“And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ “
Luke 15:5-6 NKJV
Unworthy, unfit, unable, unloved, undeserving, and uneducated. These are a few of the tags we often label ourselves with. Many more exist, and they don’t all start with that particular prefix.
Today, I want to debunk those lies, because that’s not what God sees when He watches you struggle through life. It isn’t what God speaks when you pray. Like many of us, you may have heard those terms. You probably have spoken them to yourself while staring in the mirror. Where do these labels come from?
They slip from the mouths of people who lack the sense to understand the damage these names do. These identities are rooted in hell, and our enemy loves to plant them in our minds.
I’ve walked this road, calling myself stupid. It’s a hard habit to break until you realize just who you are and whose you are.
As children of God, He loves us unconditionally. Examples of that type of love are rare in this world. You’ve probably experienced it from your pet. Several years ago, we awoke one morning to realize our house cat was missing. She had slipped out the door, and despite how loudly I called her name, she never returned. Frightened that something horrible had happened to my helpless declawed Rascal, I began canvassing the streets expecting to find the worse. As I walked, I franticly called her name. I heard her meows, and I followed them. Rascal was caught in a trap that had been set for someone besides her.
I remember the joy I felt when I carried her home, knowing how close I had come to losing her. I imagine Jesus rejoices even more when He carries each of His lost sheep back to the fold.
Friend, Jesus never stopped rejoicing over you. You are worthy in His eyes. That’s why He left heaven to go to the cross for your sins. That is love. A love you will never know from another. Look at who you are in Scripture. You are blessed, accepted, and chosen (Eph. 1:6). You are an overcomer who is fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). You are the child of the one true King, and you have royal blood running through your veins.
The world will run over us. They will reject us. Even those in the church can turn a cold shoulder, but that’s not a reflection on you. It only magnifies their own insecurities. You see, my sweet friend, God rescues those who man rejects.
Begin today to take those labels one-by-one and discard them. Every morning, look in your mirror and remind yourself that Jesus thinks you are worthy enough to leave the ninety-nine behind to search for you, find you, and rejoice over your homecoming.
Lord Jesus, I am humbled by Your great love for me. Help me see myself as You do. I want to stop the name calling, and I want a new prospective when I feel the sting of others’ words. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read Ephesians 1:3-13.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Which labels do you hear from others or yourself? Find a scripture that disqualifies it and memorize it. The verses in Ephesians chapter one is packed with some good ones.
Today is the day!! Overcoming the Overwhelming: Walking in Victorious Faith When You Don’t Feel Victorious released this morning help my new 30-day devotional hit #1!!!
Originally posted on January 13, 2020 @ 3:00 am