“I am grateful that I am not measured by the opinions of men, but by the grace of God.” – Dan Nixon
“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” – 2 Timothy 1:9
The following are some thoughts I shared in my book, “Daddy? It’s me!” available at https://shapedbylove.com/product/daddy-its-me/
One of the biggest things for me to overcome has been fear. It had planted it seeds in my life at an early age and began to grow and branch roots into every area. There are many types of fear and everyone experiences one or another of those from time to time. But it’s when the effects of fear begin to control you that it stops your progression in life and can have a negative effect. The effects of fear can also lead to anxiety.
Deep inside, we have all created an idea of who we should be, how we should act, feel, think and be regarded by others. When we don’t meet those expectations, it can have a huge impact on our self-esteem because we fail to match those standards, or we don’t measure up. Low self-esteem can occur at a very young age, sparked by our desire for love, attention, safety, belonging, and affirmation of support. When these needs are not met, we often search for reasons why to figure it out.
“I am grateful that I am not defined by other’s opinions, but by the grace of God.” – Dan Nixon
Not living our life by other people’s lives and standards is our own journey and we have to see ourselves as God sees us. We were created in the image of God and are Kings, Queens, Princes and Princesses in His eyes. It took me a long time to understand that concept.
In the Bible, there is a story about a woman, Mary Magdalene, who was judged by many people where she lived. She had quite the reputation for not being a stranger to anyone, but God still loved her. The church, as well as Christian people, are often quick to judge and slow to love. It should be the opposite – we should be slow to judge and quick to love. We often fail as Christians in church to do that, somethings you see posted on social media from Christian people can be quite disturbing. Where is the love?
It was when I allowed myself to see my life through God’s eyes and to see me the way He sees me, that I could walk into the power of being who He created me to be. I am created, accepted and loved unconditionally by Him. The first approval I need is His. Then to allow myself to receive it and know that He is proud of me. It is only then that I began to walk in freedom from the fear of failing everyone else and could begin to be the best me that I can be.
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. – Acts 20:24
Recent Comments