Today
I stood in front of the mirror after having changed my outfit 4 times and just
let out an exasperated sigh. I didn’t like what I saw. My shirt didn’t hang
right, my shorts were ugly, and I was breaking out. My hair was not
cooperating, and I wished I were thinner, tanner, and taller. Then I would be
more beautiful…right? As those thoughts were going through my head I realized
how often I compare myself to other people. Scrolling through my newsfeed I see
pictures roll by of my beautiful friends who have a guy on their arm, and are
looking real good at the beach…and then I look at me and think…why can’t I have
that? Why can’t I be the one super dedicated to cross-fit or the latest workout
regimen? Why am I not the one getting married in 100 days or whatever the
latest countdown that day is? Why am I not traveling the world with my
imaginary new hot boyfriend? Why is literally “everyone” getting married???
Because.
God
has me where I am for a purpose. For the purpose of bringing me closer to Him
and Him getting to reveal his glory in a way that will deepen my love and
affection for Him. I am beautiful. God created us all to be beautiful children
of God. He doesn’t want me to be constantly comparing my story to others. If
I’m constantly waiting for the next best thing to happen to me, I’m missing it.
God is here. Now. And wants me. I don’t have to have a certain body type, or
hair color to be beautiful. God creates each and every one of us in His image
in a unique and wonderful way. He doesn’t want us looking around wondering why
in the world we are where we are. He doesn’t want us to figure out each
nitty-gritty detail in his plan for us so we can try hard to make it happen. He
is in control. He’s got this. Trust Him. He loves all of us and sees us as beautiful.
He knows what’s best for us and wants us to glorify Him in our waiting.
Patience is not just waiting, but it’s our attitude while we wait. Where is our
heart in this waiting period?
We
as women, I think, struggle a lot with self-image. We are never happy with the
way we look or what we have. We can’t stand to live in the present; we are
focused on planning our perfect Pinterest wedding when in fact, God wants to
use us for his purposes to reach the world with His truth. Ladies. We are princesses
of the most high King. There could never be a more beautiful you. God created
you the way he did with purpose. A greater purpose then getting 80+ likes on a
new profile picture, and having the perfect outfit or “finally” being in a
relationship. Don’t settle. I’m not saying God doesn’t want us to feel
beautiful, or wear ugly clothes all the time. It’s not that he doesn’t want or
have someone for us. My friend mentioned how someone from her church decided
she wasn’t going to date for at least a year, and then two months later…she had
a boyfriend. I jokingly said, “hey I’ll do that too.” Why? I wanted to be in a
relationship…Wrong reason to take a vow of singleness. I needed to do a heart check. Who’s approval am
I seeking here?
Galatians 1:10 smacks me with some
hard truth…
“Am I
now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to
please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a
servant of Christ.”
Yeesh. I should be trying to glorify God, not myself when I get
ready for the day or figuring out what to post to Instagram…Like Meg said in
her last blog, God gave us our status as beloved adopted children of His. So
let’s start seeing ourselves that way. Be confident in who you are in Christ.
He loves you. Just the way you are.
“
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully
made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. " Psalm 139:14
“Because He delights in
me, He saved me." Psalm 18:19
This video might be a little cheesy…but I think it shows how
what God sees as beautiful, and the world’s definition of beautiful are
completely different.
