Today, I woke up early in the morning to join the church service. Yesterday was a busy Saturday because we beatified the church. I was very glad to use my talent for Christ. We also prepared for the visitors that come for the cottage-prayer. When the decors were done, I was not satisfied with my works. I was frightened about what can the pastors say about it. Then I compared myself to the artworks of our church leader on the walls and the stage. He is very skilled and for sure, God is very happy to see his passion in dedicating his talent for him.
After the sermon this morning, I went to the room where I used to decorate for the children's room. I was overwhelmed by the kids' comment that they liked what they see on the walls. The other friends further commented that it was nice.
The problem mostly of the world today is dealing with our bad attitudes. We always focus on our fears and insecurity. We are always afraid of the others' opinions for us as we are scared to do something new because we think we can't do what others can, we compare ourselves to them, we like to imitate another person, we focus on our surroundings, we always look back our circumstances and we allow those circumstances to pull us down. We're afraid in talking to a stranger we think who looks good than us because we're anxious he/she disgusts seeing our face. We're afraid of talking to many people because we think can't be accepted in the society. We're scared to share our opinion because we think our opinion is always wrong. We refuse the opportunities because we think we are not qualified. When someone is well-dressed, we effort to buy good clothes to look the same, to gain everyone's admiration, to gain everyone's approval, and to look good. But let's all remember that God knows who we are. We don't have to be like someone else because we are perfect, created by His own image. We don't have to listen by the other people who reject us and bullied us because we know ourselves, God knows who we are, better than what we know our own self. Instead of trying our best to gain people's approval, why not do our best for God, and by doing our best is to always be confident about who we are.
Many of us are scared to try new things, but God wants us to come out of our hiding place to create a new chapter. Life becomes forever monotonous if we pick to dwell on the poor self-esteem and negative areas. Remember, there is no other hiding place than our Christ. Don't worship your denying thoughts and weaknesses. Come out, step up to a new level, be a fighter, don't be afraid! Remind yourself that God is our most hiding place. Don't give up, follow your dreams, and follow your heart. When there is a field of darkness in your mind, listen to what your heart wants and enjoy the tough times to allow God renewing your life for He will never be happy if we often close our doors to our exciting things. Don't be in fear for confidence is the most inner substance of faith. Don't think of many "I cant's" and "what ifs," but help yourself by summoning it to use the gift uniquely given to you. Along with it is the purpose. We can never be that someone else we want ourselves to be if his type of aura and talent are really for him to take as an obligation. What we need to do is to focus on our own gift along its responsibility to see the purpose.
If your sister has given a gift on her birthday by someone else, will you open the box that is not meant for you? If you do, what will the giver feel when he knows?
You are talented and beautiful in your own uniqueness. Go out, don't focus on the people you are insecure with, rather, remind yourself about your exciting chapter in the next page. Find a person that will admire you for who you are that is a part of your dream.
In the previous month, I was assigned to read a scripture in front of the people. It was my first time. I said I cannot do the task because I was scared if I will be shaking in the middle of the crowd and can't see the words written in the bible due to nervousness. Then I prayed to God to control my fear. When my turn came in, I immediately went to the stage and read. After the scripture reading, the church leader said it wasn't obvious I was nervous and I had a great diction like an American accent. I was relieved and liked to be assigned as a scripture reader again.
Just like my story, if I accepted the darkness' lies to be fearful, the outcome will not be alright. The people couldn't understand the passages I read and I'll disappoint the Lord. But I fought my fear and used it to another level. If we forever defile our strength, there will be rejecting results too. Remember, we will never be saved by reading the Bible, by going to the church early and every Sunday, by being a good person, and by our religion. What can save us is to surrender everything to our Christ and trust all His works.
*Disclaimer: The content and illustration are original.&
Camera used: iphone7+
Photographer: Clare Blackburn
Taken: 2018
Location: USA
