Thanks so much to everyone who entered! I loved reading your comments, and was able to get great ideas for more books to add to my library!
On my last post, I shared some of the “false labels” that I picked up in gym class, and through other childhood hardships. (For a quick recap, click here).
Unfortunately, I grew up believing I was…
Not wanted.
Not good enough.
Rejected.
No one would ever pick me.
Thankfully, in 1996 I met Jesus. As I began a new journey of life with Him, He began to fill me with His peace and His hope.
I also began to learn my real identity through reading the Bible.
God’s Word says that I am…
Accepted
Adopted
Forgiven
Loved
Chosen
I love that word “Chosen“. In fact, it’s the Greek word “eklektos” meaning “chosen one, choice select, picked out, appointed by God to the most exalted office conceivable”.
You know what this says to me. It’s almost as if God is saying….
Cindy, I pick you for my team!! In fact, if I had a 6th grade kickball team, not only would I hand pick you – I’d appoint you captain!!! 🙂
(Just my “for fun” interpretation…but it sure brings healing to my heart!)
And the beautiful thing…what God says about me is true for you too!!
You are Accepted ~ just the way that you are!
Adopted ~ a precious member of God’s family when you believe in Jesus!
Forgiven ~ regardless of where you have been or what you have done!
Loved ~ dearly, lavishly, and unconditionally!!
and Chosen ~ hand picked by our Great God for His team!!
I don’t know about you, but I need to remind myself of my TRUE IDENTITY on a daily basis. The world screams, “You’re not ______ enough. Thin enough. Pretty enough. Rich enough, etc… ” And if I don’t watch it, I can easily pick up and start believing the lies.
However, I now know who I am in Christ! And my worth and value is not in who people say that I am, but who God says that I am!!
Accepted. Adopted. Forgiven. Loved. Chosen. And you are too!! 🙂
Let’s pray…. Oh God, we thank You for Your love and grace and faithfulness in our lives. Please shield us from the voices of this world that shout at us, and remind us afresh of the Truth of who we are in You. May we each live out of our true identity in Christ. May we be the people that You desire us to be, and live the full, superabundant lives that You have planned for us!! For Your purpose and Your glory alone!! Amen!
Blessings to you~
P.S. I just bought a new book today called “Sparkling Gems from the Greek“. Have you read it?? Oh my goodness, I think this is going to be my new fave for 2010!! Where has it been hiding all this time?! You may want to check it out!! 🙂
AMEN.I have to remind myself daily that my identity is found in CHRIST, and not in others or what they think of me.Thank you for another heart touching post!Blessings and prayers, andrea
Again, Cindy, thank you for reminding us of these things. I catch myself falling into the trap of defining me as the world sees me and not how He sees me.
I'm so checking out the book!!I grew up believing in Jesus and many of the same lies you believed at the same time. Oh, how the enemy of our souls wants us to be bullied into believing those ugly nicknames. I prefer God's!!sweet blessings! lisa
Amen! Good word! Thank you.Wylie
When I got dressed this morning, I asked myself, "What woman's clothes got mixed in with my laundry,!" 😉 'cuz these jeans are NOT my size. Thank you for the reminder today, Cindy. So good to read the words of blessing.And I do wish I was coming to Michigan. I sure look forward to spending time with you face to face someday. And we have just a "tease" of snow and ice today (which I LOVE), so I think I hear Michigan calling!