Oh gosh.
Times are tough. What else do I have to do but press in? No doubt, it hurts. Jesus never said crucifying the flesh would be easy. It’s never pretty. It’s bloody and gross.
Sin, in its very nature, is at war against God. It originates in the father of lies and took root in our hearts when he deceived Adam and Eve. We cannot escape from it, for we all were born dead in our trespasses (Ephesians 2:1). There is no one who does good, not even one.
SO the question God is asking me, “Why would you think leading a group of 6 other people would be any different? Why would you expect to be the leader who has it all together, even if your desire is for the glory of My name? You cannot achieve that on your own. You are not Me. I am the one who is sinless and perfect.”
This past month in Moldova was the hardest thus far for me. I thought I had it all together coming to the Race. Up until I left for Launch, God had finally brought me out of the long desert that seemed to last forever, and I was now ready to run! Well, God had other plans in mind. There were still areas of my heart and pieces of my flesh that needed to be exposed in order to begin crucifying.
This month was hardest because its a humbling experience when people can see you don’t have it all together. It’s hard to pick yourself up and keep going. But here’s why I have hope: it’s not about me, and it’s not supposed to be. The truth is I am not perfect, and I do not claim to be. I never will be.
What I do proclaim is this: To simply know One who is perfect. Jesus Christ. He never fails.
So, I press on.
One of our squad leaders, Jenn, challenged us to ask the Lord for 50 things He loves about us. The list didn’t come as quickly when I sat down to write it, but what’s interesting is that I’m finding the Lord is CONTINUING to speak to me the things He loves and sees in me.
I wanted to share half of that list and some Scripture that seemed to shed light on these traits. I challenge you to ask the Lord the same question: What does God love about me?
God says I am…
1. a wild and crazy woman of God. (Judges 4:21-22)
2. a shaker of nations. (Haggai 2:7)
3. one who hungers and thirsts after righteousness. (Matthew 5:6)
4. a catalyst. (Isaiah 57:14)
5. a leader. (Luke 22:26)
6. a lover and proclaimer of truth. (Psalm 119)
7. a sower. (John 4:37-37)
8. free from the flesh. (Romans 8:1-11)
9. a city on a hill. (Matthew 5:14)
10. a constant follower. (John 6:67-69)
11. a faithful in keeping with repentance. (Romans 2:4)
12. an intelligent divider of truth. (Hebrews 4:12)
13. invited into His throne-room. (Psalm 100:4)
14. a hater of evil. (Psalm 97:10)
15. a lover and fighter for His Church. (1 Corinthians 12:26)
16. a fighter for my family. (Joshua 25:14)
17. moldable and shapeable piece of clay. (Isaiah 64:8)
18. tender hearted. (2 Chronicles 34:27-28)
19. a sharpened tool. (2 Timothy 2:20-21)
20. holy, separate, and consecrated. (1 Peter 2:9)
21. purchased. (Acts 20:28)
22. unstoppable with Him. (Job 42:2)
23. counted blessed. (Matthew 5:2-12)
24. washed by the Word. (Ephesians 5:26)
25. loyal. (Isaiah 6:8)
the miracle is this: despite my sin and flaws…I am who God says I am because of Christ.
