My story like many of your stories has been shaped by joy, pain, love, abuse, great relationships and not-so-great relationships, great choices and not-so-great choices. Like a mountain range, my experiences are varied and filled with highs and lows. But most importantly, my story has been made complete when I found the love of Jesus. I am Worthy…You are Worthy…just as we are through the blood of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. And I know that all these experiences have grown my faith and groomed me to be the woman I am today. The Word of God reminds us that our trials bring perseverance, character, and hope. We can rejoice not only in our mountain-top experiences but also in the lowlands of the valleys.
“More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” – Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)
I know I still make mistakes, and I will never be perfect. I struggle with comparison, self-doubt, anxiety, and low self-esteem. At times, I have felt there was no escape from these feelings. I have felt alone, unworthy, “not enough” in multiple areas of my life, and maybe even a little depressed at times. But I also know that I love the Lord who saved me from my sin, and I feel His love in return.
By surrendering my life to Jesus, I know I have God’s hand to hold through the celebrations and the challenges…
If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. – Psalm 139:9-10 (NIV)
And His Spirit reminds me over and over of my value and worth in Him…
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. – Psalm 139:14 (NIV)
He is there for me to lean on…
I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. – Psalm 121:1 (NIV)
He promises never to abandon me…
So do not fear, for I am with you; Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
God knows me even more than I know myself…
Oh LORD, you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down. And are intimately acquainted with all my ways. Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O LORD, You know it all. – Psalm 139:1-4 (ESV)
Sweet Circle of Friends, I know many of us struggle with these same issues. I feel your pain. I have experienced some of the same pain. I also see our victories and triumphs as we rise out of the valleys with Jesus in the lead. I hope we share our stories with each other to bring hope, healing, and encouragement. I also hope we grow a rich, thriving community with each other as Sisters in Christ.
More to come on my journey in future posts. Come back and let’s continue to share together and celebrate each other.
Hugs & blessings, Sweet Circle,
Stacy
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