Remembering Our Worth
By Laura Bailey
Bible Reading
“Then Joshua, son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. “Go, look over the land,” he said, “especially Jericho.” So, they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there.” - Joshua 2:1 NIV
I once attended a conference with high hopes of my scribbles being published into a book. Woman after a woman spoke with eloquence, their words bouncing off their tongues in a perfect melody of inspiration and humor. Their advice was poignant, hitting right at the core of my soul. “Know your season of life. God has a plan. This is His story and His time, not yours.” Upon hearing this message, words meant to fan the flame already burning in my heart, the enemy pounced, ready to extinguish the light I was so eager to share.
“Lord, what am I doing here? Why did You give me hope about something unattainable?” I screamed into the pillow back in my hotel room, frustrated that I had wasted my family’s time and money on this impossible dream of mine.
Before drifting off to sleep, God moved in my heart in the silence and stillness of that place and time. “Why do you keep trying to take over the reins? Do you think I cannot accomplish great things through you? I know your heart; your dreams and desires must be for my glory, not yours.”
Sometimes, the Lord must view me like I view my four-year-old after admonishing her for the hundredth time. My perception of success is not God’s. Why do I let the Father of Lies convince me I am a failure? Just because I do not check off a long list of goals does not mean I am not making a difference or impacting the Kingdom of God.
This is not the first time I have been like a caged hamster, running in circles on a wheel of emotions. My self-worth comes from monetary success, human approval, and tangible accomplishments and rewards. I talk out of both sides of my mouth -- living for eternity on one side and getting all my “just desserts” on the other. Satan, not God, accuses us, and we must never forget that. Feelings of shame, doubt, and worthlessness are Satan's tricks to keep us in the dark places, hiding our lights for Christ “under a bushel,” as the children’s song goes.
The story of Rahab is one of my favorite. That entire account - hiding spies, walls falling - is pretty exciting. However, God wanted us to know specifically about Rahab’s past and her role in this momentous event. Twice, the New Testament refers to her as “Rahab the Prostitute.” (James 2:25 and Hebrews 11: 31). It would have been easy for Rahab to hide behind her reputation, to make excuses for not being qualified to help Joshua’s men. No doubt, she often despaired, perhaps believing that she was trapped in a sinful lifestyle and that God could never love or use someone like her. But Rahab did not allow Satan’s lies to paralyze her; through her faith and courage, she enlisted in God's plan to destroy Jericho and saved not only her life but also that of her family. Lest we forget another significant fact about Rahab, “the prostitute,” through her line descended both David and Jesus. God's work. His Story. Always.
Constantly feeling worthless sucks us into the dismal abyss of despair and discouragement. Walking in light and rejoicing in Truth takes daily commitment, more than a thirty-minute weekly sermon, a calendar verse, or a quick prayer at lunch. There is real, ongoing spiritual warfare all around us, which is the primary reason we cease to press on to fulfill the desires God has placed in our hearts. To thwart the Enemy, we must actively pray, read, memorize, and recite the Word of God and apply it to our lives.
Sister in Christ, if you wake up or go to bed feeling like a significant underachiever, even though you earnestly desire and plan otherwise, then rest assured that I, for one, understand and pray daily for you. But not only you, I pray for the Church, the Body of Believers in Christ worldwide. You are loved. You have a purpose. Place your identity and self-worth in the One who empowers you and me to do the impossible -- in Christ alone.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
As you think about your current season and the unique talents God has given you, how can you bring God glory in your current circumstances?
Further Reading:
Ecclesiastes 3
10 Reasons to Embrace the Season of Life You Are In
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/Solovyova
Laura Bailey is an author and Bible teacher who encourages women to understand what they believe, why it matters, and how to apply biblical truths to their lives. Her recent book, Embracing Eternity in the Here and Now, explores how the timeless truths of Ecclesiastes help us live more peaceful, purposeful, and plentiful lives today.
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
Check out fantastic resources on Faith, Family, and Fun at Crosswalk.com!
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