I like me better when I'm with Jesus

I know some of you beautiful people out there have a glowing, outgoing, electric personality, but thats not my "most of the time" vibe. I tend to be introverted, quiet, uncertain in my words and fearful of the unexpected. These qualities are not necessarily bad...but for the sake of the gospel we have to be able to communicate. For years I thought of all the things I needed to change to be used by God, but God brings being useful TO us! He made us each perfect in our own way. We each have a different story. A different trauma. A different calling. A different dream. And all of them are immensely important to Him. We have to stop trying to be like someone else because we may miss out on the call God has specifically for us...I heard this last sentence on a podcast recently and it hit hard. Do you know who else wants us to miss out on our purpose??? Satan. He will relentlessly attack us until we are sitting on our shower floor with flooding tears asking God why He has forsaken us....spoiler alert...He NEVER leaves us or forsakes us. And truth be told spiritual warfare often comes right before unprecedented seasons of Gods blessings, be encouraged by this- keep pushing forward. Every battle is already won.

I never want to be the kind of christian who portrays themselves as perfect. I have flaws...many of them, and I have struggles; thats why I need JESUS! Jesus...the author and perfector of our faith. I have recently been listening to the Crazy Love Podcast Ephesians Series. It explains how important it is to have a true, deep, immovable relationship with the Lord and how we should be flooded in thankfulness for the gift He has given us in His one and only son, Jesus. Spend time with Him. What we do in private is primarily attached to our ability to center ourselves around God and discipline ourselves in His ways of submission. Ultimately our purpose is to point to and give back to God because of what He has done for us, out of love.

While we all have different demeanors, endeavors, locals and ways of life...the one most important thing that bounds us all together is Christ and His love for us.

So as you pursue the path God has chosen for you, hold onto the truth found in 1 Thessalonians 5:24 - "He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it." Trust that the One who created you knows your potential and equips you for every challenge ahead. Is it always easy?? NO. Keep your focus on Him and let His truth guide you beyond the noise. Be bold. Be brave. Be YOU...on mission!