My daughter, who is 5 years old, told me that a little girl asked her, “Do you like me?” I couldn’t help thinking that whether we are ages 5, 25, 50 or beyond we all feel the same. We all have moments when we wonder if we are good enough – If we are liked.

What about you? Have you been there?

I’m wrestling with some emotions which have pressed me nose to the Bible. I’m breathing in the words because I need them so deeply. They are a lifeline now more than ever. In my situation I find myself feeling disappointed and a little bit broken. Through it I sense that God is moving, and when He moves I often feel stretched.

His moving means giving me opportunity for growth. And, friends, I’m feeling the growing pains. I don’t like it. Yet, I know it’s necessary. Growth tends to carry passion along with it. It’s almost as if we had a tiny flame which was already burning and then doused with lighter fluid.  The little flame isn’t so little anymore. It’s a roaring fire.

Will you throw some water on it, or will you let the fire drive your growth?

When someone causes us to feel as if we aren’t’ liked, wanted, or needed, it can bring about anger and hurt that will throw water on our roaring fires. When the fire is extinguished growth becomes stunted. There is an alternative. We can make the choices God desires us to make. We can rally for change through prayer and supplication. We can live out Micah 6:8.

He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?

-Micah 6:8

To walk humbly with God and to do what He requires will lead us down the perfect path. I wish I could say the steps He requires us to take didn’t hurt, but I can’t say that. They do hurt. What I will tell you is when you live a life of obedience unto a living God who loves you, you will slowly come to the realization that it doesn’t matter what others think where you are concerned. What will matter most will be what God thinks.

Just in case you do not know, I want to tell you something very important:

You are better than liked, you are loved.

You are thought about constantly.

You matter.

If I am to say anything to encourage you today I need you to know you have worth because He is worthy.

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.”

-Isaiah 61:3

God will be glorified within your time of growth. Though you may not see it, He is working.

Be blessed today!

Love,

Jennifer

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