Accepted. What does this word mean? What does it mean to be accepted or to walk in acceptance? Since I got on the race this has been a commonly occurring theme for me and something that I have struggled with for a long time. I have tendency to feel out of place and different from others; somehow being an exception to the rule or a stick in the mud so to speak. I never want to stand out in a way that is different from the norm. Being "awkward" has become a sort of sin in my eyes and so I try to gain acceptance from doing things I believe to be pleasing for others, and blend in with my words and actions. Everyone is welcome in the Kingdom of God, and he wants us to feel and walk in acceptance, so why is it so hard? Why do I still try to please others? To say what they want to hear or serve them so that they will love me?
Last night we had what is called Super Feedback. This is where we all write up something that we see in each other that is good; an encouragement or positive feedback so to say. Then we also come up with something that is constructive that we see that the person can grow in. These types of situations are very new to me. Having never been in a group situation where this is the norm I have struggled in it and spent several hours and nights fretting about what I am going to say and how I am going to say it. Wanting to be good at giving and receiving feedback and worried about being misunderstood or articulating what I want to say, I shy away and let it cause me an undue amount of stress. But last night was amazing, and even though some of the stuff was hard for me to say and hear I am glad that I said and heard it so that I may grow and become a better version of me. I wish people everywhere would do this and take it as a chance to grow and see things in yourself that can make you better for those around you and ultimately for our creator.
Hebrews 6: 18-20
“So God has given us both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can take new courage, for we can hold onto his promise with confidence. This confidence is like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain of heaven into God’s inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone in there for us. He has become our eternal High Priest in the line of Melchizedek.”
I don’t need to worry about acceptance here because I am accepted by God into the kingdom of heaven. If God accepts me then why should I worry about what others think and say? He is my strength, my rock, my salvation, and I can hold onto Him and his promises with confidence. I have a “trustworthy anchor for my soul.” These words are so encouraging to me!
Thank you Lord for being my anchor; for loving me in spite of my flaws and for giving me the insight to become a better version of me. I pray that in these areas you would give me discernment to know when I am not acting as an accepted daughter and encouragement in knowing that I am an accepted daughter of the most High King. Amen.
