"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."               
2 Corinthians 3: 17 NASB

It is amazing to consider how much time I used to think about, dwell on, care for and be concerned regarding what others thought of me. Ug. It's almost embarrassing. The truth is that, when my Christian foundation was formed in a works-based church, I spent a lot of mental energy and time focused on myself. That's right. Myself. That's what having a sin-focus does. It causes us to put more weight on ourselves and what we are doing (or not doing) than on who God is on the inside of us. 

Our identity gets all twisted up with the patterns of this world and a running dialogue cycles through the mind with thoughts such as: What's important to the larger group? What's popular? What's acceptable and unacceptable? What will make me stand out and be noticed (in a bad way) and what will allow me to blend in and remain unnoticed? Be accepted? This paradigm could even be seen as staying small for the sake of "humility". But this is a false humility because, you see, the entire focus is on self, which is actually the highest level of pride. Notice the ploy here. Clearly, the enemy would love nothing more than for us to remain mediocre and never bother stepping into our true identity and unique purpose in Jesus. 

Once I learned of the true, loving, good nature of God, I was freed up in so many ways! I was freed to receive healing; freed to live by faith in a good God; freed to love differently (with grace and truth, not judgment and criticism--sure signs of legalism). But more than that, I was freed to go from living in obscurity to living out my destiny! To live in obscurity means to be shrouded in or hidden by darkness (which in my case meant focusing mostly on my flaws and short-comings). Obscurity is also living in a way that is not clearly seen or easily distinguished (from the crowd). As much as my heart pulled on me to fulfill a bigger purpose and dream, my subconscious drug me down and kept me insignificant.

Trust me when I say breaking away from that mentality took effort and intentionality on my part. First, I heard the word in faith and I repented (had a change of mental and spiritual attitude). Second, I studied the word exactly as written, not filtered by the voice of another. Third, in faith, I received from the Lord all of his promises, which are yes and Amen! Next, I invested in myself to be discipled, choosing mentors who knew truth and Kingdom of God principles like I had never been taught before. They confirmed our experience of the Lord's heart for healing and wholeness on this earth. Then, I learned about inner heart healing and how Jesus would meet me in all my wounds and display his love like a banner in the midst of painful memories and experiences. And finally, I renewed my mind each and every day by walking with the Holy Spirit as my trusted friend. I activly worshipped God in my home and heart. Little by little, I broke off the old, insecure, small person I had been and stepped into who God made me: a woman with a heart to help children and families, bringing them hope, encouragement and breakthrough.  

So who has the Lord made you? Those gifts are there whether you turn to Him or not, yet it's undeniable that what He's given is intended to be used on this earth, to bless Him, yourself and others. Romans 11:29 says, "For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance." But He's so good that even his kindness leads us to repentence. God always makes a way to the path of your destiny.

What lies are holding you back? When you step into destiny, it happens today, now, one scary step at a time until the fear fades to nothing. Eventually, you'll become who the Lord made you from the beginning of time and look back at your old self, wondering who that was. Your life is not about your works. But it is about God's love for you and your understanding of it. The good works you'll do will come effortlessly as a genuine response to His profound love.

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10 NKJV

Walk, my friend. Walk forward, even in the pain. The movement brings breakthrough. Seek growth always, and the Lord will meet you there. He never disappoints.