“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient or you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
Daughter,
This year I will use the things that you view as weak about yourself. You’ll realize the gifts that have been called out in you and how they are used, even when you don’t see or understand it. Your story will be one that carries influence and you’ll go through hardships, but you will see how fruitful and beneficial these will be for you and for those around you if you’re willing to share it. These things will help you realize your strength in me and you’ll learn to rest even more in my grace. This year is going to be a pivotal year- keep choosing me. Keep choosing more- even when that doesn’t make sense. Know that you’re so loved and that you are not walking through this “field” alone.
This is what I got when I sat down on my birthday and asked the Lord for a verse and a word for my 25th year. One week later I found myself in front of a room of women presenting a teaching to them about their worth- something the Lord has been teaching me so much about these past few months.
This month, we had the incredible opportunity to host 2 Beauty for Ashes retreats for the women here in Albania- one for girls under 13 and one for women 13+. With our 2 teams working together, we had both Kimmy and Paige who were trained in organizing and running these retreats. They did an incredible job organizing this and I know that it was impactful for the women who attended and for us who were a part of it.
During the retreat, there were multiple sessions that walked women through healing, freedom, and allowed them to see how much they were loved. They were walked through teachings on how they view God, invited to share a day that was a sad day for them, spoken to about their worth, and walked through teachings on forgiveness and identity. During the last day, they were treated to snacks, make-overs, pictures, and were just loved on by our teams. It was a beautiful week that was full of the Lord’s love and goodness.
Paige and Kimmy delegated and prayed about who taught each session. It was only a few days after my birthday chat with the Lord when I was sitting with them in a coffee shop and Paige looked at me and said, “Sylvia…how do you feel about teaching on worth- we think you’d be the perfect person.” She knew a lot of what the Lord had been walking me through and I just laughed as I said, “sure, I’d love to.”
Worth is such a big and important topic. It’s one that I know I’ve personally had and still at times struggle with. It’s something that I’ve seen people struggle with as I’ve sat across from them hearing their story and have been able to speak the truth into that. It’s a lesson that isn’t just learned once. So as I was praying about it, I was asking the Lord to show me what these particular women needed to know about worth and how to do that in a short amount of time. I felt that I should just share with them my story and the ways that he’s been teaching me about worth.
Maybe you have walked through finding your worth and identity with the Lord and live in that freedom. Maybe it’s something that you’re still struggling with. Maybe you don’t believe what he says about you. Maybe you know someone who struggles. Regardless of where you’re at, I think we all need a reminder sometimes. This is what I shared with the women at the retreat, and I want YOU to hear it too.
Worth. It means value; good; important. The value of money, items, and worldly things change. YOUR value does not.
Before I talk about your worth and where it comes from, I first want to tell you where it does NOT come from. Your worth does not come from what you do or who you know. It does not come from what others say about you (good or bad). It does not come from how you feel or how “good” you are. It does not come from your success or your looks. It doesn’t come from your past or your future. Those things do not determine your value or who you are.
Your worth DOES come from who you’ve been created to be and from who created you. In Genesis 1:27, it says, “So God created man in his own image.” You were made in HIS image- you are created…you are a masterpiece. In Matthew 6:26, it says, “Look at the birds of the air. Your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they?” YOU are the most valuable creation and he cares about your needs. In Isaiah 43:4, it says, “Because you are precious in my eyes, and honored, and I love you…” He loves YOU.
Throughout scripture, the Lord refers to women and the amazing ways that he cares for them and the purpose they have in his kingdom. HE says that YOU are: Redeemed. Chosen. Loved. Forgiven. Gifted. Free. Made New. Accepted. Made with a purpose. Worth fighting for. Worth DYING for. HIS daughter.
These things are true regardless of where you are or what you are doing. They are true for you JUST AS YOU ARE. We tend to compare ourselves to the people around us and think of reasons that we are not enough or that we are not as worthy. You don’t need to see yourself through the lenses of what you could do “better,” your mistakes, or what people have said and believed about you. There is NOTHING you can do to become more worthy and NOTHING you can do to become less worthy. You are not a burden to those around you. You are enough. YOU, just being you, are worthy. Worthy of friendships, love, and of knowing that you matter. Worthy of the LOVE of the Lord.
The thing about learning where to find our worth and of believing in it is that it is a lesson that is not only learned once. It’s something that the Lord has been teaching me to wake up every day and fight for. To CHOOSE who I’m going to believe. There will be days that it is harder for you to believe these things than others. When those days come and when the lies enter your thoughts, remember these words. Remember that YOU ARE ENOUGH. Ask the Lord to speak into these things. Jeremiah 31:3 says “I have loved you with an everlasting love.” Recite and memorize this- repeat it to yourself when you doubt. Everlasting means relentless and never ending. Know that it’s okay to have a bad day, but that you don’t have to sit in that or sit in the lies. You have such a purpose and God wants to use that. Your needs matter and you deserve to be loved and known. You have things to offer those around you. Surround yourself with people that will help you remember this and you be that person for the ones that need reminding.
Know that you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. In fact, the Lord will use the things that you try to hide or the things that you are “weak” in for MIGHTY things. It’s these things that will minister to those around you if you are willing to share. It’s your story that you think doesn’t matter that just might touch someone’s life and allow them to know that they are not alone. So go on, walk out of here knowing that you don’t need to walk in shame or comparison. Look at yourself and speak to yourself in the way that the Lord does. KNOW and BELIEVE that you are LOVED and that you are WORTHY.
It’s incredible to see the ways that the Lord has already begun to use so much of what he’s been teaching me to reach out to others. This month alone I’ve been able to share my story more and hear how others relate, speak on one of the biggest lessons he’s been walking me through in groups and with individuals, and to teach and speak in front of groups (a fear that I had coming into the race) without a bit of nervousness. He really will use your weaknesses to show his glory and strength if you will let him.
If you get ANYTHING out of this blog, I want you to get this: The Lord has called you WORTHY. You don’t have to earn that. You, your story, and your gifts are worthy to be shared and NEED to be shared with those around you. You, my dear, are LOVED and SEEN.
