstances I was facing. And I knew taking a picture of me wearing this truth would be a good way to declare what I desperately wanted to feel.

Because instead of feeling known and loved, I felt forgotten and tossed aside. I needed a reminder to turn to God, open up His Word, and listen to praise songs. When I did those things, I could hear the anthem of God’s voice rising above the chaos: Lysa, you are known and so very loved by Me. Trust Me. Turn to Me. Hold on to Me. He held me when I could barely hang on, and He reminded me what was true of me when I was tempted to forget.

I survived. And so will you. What’s happened to you hasn’t changed who you are.

I don’t know who in your life has told you that you are anything less than the most glorious creation of the almighty God. I don’t know who has spoken words over you and about you that have stripped you bare and broken your heart. But I do know whatever statement was spoken to you that came against the truth must be called a lie.

God’s Word is the truth. And His truth says you are a holy and dearly loved child of your heavenly Father.

You are wonderfully made.

You are a treasure.

You are fully known by Him and lavishly loved by Him.

You are chosen.

You are special.

You are full of purpose.

You are set apart.

I pray those two words—known and loved—remind you of what God wants you to know today.

Even if you don’t feel loved. Even if you don’t feel known or understood, remember our feelings aren't always an accurate assessment of what's true. Cling to the words of our key verse today: “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them” (1 John 4:16). Then, release a lie you’ve believed that makes you feel less than who you are and set your mind and heart on these things.

Oh, friend, we must remember God’s words. Repeat God’s words. And believe God’s words with all our whole hearts.

RESPOND:

Personally receive the words “known and loved” from God today. As you embrace these words as a child of God, what lie are you releasing that is competing with this truth?