This week's challenge: I used to think that it was hard for me to commit to things because as a child, I moved every 3 months or that maybe I was socially awkward because I wasn't with others enough... I think you know what I mean. We have a tendency to justify why we are the way that we are when it comes to tempers and attitudes and habits. Then it accidentally turns into an excuse to stay that way.
What are some of the things that you believe about yourself good, bad, quirky...? Take a moment to write some of them down. Then list the reasons why you think that you are that way. What if you really are just the way that you are? You were born that way. Made that way. Every little fiber of your personality carefully put together. Each thread selected, hand-picked and chosen to be used; included when making you.
Maybe 'it' wasn't a result of something your parents did, or a result of what happened one time or back then or.... It doesn't have to be "bad" experiences either. Maybe you didn't get that good because of your own strength. What things are you holding onto as crutches to excuse your ability to change or dream or ask...?
Psalms 139:14 says: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."
Fearfully. I love that. The verse just before that says that God carefully knits us together. I don't know what you imagine when you think of God-knitting-you. I mean, what kind of tools would you need to knit DNA? Never mind the fact that he's God and doesn't need tools- but still, what a thought!
-And fearfully, I don't want to over-humanize God by implying that he would be afraid of what he's making but he certainly isn't filling us with fear. I can't help but think that it's a reference to how powerful we could be and what we would be capable of when he is finished. We are something to ponder! YOU are a work of the Lord and YOU are wonderfully made! Not too good, not too bad, not too quirky.
Take a few minutes (or 15) to write out another list. Include things on your heart that you feel like you should do. Go ahead and dream a little while no one is looking. What would you do, if you weren't you and if time and resources didn't hold you back? Pray over these lists and find time this week to read the whole passage and keep adding to the list. Ask God what he would like you to know or consider about you! How might those lists be connected. Ask him to help you live in a power worth being afraid of- His power! Then praise him for every little detail on those lists!
Scripture for the week - Psalms 139:14 says: I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
Do you have a testimony about this challenge or a suggestion for another one? I'd love to hear it! Comment here!
Picture Credit [then modified]: http://www.superbwallpapers.com/nature/sunrise-over-the-mountains-14501/
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