If it were possible for you to go back and talk with your 17 year old self, what would you say?
That’s the question the Lord prompted me with this morning as I recognized today’s date. May 26th is the day I graduated from high school 40 years ago!
As a saved young person just starting out in life, I wish I had understood that my true identity and worth were found in Christ alone.
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve learned the importance of seeing life from God’s perspective.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Note to 17 year old self:
“Because you were saved by grace through faith in Christ's finished work on the Cross, and you accepted Jesus as your Savior...
You ARE a child of the Most High, the KING of Kings and LORD of Lords. That is your God-given identity.
Your worth is found in Christ, the One who died for you and rose from the tomb victorious over death and hell.
Eternal life is yours and you are living it right now.
You are already seated in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.
Yes, you will still sin but sin no longer has dominion over you. Confess and repent from your sins and God is faithful to forgive you and the blood of Christ cleanses you from all unrighteousness.
You are kept by the power of God. No man can pluck you out of His hand.
You have an Advocate with the Father.
His mercies are new every morning!
Not only are you secure in your identity and worth, but also in God's provision for your life.
God promises to supply all your need.
This world cannot satisfy! Only God can.
“But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. ”
Life will be full of trials, but God will never leave nor forsake you.
Remember it’s not your circumstances, but your response that matters.
No matter what happens in life, you don’t have to feel powerless or like a victim. God is in complete control.
Through Christ you can choose to respond to adversity with the fruit of the Spirit: Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance.
Stay in God’s Word! The words that He speaks to us, they are spirit and they are life.
“...If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
You have a Perfect heavenly Father Who loves you!
You are loved forever after! Perfect love casts out fear.
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
God’s grace is sufficient for you. His strength is made perfect in weakness. God is faithful even when you are not.
You can trust Him!
Serve Him in truth with all your heart.
Let His love flow through you to others.
And finally, keep looking up..."
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I hope these truths have been a blessing to you! Have a beautiful Memorial Day weekend!
