In a world focused on status, prestige, and over-achievement, it is easy to lose sight of the most important status of all, where we stand with God. If we fail to get that right, nothing else matters. My guest, Andrea Merrell shares what it means to be “In Him.”
2MefromHim Devotionals
For in him we live, and move, and have our being… Acts 17:28
“Just who do you think you are?”
The words stung and caught me by surprise. I stopped and stared at my accuser, at a complete loss for words. My mind wrapped tightly around the question and I could not form a reply.
Just who did I think I was? The product of a dysfunctional broken home? The smallest child in the class; constantly teased and mistreated? The girl with low self-esteem who never seemed to measure up? The woman who had failed others, disappointed God, and made more mistakes than she could count?
As I struggled against the harsh memories, my accuser walked away and I was left alone with my tears. My heart was broken. That’s when I heard a gentle whisper in my spirit.
You are my child, and I love you with an everlasting love.
I closed my eyes against the tears and felt God’s Spirit wash away the confusion, the hurt, and the doubt. Scripture started tumbling through my mind, one after another. The peace of God consumed me and joy filled my heart.
“I am God’s child,” I repeated aloud. “I am in Him and I am loved.”
As I spent precious time in His presence, He reminded me that in Him I am redeemed. In Him I am righteous, holy, and without blame, fear, or condemnation. In Him I am called, equipped, and empowered. In Him I am a new creation. In Him I am complete.
Until we know who we are in Christ, we can spend a lifetime trying to find ourselves by focusing on looks, talents, titles, knowledge, status, or wealth. The problem is, none of those things are eternal and can never determine our true worth.
If you’re struggling to “find” yourself, know that only in Him will you find your true identify.
Andrea Merrell is Associate Editor for Christian Devotions Ministries and Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. She is also a freelance editor and has led workshops at various writers’ conferences. Published in numerous anthologies and online venues, Andrea is the author of Murder of a Manuscript, The Gift, and Praying for the Prodigal, To learn more, visit www.andreamerrell.com or www.TheWriteEditing.com.
Great post. It’s nice to be reminded that you matter to God despite how other people make you feel.