Emboldened

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I stared at the blinking cursor for what felt like hours. My mind was blank. The essay question was simple: “Who are you?” But I couldn’t figure out how to answer it. And I was writing an essay for graduate school.

Contrary to what you assume when you’re young, adulthood doesn’t mean you have it all figured out. I’m a work in progress, still growing and changing—just like you.

It can be hard to figure out who you are. We can rattle off the facts, like that we’re a son or daughter, or where we grew up, or even what our hobbies are. But there’s so much more to us than that.

For some, an unseen battle wages inside. Perhaps an inner voice whispers its own answers to who you are. Maybe that whisper tells you that you’re unlovable. Or that you’re too broken and scarred to be used by God. Or that your future is hopeless.

Have you ever heard those whispers?

The truth is that we are beloved, forgiven children of our Almighty God. We are adored by the King of Kings. Our wounds and scars are held gently by the One with his own nail-scarred hands. Our future is filled with hope, because we will live eternally with our Savior.

In those moments where we struggle against the lies echoing in our heads, we can find solace in Scripture.

Psalm 139:14 reminds us that God created us with purpose: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us to joyfully embrace the future, knowing that Christ has won victory over death by His death and resurrection: “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

No matter what we face or how we feel about ourselves, we can be sure that nothing will ever change God’s love toward us. As the apostle Paul shares in Romans 8:39, “… Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

So who are you? You are a baptized believe in Jesus. You’re redeemed. You’re special, created with purpose. Your future is hopeful.

Despite the mistakes and unexpected detours in your life, God will never abandon you.

You’re emboldened to live out who God says you are: loved, forgiven, and held securely in the arms of a loving Savior in this life and the next.

Heavenly Father, I thank you for your unending love, grace, and acceptance. You know who I truly am, how I am wounded, where I struggle, and why I believe the lies about myself. Thank you for setting me free from my failures and shortcomings through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive me, renew me, and help me live in the truth that I am created with purpose to glorify You in all that I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

 Questions for Reflection

• Who are you? Write down five words to describe how you see
• What lies do you tell yourself about who you are? What does Scripture say, in response to those lies?