Therefore we also pray always for you
that our God would count you worthy of this calling,
and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness
and the work of faith with power,
that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you,
and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 1:11-12

It always amazes me how God works.

Yesterday, I was having a conversation with my husband about how some people make me feel belittled, scared, and intimidated. I know I am a child of the King, but for some reason, the words and actions of others cause me to cower into myself. This hinders not only my life, but the purpose that God has placed in me. And it was during this conversation, that God reminded me of an event early in my life.

I was 5 years old, in Kindergarten. We were going to have a costume parade. My mom was very creative and made me the greatest costume. She used a flat cardboard box, and painted a turtle shell for me to wear.  At school the day of the parade, I was given the position at the front of the line, because my costume was somewhat large and cumbersome- the box only allowed my head, hands and feet to be seen.

My mom walked beside me, holding my hand, to keep me from falling flat on my face as I walked. Parents and students lined the hallway, and the parade began. As I led the line, the parents started making comments, “Look, how cute, a chocolate chip cookie.” I began to cry, and said, “I’m not a cookie, I’m a turtle.”

That day I wanted to crawl up inside my homemade turtle shell and never come out.

They didn’t see what I really was, they only saw what they thought I was. And through my life, many have tried to make me into what they want me to be, and not let me become who God created me to be. I don’t fit into the mold. I don’t conform to others opinions. I am exactly who God made me to be.

For far too long, I have allowed what others thought silence me. I have let their words and actions push me so deep into a shell, that I became of no effect in the purpose God created me for.

As I remembered that costume parade, tears flowed. It was like God was revealing to me, that no matter what anyone else thinks I am, I have to be who He made me to be. I cannot let their words or actions push me into the darkness of my shell. The shell is meant to protect me, a shield from attacks and danger, to keep me from harm. Not a place to cower and hide thinking I have nothing to offer, that I have no worth. If I only use my shell to cower in, I will not live a fulfilling life, and I won’t be who God meant for me to be.

If you have hidden in a shell thinking you are not enough, that you have no purpose, I want to encourage you to stick your head out. See who God made you to be. You have a purpose. Do not let the enemy keep you cowering in fear and darkness. Stay steady and true to who God made you to be.  Watch Him do mighty things through you for His glory!