I have been asked lately what I will do when I return from the Race. Although I certainly have ideas, I have learned over the past few years that "the heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps" (Proverbs 16:9). I can't know where He's going to call me in a year – but I do know who I want to be.
I want to be fully His.
"She is clothed in strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future." – Proverbs 31:25
Training camp brought up some old wounds and lies I believe about myself and the world. Some of these were fresh discoveries, while others were the same battles I'm constantly aware of.
One pattern in my life I have been aware of since becoming a Christian is my attempt to derive my value from accomplishments. God has consistently asked me to give up my worldly success for Him – by changing my career track, sacrificing time and grades in college to do ministry, and giving up prestigious opportunities – but this area is still a struggle for me.
At camp, God kept speaking softly to me, "I'm proud of you. I'm proud of you. You are mine."
There was such love in those words, and a great reminder that my value comes from His view of me. He defines me, not my career, my path, or my accomplishments. And He called me by name, made me His daughter, and is remaking me into the image of His Son! I am a COHEIR with Christ!
What greater accomplishment could I achieve? What greater love could I know? What fuller identity could I obtain?
This is the hope I want to share with the world.
I want to challenge any readers out there to consider where you look for your identity and value. How do you define yourself? What lies do you believe about who you are? Where does your worth come from?
