Defined by the Cross

Our failures, losses, broken relationships and missteps do not define us. What this means is that we are free to move forward in the light of God's love and in the assurance of Christ's complete work on the cross to enjoy our lives, come what may. The only thing that truly matters cannot be stripped away from us, that being the intimate fellowship with our heavenly Father that feeds our souls and makes us aware that we are of infinite value. I take great comfort in the fact that every human being has a unique fingerprint. This underscores for me the idea that God sees EVERY single one of us as individuals. Why would I spend one moment working for the approval of people? "I, yes I, am the one who comforts you. So why are you afraid of mere humans, who wither like the grass and disappear? Yet you have forgotten the Lord, your Creator, the one who stretched out the sky like a canopy and laid the foundations of the earth. Will you remain in constant dread of human oppressors? Will you continue to fear the anger of your enemies?" (Isaiah 51:12-13, NLT) I have found that if I can shed the fear of human disapproval, I am free to pursue God's will for my life clothed in a peace that truly does pass understanding, as the scripture describes. All throughout my adult life, Satan has tormented me with the thought that I was absolutely unworthy to serve God. He has always told me that if others were to find out about my past sins, my present struggles, my overarching weaknesses (self-discipline is like an iron tower that I have to pray my way over), I would be discounted as a soldier in God's army. During one period of amazing spiritual growth I short-circuited Satan's relentless attacks in this arena by saying to myself, again and again "If all God tells me to do is stand still and love Him, I will do it." The point is for me to submit to Him.