You are Somebody - Girlfriends in God - August 1, 2016

August 1, 2016
You Are Somebody
Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:5 NIV).

Friend to Friend

I want to know God’s will for my life. Don’t you? However I have learned that identity comes before activity. In other words, I must have a proper perspective of who I am before I can grasp what God wants me to do. This was true of Jeremiah: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations”(Jeremiah 1:5). He didn’t choose Jeremiah after he proved himself worthy of the task, but before he was even born. That was true for Joshua (Joshua 1:6-9), Gideon (Judges 6:12), and Mary (Luke 1:28)—and that is true for you.

God didn’t throw up His hand when you were born and say, “Now what am I going to do with this one?” He had a plan and a purpose for you before you were born. Isn’t that exciting? David wrote this about God: “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16 NIV).

Just before Jesus began his earthly ministry, he travelled to the Jordan to be baptized by his cousin John. As soon as he came up out of the water, the heavens opened, the Spirit descended, and God spoke. “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased” Matthew 3:17 NIV).

Before Jesus performed the first miracle, preached the first sermon, or called the first disciple, God made sure that His identity was clear. He was accepted, approved, and completely loved. So many Christians are trying to earn an acceptance and approval that Jesus already earned for them. God’s acceptance of you is not based on your performance. That doesn’t mean that we stop trying to do our best to live a God-honoring life. But it does mean that we stop trying out for a position or role God’s already given you. As someone once said, “The audition has been canceled. You’ve already got the part.” You have nothing to prove because you have already been pre-approved.

Not only does God accept you just as you are; not only does He love you just as you are; but He also likes the person that you are. Yes! He likes you.

If this were not so, none of us would qualify. God’s love and acceptance of you is based solely on the finished work of Jesus Christ for you and His presence in you. It is based on your true born-again identity as His child.

This is My Son.

Whom I love.

With him I am well pleased.

Allow God to baptize you in this affirmation of your true identity.

You are His daughter.

Whom He loves.

With you He is well pleased.

Before God called you to do something, He called you to be somebody. And it is only when you know who you are, that you can clearly know what to do. The truth is: you are who God says you are.

Let’s Pray

Father, I am in awe that You have a plan and a purpose for my life. Help me to remember that I am who You say I am: Your daughter, who You love, with whom You are well pleased.

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

Now It’s Your Turn

Today, I want to share a song that I hope will minister to you as much as it does me. Click on the link below and allow Israel Houghton to encourage you to remember who you are in Christ. This might not be the style of music that you’re used to, but I think you’ll be blessed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSa01h5OEQk

If you listened and were blessed I’d love to know. Click over to my Facebook page and let me know by saying, I know who I am!

More from the Girlfriends

Did you know I have an app available on iTunes called Praying Wives. With this app for Apple devices you’ll get a scripture and a prayer for your husband for 365 days. You’ll be equipped and empowered to begin the daily habit of covering your husband in prayer from head-to-toe each day. These prayers will strengthen your marriage, deepen your personal prayer life, and cover your husband from head to toe—in ways that will lift not only his spirit, but yours as well. Also, check out the book, Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe. He’ll thank you for it!