"Strong, beautiful, and loved" are some of the words I wrote down when listening to a session from the Diamonds Conference.
The Diamonds Conference is annual online conference for Christians that have a chronic illness. I first heard about this in January, and the past couple of months I have been blessed to be part of the staff and helping with preparations for this one-day event last Saturday. Through all of the sessions I have listened to have brought me encouragement as a reminder that those of us with a chronic illness, or suffering, we are not alone.
What I wanted to share today is an encouragement about identity. Maybe at this moment, you are struggling with your identity or feeling self-conscious. In the past, you may have looked at yourself in the mirror and seen flaws, and brokenness. As humans, we often look for the mistakes in ourselves instead of seeing how Christ see us. He sees us as His children.
Believing The Truth
We must remember the truth, that Jesus loves us. Each one of us are unique and brought here for a purpose. I was reminded of this during the Diamonds Conference on Saturday. I listened to a session for those who are single and struggle with a chronic illness. There were tears in my eyes as I heard truths to my identity. That I am loved and treasured by my Savior and friend.
You see, for many years I have believed these lies about myself, that I'm not good enough, and no one will love me because of the physically struggles with my disability. But, in this past weekend, I felt a transformation take place when listening to the words spoken by this speaker. I'm learning to focus on the truths that I am loved, strong, beautiful, and created with a purpose, instead of hearing the words that have caused me pain.
Today, if you are struggling with your identity, look to the truths from scripture. Remember that you are loved, and created with a purpose.
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Ephesians 2:10
Reflection
I encourage you today, to write down truths about your identity. Write it down on paper, and then put it nearby as a reminder that you are loved. Do not believe the lies that cause you to struggle and fall away from the one who is always constant. God loves and cares deeply for you in every second, and hour of the day. He will never leave you. For you are strong, beautiful, and created with a purpose.
Question: How are you being reminded of the truth to your identity?