The Dream of You: A 5-Day YouVersion By Jo SaxtonSample

Making Room for More of God

I have a mirror and a little table near my front door. The idea behind it is that I briefly check myself in the mirror, pick up my keys, and go out into the world to get on with the day. But some days I get a little . . . preoccupied with myself in the mirror. When I’m distracted, I forget that I’m actually going somewhere and need to get my keys.

There are times we need the long look in the mirror; we need to see what God sees and invite Him to work on our identity. But let’s remember the end goal is not purely that we like what we see in the mirror. God still has more for us. 

As God has redeemed the broken pieces of my life, I find there is more room for all that He brings. There is greater capacity to go where He sends me, to respond to His call. 

There is less of me and there is more room for others. There’s less energy spent striving and more room for dreaming. When I’m not investing my energy in what I think I should be according to the standards of others, I am free to run into all that I actually am. I can unwrap the gifts God has given me and do it without shame or anxiety. I can deploy my skills and gifts and passions in His service without wondering if I am okay. I am okay; I’m His child. I’m free to learn and fail and grow. Yes, I’m a work in progress, but I’m making progress. It shows in less of me and more of Him. 

I used to be afraid of it, but now I am discovering the depths and height and breadth of God’s redeeming, transforming love. I want Him to redeem every fiber of my body, mind, and soul, as well as every second of my life. That’s why I have chosen to be a lifelong learner, a disciple of Jesus, rather than wear myself out trying to achieve goals shaped by a broken past or by popular culture. As I discover more and more of who God created me to be, I’ll be a follower of the One who changed the world for eternity. 

How can having a healthy identity open your life to a greater purpose?  

 If you enjoyed this 5-day devotional from Jo Saxton, be sure to check out Jo's book, The Dream of You  .