I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness. Philippians 3:9 (MSG)
When children aren’t sure of their parents’ love, they constantly look for ways to earn it. They find themselves wondering what they have done to disappoint their parents, and they don’t experience the peace that comes from knowing Mom and Dad love them.
Kids who know they are loved can head out into the world with confidence. They are secure enough to take risks because they know that if they fail, they will still be loved.
It’s no different between you and God. If you are unsure of God’s love and acceptance, you assume He’s somehow punishing you when things go wrong. You’ll wonder if you did something to deserve the sickness you face or the struggles you have in life. When you pray, you will wonder if you’ve done enough to earn His help. And when you mess up, you will hide from Him just like a child hides from a very stern parent when they make mistakes.
You can’t do what God is calling you to do if you never know where you are in your relationship with Him. You’ll play it safe, afraid to disappoint Him somehow or make Him angry. This lack of confidence in His love for you steals your effectiveness as a representative of Jesus.
Don’t waste your entire life trying to get something you already have. God loves you. He’s crazy about you, in fact. And as a believer, your right-standing with Him is untouchable. You can step into your destiny with confidence, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re loved!
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