Hopeful and Expectant

Change; it’s inevitable and unstoppable. It can come suddenly or after long periods. However change comes, it usually involves waiting in some way, shape, or form. When I go to Chick-fil-a and place my order in the drive-thru, I know that I’m about to get a delicious meal that will have everything I asked for because that’s what Chick-fil-a does. I don’t know the people working the window, yet I fully trust that they’re going to do their job to provide me with the result I want because they’re reputable and they’ve never let me down. I am hopeful and expectant every time. If I am willing to wait on and trust a fast food restaurant so relentlessly, how big of a capacity for those same qualities can I have while waiting on the Lord who provides more than I could ever dream of? (Eph 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”) 

The Lord has laid these two words on my heart the last couple of weeks and I'm excited to share them with you all. When we think about waiting, we may think of impatience, anxiety, and groaning. By the world’s definition, these things notoriously linked. I have noticed in my life these same feelings trying to creep in when the waiting process isn’t going my way or taking longer than expected. The enemy will push its way into every vulnerable corner of our lives if we don’t fully maintain the armor of God.  

But the Lord equips us with his promises that give us strength when held onto. We can expect to go through times that we don’t understand but are we holding hope and expectancy while trusting fully that God has it under control? Because he is reputable even when we can’t see it, He is always on time and provides bigger and better than we could ever dream of. Isaiah 40:31 says, “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”  

In the ever changing seasons of your life, cling to Him and enjoy the ride. In the end, you will be provided with more than you could ever imagine, and it will be worth the wait.

Identity Over Insecurity

This topic is deeply personal to me because it is something I have struggled with before in the past and to this day must conquer. Growing up with severe skin problems, the other kids were quick to notice. Sometimes they didn’t even want to be near me for the fear of “catching” what I had. This quickly became a defining recurrence contributing to the way I would look at myself for years. I allowed my feelings to manifest into compulsive insecurity and anxiety about my self-image. 

 I suspect that many of you can relate or have your own similar story involving  a defining moment that led to insecurity in your life. It’s good to know that there’s someone out there who has felt the same things you have. But by turning away from the world’s definition of acceptable and not only feeling but knowing your identity is in the only One who sees you for your heart, you can be reminded that there is so much more. 1 Samuel 16:17 says, “Do not look at his appearance or at his physical stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”  

As believers we know our identity is in Christ. However, the enemy will use every tactic to work his way in and try to tear us down by whispering such thoughts and feelings in our ear. This is when it becomes vital to make the decision to place our identity in Christ over the insecurities of our worldly identity. Galatians 3:27-28 tells us, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.” None of the superficial things we tend to worry about matter to God. None of it is meaningful to the purpose God has for us. We have been transformed into something greater! 

 Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This verse alone is reassurance that we are enough. God created us in His image, so how can we not be enough? Sometimes it can be a daily challenge and something that requires a lot of work but fortunately, God’s mercies are new every day. The next time you look in the mirror, focus on your heart which is the perspective of the only opinion that really matters: our Creator’s, who fully knows and loves us no matter what. 

With love, 

Emma