This has been a trying year for me. I have experienced anger, sadness and disappointment after having people test both my character and my faith.

I created this blog to be obedient to the calling on my heart and share experiences in order to encourage others and share with them God’s unconditional love for all. I knew that sharing personal experiences would mean having to be transparent, and frankly, this meant opening myself up to negative criticism.

When you share your faith with the world there will be individuals who will criticize or judge you because they either disagree with you, dislike you, or feel that you’re not good enough to offer encouragement due to your mistakes. I experienced this recently when someone felt the need to share their negative opinions. Now while I could have replied and gotten into a negative discussion with the individual, I knew that going back and forth with the person was not needed. You see, although some may feel self-righteous enough to judge you, when you choose to be still you are reminded that God isn’t looking for perfection.

God seeks willing hearts who will allow him to enter and move in their lives.  And he specializes in using imperfect people to share his love.

It is hard to prepare yourself for insensitive, hateful words from others, but do not lose heart because the opinions of others do not define your worth, or purpose, God does. If I were to have waited until I felt I was good enough to encourage others or perfect enough in someone else’s eyes, I’d never have started. I stepped out in faith because I knew that God calls us to take the first step in order for him to do a work in us.

 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. – 2 Corinthians 4:16(NIV)

Although there will be people who feel you are not good enough to speak of God’s unfailing love, Glory be God that Jesus chose to use broken, flawed people. To some broken things hold no value and should be thrown out or discarded of. But for the crafty, broken items can be refurbished to create new things, just take a look on Pinterest and you will find many ideas. In the same fashion Jesus uses people who some feel are not good enough.

Do you have a passion that you have not pursued? Do you feel a calling in your heart to help others but feel you have to get to a better place in life before you can? If so, please realize that you don’t have to have it all together to help, uplift, or encourage someone. Inspire someone today. Speak life over their circumstance. Be reminded that it takes everyday imperfect people like you and I to make a difference in someone’s life.

There are gifts that were placed within you that are for others.

Take the focus off of yourself and step out in faith when you feel that tugging on your heart. It will be a decision you will never regret. I can recall past conversations with close friends where I told them I felt I wasn’t good enough to be used, but along the way God has revealed to me that my downfalls and struggles are for others – not myself. When you are in a situation you are trying to overcome, would you rather get advice from someone who has never walked in your shoes? Or would you rather talk to someone who has been where you are?

I am far from perfect and I know that I fail God in many ways; But I know that my purpose today is to let anyone struggling in a place of brokenness know that all hope is not lost. No matter what situation you are in, God loves you and created you in his image, for a good purpose. If you are struggling with trying to overcome something on your own, in your weakness call upon God’s strength to help you.

When people in the world insult you, know that the God of Love is right there loving you with an everlasting love. ❤️

There are moments in my life that I question God’s purpose for calling me and feel as though I should walk the other way and give up. But, with each new morning he awakens me with a reminder that he calls the unqualified to show just how powerful he is.

We may fall and make mistakes, but flawed people are used every day to spread hope in this flawed world.

Not many of us go through life with the intention of messing up or hurting someone, but when it happens, where to you go from there?

1. Recognize your weakness
2. Embrace your flaws
3. Admit your mistakes
4. Ask God for forgiveness
5. Pray and ask for God to cover you with his strength

There is a saying, “Hurt people, hurt others”, and this statement couldn’t be more true. Sometimes in trying to find healing, we become vulnerable or bitter and hurt others unintentionally. If you’re in this place, don’t beat yourself up and don’t count yourself out from becoming who you were created to be. Don’t allow the criticism from others to shake you. Stand firm on his promises.

For the king trusts in the Lord; through the unfailing love of the Most High he will not be shaken. Psalm 21:7

Although many have too much pride to admit it, we all have trying moments in life that leave us wounded, confused and sometimes weak or shameful.  We all go through struggles, and no one is without personal flaw, so be prepared to stand firm when someone chooses to attack your character and know that you are not a finished product.

Do your best not to react in anger and pray for your accuser. If they are choosing to waste their time pointing out your imperfections or mistakes they must be unhappy with their own life and are incapable of seeing their own personal flaws and downfalls. None of us is free from sin so don’t meet evil with evil, and do not allow anyone to discount the work God has done or will do in your life. Their opinion of you holds no value because God saved you by grace.

“God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” Ephesians 2:8

Below is a beautiful song by Matthew West to remind us that God uses broken things and people:

Father,

We thank you for your mercy and grace. We thank you Lord for using people who are broken and flawed. We come humbly before you knowing we are imperfect people but ask you father to use our weaknesses and flaws for your glory. Father, have mercy on us when we want to do right but fail you and remind us that your love is unfailing. Remind us that there is nothing we can do that will separate us from you. Strengthen us to be willing vessels to share with others the unconditional love you hold for all of us and equip us with your power to overcome and walk in the ways you set out for us. When we fall down remind us to get back up and try again. Father, this world is full of darkness and hatred, so teach us to love like you and to pray for those who seek to hurt us or break our spirits and point out our flaws. May you redirect motives, heal the places that need healing and remind us all that you alone should judge. Father, remind us they can’t see within our hearts and we do not know what others have endured. Father, we know that man looks at the exterior and we thank you because you look at the heart. May all we do, experience and share in life be for your glory.

In Jesus name,

Amen

Growing with you,

Sandy