“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession –to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:11-14 (NIV)
The world has placed labels on us which we have chosen to agree with. We have claimed titles of introvert, extrovert, social, unsocial, shy, outspoken, adulterer, murderer, jealous, broken, and more. An introvert may state they cannot reach out to others because they are not able to be social, and may become awkward, or panic and lose their voice, while an extrovert may be too forthright in a way that may scare or push people away. Maybe you have committed what you felt was an unspeakable or unforgiveable act and now you believe you cannot be used. Whatever label you have been placed with has been placed on you by this world and not by God. This is not how God sees you.
The one thing that continues to be overlooked is that God is still calling you to fulfill His purpose for your life. If he could use Moses who did not speak well or David who was an adulterer/murderer, then he can use you. The world may have placed a label on you, but God has done the very same. Where the world may call you broken, God calls you a new creation. Sometimes we have to be broken so that we can be put back together the way God intended us to be.
I want to encourage you to ask God to show you how he sees you and how you are supposed to be used. If you maintain the label the world has given you, then you will never be used the way God desires to use you. There will always be an excuse to keep you from moving forward. You have so much to offer when walking in the will of God, so choose to see His label and not the world’s. Seek God daily through the word and in prayer so that you may fulfill the purpose He has created for you.
Father, forgive me for not seeking to fulfill my purpose and for choosing to believe what the world speaks over me. I desire to be obedient to the calling on my life. Give me courage to overcome labels and the ability to see the truth of who you have called me to be. Above all, help me to make the most of every opportunity given. Amen.
— Christina Gallagher
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