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Sometimes, God speaks to us when we least expect it.
See.. we always think that His voice will meet us during our prayer, our Bible Study, or as soon as we call out to Him. But God has His own timeline. And sometimes, those moments when we expect His answer are met with silence.
But other times, His whisper comes to us as a gentle nudge when we’re busy doing other things.
Sometimes He’ll speak to us when we’re fast asleep and dreaming, or even during the middle of an ordinary day when we’re minding our own business.
This week, I heard God in the middle of a YouTube video.
Not in my quiet reflection, or our multiple daily conversations where I’m constantly reaching out for advice like a kid who just flew the nest, but on top of the words Hosanna Wong was speaking I heard God’s voice.
You see.. this season of my life has been anything but easy. I’ve struggled with self-doubt, poor self-image, confusion, loneliness, anxiety.. fear. Would you like me to keep going? Because my list of woes is rather lengthy.
It’s easy to get wrapped up in everything the world tells us we are, compared to everything the world tells us we should be.
I’m not thin enough.
I’m not pretty enough.
I’m not a good mother.
I don’t have enough friends.
I’m not successful enough.
I’m not talented enough.
I’m too loud.
I’m too quiet.
I don’t matter.
But that couldn’t be further from the truth. And as I was sitting here listening to Hosanna Wong say these very things, while I asked myself with tears in my eyes what MY name was.. I heard the voice of Jesus confirm to me that in fact.. I am none of those things that I think I am.
I am not forgotten.
I have not been discarded.
I am not unloved.
I am cherished.
How do I know?
Because my Father told me so.
Something I haven’t felt, or maybe haven’t allowed myself to feel in years.
Feeling unwanted, unseen, and unworthy is the exact narrative that Satan wants us to believe. When we adopt that mentality that we are less than.. that we weren’t made for a kingdom or a lifetime of joy.. then we are putting God’s eternal promise to us on the line.
That state of confusion is the exact mess that gets so many of us into trouble. We hide from our talents and abilities rather than stepping into what makes us great and doing that work for the glory of God.
But God has given us all a name. He has given all of us a purpose, and even better.. an identity through Him. It doesn’t matter what the world calls me. Because in God’s eyes.. I am cherished.
You Are More Than You’ve Been Told: Unlock a Fresh Way to Live Through the Rhythms of Jesus by Hosanna Wong
Friend, I highly, highly, highly encourage you to watch the YouTube video I shared above, and check out Hosanna Wong’s new book You Are More Than You’ve Been Told (you can even enter to win a copy through this giveaway).
Book Overview (From Goodreads)
“You don’t have to live disconnected from yourself or from God. Have you ever felt unseen, unwanted, or unworthy? If so, you’re not crazy. You’ve been told lies your whole life. From the beginning of time, the enemy has been fighting against you knowing who you really are, so you never live the full life you were created to live. But there is good news… There is a way to know who you really are, and live like it, every single day. It’s shockingly practical, down-to-earth, and tangible.
While Jesus was on earth, He lived a lifestyle of rhythms that helped Him fight the lies of the enemy. Through His habits, we will discover a roadmap to living lighter, and living as who we really are. In You Are More Than You’ve Been Told, spoken word artist and bestselling author Hosanna Wong unveils a fresh approach to spiritual disciplines as the practical ways we can stay connected to God and to our true selves. She will help you You are more than what people have said about you. You are more than what you have done and what’s been done to you. It turns out—You will know who you really are when you spend real time with the One who knows you the best. Let this practical roadmap show you how.”
