The Way we See Ourselves

As I read my devotion this morning from Proverbs 31 ministries. God really spoke to me through it. It began with the scripture:

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope ..." Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

Our lives have challenges daily and sometime for a life time. We allow labels to consume who we are. I'm guilty of saying I'm this, I'm that, I'll never overcome this, I'll always be depressed, I'll always be anxious, I'll always deal with ______. You fill in the blank with your own label. 

We become our labels because that is what we speak over ourselves. We don't have to be the labels slapped on us whether by professionals, friends, or ourselves. We are a child of the most high king. Tell satan to get thee behind you. This is a daily battle for me. And I have to speak truth into these lies and labels. It becomes natural for us to hold tight to these labels because it's what is spoken over us. Be strong! Be brave! 

So as you read this verse again:

"Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope ..." Romans 5:3-4 (ESV)

It's not always easy to rejoice in our sufferings and I don't expect you to always be joyful but to work through it as best as you can. Going through crap does produce endurance, character, and hope! So there is hope for YOU no matter what. 

Take the labels and fill them with HOPE!!!! 

Your story matters

Its been a few weeks since my last blog. I could come up with many excuses to why I haven't written much lately. But I'll spare y'all from it. In other news I want to talk about YOUR story!

This semester has been the best semester I've had in a long time. I finally got out of my comfort zone, joined an all ladies life group, and went deeper in my relationships. It was taken to a whole nother level! Its been very challenging but I've formed life long friendships through the life group. Its such a joy to go to coffee and swap stories, struggles, and victories with one another. Or like this past Monday I went to lunch with three friends and all we did was LAUGH!!! My friend was crying we laughed so hard. As I share about getting out of my comfort zone and going deeper with friendships, last night we had life group. It was probably one of the best life groups we had.

We knew a couple weeks ago we would all be sharing out testimony if we felt lead too. I am hesitant to share at times. Especially if I don't know the people well or feel I can't trust the people around me. We started off just going in a circle. It was intense at times but so beautiful to see the redemption that Jesus has brought in so many lives. He had set alot of people free from things. It encouraged me deeply. I think God uses our stories to inspire and encourage others and to ultimately give God the glory.

It was my turn to go, and I had been praying about what part or parts to share to the ladies in our group. I felt as I could share some things with the ladies. I began to share and came to a point where I felt that it was more important to share how faithful God was and how he walked through each circumstance with me even when I wasn't seeking him. It was beautiful to share parts of my hurts but ultimately bring full glory to God and for what he's done in my life!

I am not proud of my past by any means but one thing I do know is that it is now made beautiful through God. He loves and cares for every piece of our story. I am grateful for his cross and redemption.

This weeks challenge: go share your story or give God the glory for how far he's brought you!! It will bless you and others around you!