Thursday, September 29, 2022

Unworthiness, Pride, and Reputation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NeL9mKnd38g

Worthy of My Song (Worthy of It All) ~ Phil Wickham & Chandler Moore

 

When God wanted to guarantee his promises, he gave his word, a rock-solid guarantee—God can’t break his word. And because his word cannot change, the promise is likewise unchangeable. ~ Hebrew 6:17-18 MSG

 

Recently, I realized I’ve been battling the lie of unworthiness. Though I know my promises, (I am a child of God, forgiven, called by name, etc.), I sometimes struggle to walk in the empowerment of them. On most days, I am fine. But when the enemy challenges my worthiness in my calling—like now, when I’ve been called to lead a women’s Bible study—I more easily question, “Who am I?” Ironically, the other side of that coin is pride. Because if I am worthy and I can do it, then the common denominator is I, which is a very dangerous place. And though I am realizing this, it’s not a new battle; not even for me.

 

I have always loved writing, even when I was younger—before we had a home computer. As I grew older and as my relationship with God grew, I wanted Him to use my writing. Then, one day, God said He would, and He called me to start writing for Him. Suddenly, I was afraid and felt unworthy of the calling. “Who am I to share with others? They won’t want to read what I write. I am nobody important. Who am I?” Then God shared His most profound promise with me, one that has shaped how I write, lead small groups, and even pray. He said, “It’s not about you. It’s not your reputation on the line; it’s Mine!”

 

Sometime after that, Lisa Bevere was a guest speaker at our church. I didn’t know who she was at the time. I’d never heard of her. If I remember correctly, her message was on our calling in Christ. I realized God was speaking to me when she read this portion of scripture, “When God made his promise to Abraham, he backed it all the way, putting his own reputation on the line,” (Hebrews 6:13 MSG). In that moment, in that auditorium, God confirmed His promise to me, that it's not about me. It’s wonderful, because if it’s not about me, then it can be all about Him, which should be the point and focus of all that we do.

 

The Bible says that God has a purpose and plan for each of our lives. Don’t let the devil intimidate you with fear and get you to back down from your calling. For one, you’ll miss out on the blessings God has for you in obedience. And for two, not following through makes it all about you and no longer about God.

 

Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord… It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ~ Colossians 3:23-24 NIV

©Heather Potts 2022

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