For some of us, the phrase “you can do anything you set your mind to” has been ingrained into us since day one. For others, it’s been more of a “you’re not really useful for anything” kind of vibe.
Either way, they both present flawed messages and unrealistic expectations. Let’s start with the first.
You can do anything you set your mind to.
Not exactly. Phillipians 4:13 is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Don’t forget that second clause there. Through Christ who strengthens me…
I think that’s the part so many of us forget so many times.
Yes, we can do all things. Nothing’s impossible. But we HAVE to trust in God and place our love and our effort completely in Him.
We are not strong enough to do anything on our own. We would not survive a day, a minute, a second without Christ….end of story.
That’s why God isn’t all smiley-happy when we decide that we’re going to take matters into our hands.
He didn’t approve of Abraham having a kid with Hagar just because he wasn’t feeling chill with God’s timing. He didn’t approve of the Pharisees praying all loud and whatnot in the streets just because they wanted to look holy.
God requires of us a dependence and a trust. It is from Him that everything comes. Every gift, every blessing, every day. We can love what God has given us, but let us not become prideful of it.
The world is not about us. It’s about Him. And the Power and Glory and Mercy of His incredible Love.
Then there’s the second thought.
You’re worthless. You can’t do anything.
Again, fatally flawed.
Go back to Philippians 4:13. You can do ALL THINGS through Christ. Whether its getting over an addiction, starting a new chapter of life, or finishing a race, YOU CAN with God.
Not on your own, not in isolation, with Christ.
America (the whole world really) has a big problem with self esteem. Everybody’s all “Oh, me. I’m so ugly. I hate myself so much yadayadayada.”
And what does that come from? An identity crisis.
We have forgotten, as a people, as Christians, who we are. We have isolated ourselves. We are the daughters and sons of the King, for crying out loud! God made us fearfully and wonderfully. And it’s God. He does. not. make. junk.
So the world tells us that we’re not perfect? That’s our cross to bear. And if the cross we bear is as small as simply reminding ourselves that we belong to Christ, we can truly count that as a blessing. We could be starving, orphans, slaves. We so desperately need perspective.
Let me clear up one thing though: I know it isn’t realistic to just say, “We’re all beautiful. Yay us.” Nobody is really going to believe it. Most girls wake up in the morning and the first thing going through their mind when they look in the mirror is NOT “Oh hey. I’m so beautiful. Why? Cause God made me like that.”
Not at all.
But when we truly find our identity and not just our appearance in God, we find that our lives become so, so much more than just the self we see in the mirror. True beauty comes from within. Cliche, but so hard to grasp.
You CAN do all things through Him who gives you strength.
Hmm well just my ramblings for the day.
I’m reading some Chesterton work right now and falling.in.love with it. Like for real. Chesterton is quite amazing.
I have a lot more I want to write about today but I want to think about it and pray about it some more before I write.
Anyways I love you all <3.
Remember what’s truly important today.
And remember that He loves you.