Yesterday was Sunday. Yesterday I was so excited about actually starting this blog (and not just talking about it), about the potential to reach others, like myself, and encourage them, spur them on.
Yesterday, I was swept up in awe of God and the paths He leads us down, often paths we might not have chosen for ourselves. I was typing out oh-so-many ideas at once. I was working and re-working potential posts and the format of the blog itself.
I was confident.
I was on FIRE!
But today is Monday. Today brings with it
Today brings with it uncertainty and doubt, perhaps mixed with a little fear that I’ve gotten myself in waaaaaaay over my head.
Today, after having looked around at fellow faith bloggers, I’m feeling insignificant, untalented, and overwhelmed. Maybe even a little foolish. Today I’m tempted to listen to that voice that says, “What were you thinking??”
Isn’t that how it starts, though?
For one second we take our eyes off of the Father, and suddenly we’re bombarded by these devastating untruths.
Insignificant – it’s an untruth straight from the depths of self and Satan. Self tells me I need to create something I can be proud of, something of worth. Self tells me to be careful; don’t let your pride be wounded. Self makes it about me instead of about Christ.
Then Satan, being the opportunist he is, inserts his voice…insignificant. Wouldn’t he love for all of us women of faith to believe that?! It makes his destructive work so much easier to accomplish!
Thank the Lord that we have His word, the Sword of the Spirit, to combat these untruths. Psalm 139:14 tells us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” He “knit” us together in our mother’s wombs. He knows the number of hairs on our heads. He has loved us with “an everlasting love.”
And His Son Jesus, His one and only, perfect Son calls us His brothers and sisters. That doesn’t sound so insignificant to me. These are just a few nuggets from a gold mine of Scriptures detailing the Father’s love for us.
Even more, consider Romans 5:8, which says, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” If nothing more, surely that nugget alone makes us significant! For a Father to sacrifice His only Son in my place while I remained a helpless and unworthy sinner, means that He places extraordinarily great value on me.
And on you, friend.
What a comfort for a Monday morning!
So, if you’re like me today, and the reality of a Monday morning world has dampened your Sunday fire, remember who you are.
You are the redeemed,
the beloved,
the chosen,
the loved-beyond-measure child of the Most High.
Put on the full armor of God so that you can confidently conquer that Monday world!
Epheisans 6:10 – 17
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.
Arm yourselves, friends,
Jen : )
Sharing with: Grace and Truth
I should post this beside my bed to read every Monday! Crazy how easily we are deceived with such powerful truth of His everlasting love and care for us. Thanks for letting Him be free to speak to us sisters in Christ through your transparency!
He’s so good at reminding us just when we need him to! It seems like Mondays often take a discouraging turn after spending so much time in worship and fellowship on Sundays. Maybe I’ll put it by my bed, too. 🙂
It’s looking gorgeous around here! 😉 Don’t ever hesitate to ask for help!
Thank you so much for linking up on Monkey Monday! This post is so true and a reminder that I needed this Monday morning. So excited to see what the future holds for your new blog, and what amazing blessings God will give others through your writing. Keep on, keeping on!
Thanks for the encouragement and for all of the help, too! I look forward to reading the links on Monkey Monday. 🙂
I can relate to this:) Wednesday’s at 4pm are hard too. Thank you for the encouragement!
Thanks for stopping by! I’m really glad you found encouragement in it. 🙂
enjoy creating your lovely space, Jen! the photo is super …
and I join you in not becoming weary in well-doing!
Thanks, Linda! This is actually a post I wrote a few months ago, but I felt like pulling it out again. I’ve really been enjoying the blogging journey so far!
Jen 🙂
Dear Jen
You are a unique person with a life story that no one else shares! Despite that; you are a member of Jesus’ body whom the body cannot function properly! So, dear sister, just keep on being you!
Blessings XX
Mia
Thank you, Mia! This is an older post that I felt the need to share again. I greatly appreciate your encouragement!
Jen 🙂
I love the graphic you have created. As a blogger, I am often tempted to look at everyone else to see how I measure up (or don’t) instead of just asking God what He thinks. Here’s to being Daughters of the King together, seeking out His approval above all else, armed with Sword. Amen.
Yes, yes, yes! Thank you for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
This is fantastic. So often, my Monday self dampens my Sunday fire. You put it into words for me! Thank you for the encouragement to look to God and his Word for the truth of what I should be pursuing.
Thanks for visiting, Courtney!
Jen 🙂
Oh, yes, I get those lies, too. “I don’t have anything good worth saying” “No one listens anyway” “No one cares what you think or say” Blah, blah, blah! Maybe we need to start thinking of Satan’s voice as the voice that is used for Charlie Brown’s teacher “wonk, wonk, wonk”!
I love reading the armour of God. Did you know it is the very same armour Christ wears upon His return to wage war? Isaiah 59:16-17. Isn’t that AMAZING?
Hi, Aimee! Yes, I love your idea, haha! 🙂 I hope that springs to mind the next time I encounter the Enemy’s untruths. I’m going to have to look at the passage you mention about the armor of God because I’ve never heard that before. I love learning new connections like that, though! The Bible is full of such rich literary elements – makes for a fun study. Thanks for stopping by!
Jen 🙂
I love this glimpse into your early days! And look how far the Lord has brought you. 🙂 I praise Him for His faithfulness in your life and mine.
Thank you for this encouragement, Jennifer! I just “found” it today. Apparently I missed some notifications lately!
Jen 🙂
I completely agree with you and sit here amazed at how God works. How ironic is it that the enemy causes you self doubt and tinges it with fear and Jesus steps right in and uses that fear to drive you to write this post! A post that is encouraging countless women! What a testimony about what the enemy meant for harm, God uses for good. Amen!
Thanks for the encouragement, Natalie! Only by His grace!
Jen 🙂
Isn’t it great that we serve a God who understands all of that? 🙂
I’m going to save the image as my lock screen wallpaper because I absolutely detest Mondays. There’s much improvement to be desired in this area of my life. Thanks for sharing!