When I was growing up, I was very shy and timid. I never participated in any sports, and I never confronted anyone about anything. During class, I sat there afraid that the teacher was going to ask me a question.
After completing high school, convinced that Jesus wanted me to serve Him. I left home for North India, more than 2,000 miles away, to serve the Lord with Operation Mobilization mission teams. Every day I prayed and read the Bible. I was doing all the right things. But I was still shy, withdrawn and nervous.
But one day, I read a verse of Scripture that completely changed my life. Ephesians 1:6 says, I was “accepted by the Beloved.”
This turned the whole world upside-down for me. I realized that regardless of what people thought about me. The circumstances I found myself in, my temperament, inadequacies, inabilities, failures or shortcomings. I was accepted by the living God, and I was somebody special. And I learned that in everything He allows in my life—even the worst situations—He has a purpose: preparing me to become more like His Son (Romans 8:29).
As we apply this understanding on a daily basis, we can look upon fears and despair with a different view. We can be freed from anxieties, anger and bitterness. Knowing and believing the truth that our Heavenly Father loves us just as He loves Jesus (see John 17:23) gives us the strength to do all we need to do, and to continue our journey.
This is my prayer for you, that you will find your rest in the perfect love of God as you offer your life to be used by Him.
By: KP Yohannan