?Last month the Lord taught me a great deal about myself and about how He sees me. I want to let you all in on that journey – this is essentially what I learned from my quite times last month, I hope it speaks to you.
Since I was a child I have always felt I was not enough. Divorce does that to a kid, no matter how much you tell them it wasn’t their fault. I was frequently bullied in school as a child – always the last one to be chosen for sports or the odd one out when we had to choose a partner in class – kids called me names and told me I had shannon germs. In high school, the popular radio station had a character named psycho Shannon so, of course, that became a known nickname for me. I dated guys in my teens and in early college who cheated on me, dragged me along without clear intentions, and pointed out all of the flaws in me. I don’t tell you all of this to paint the picture of a victim – I’m not a victim – I am a powerful child of God who happens to live in a fallen world. But satan used the things in this world to weaken me and deeply sow the seed of rejection, however it is my choice to believe his lies.
I am done believing the lies.
Satan says:
I am not worth choosing.
I am alone.
I am not worth fighting for.
I am weak.
I live in bondage to past wounds.
I am ugly.
I am undesirable.
I don’t deserve to be loved.
BUT
God says:
I am chosen.
- “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” – 1 Peter 2:9
I am never alone.
- “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” – Deuteronomy 31:8
I am saved by a mighty warrior.
- “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” – Zephaniah 3:17
I am strong and courageous.
- ” Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9
I am free.
- “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
- “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14
I am a masterpiece.
- “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10
I am beloved.
- “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” – Jeremiah 31:3
I don’t carry the fear of rejection any longer. I don’t need your approval, affirmation, or love.
I have the Lords.
The creator of the universe knitted me in my mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13) and called me chosen (Colossians 3:12). How incredible is that?
Because I am worthy I want to look more like Jesus . He has created me with purpose and given me unique gifts to bring glory to HIs name (1 Corinthians 12). I want others to see that I am a woman of integrity, honor, and conviction. I bring the joy of the Lord to those around me (Nehemiah 8:10). I carry the wisdom of God on my lips (Psalm 49:3), through Him I speak words that carry weight.
I’m not perfect. I never will be. My words will not always speak life, my response will not always be gentle.
But HIS grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I will no longer live in bondage (1 Peter 2:24).
I will take up my identity as a child of the king (1 John 3:1).
I will choose myself because He has chosen me. I will choose to believe that I am enough.
Will you?
