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I have a tendency to be anxious. It runs like a red thread through the fabric of my life. It’s been sewn in through genetics and experiences, my temperament and various temptations. It’s almost always present in some form or another.
On my worst days I can believe this lie: I am an anxious woman and I will never change. {You can sub in your own lie: I am _________________. I will never change.} Maybe you’ve been told by a parent or spouse, the bully on the middle school playground, a boss at work or a preacher at church.
But whatever lie we’ve heard isn’t true–for me or for you.
Here’s the reality: Because of Jesus our worst tendency is not our destiny.
This is the truth: I am a beloved, strong, cherished daughter of God who struggles with anxiety.
Will I likely struggle with anxiety in some form until I am home with Jesus? Yes. But here’s the distinction we all need to make: My worst tendency may be my biggest battle but it’s not the basis of my identity.
What did you think of when you filled in the blank above? You are not whatever tendency came to mind either. You, too, are a beloved, strong, cherished daughter of God.
So let’s not define ourselves by our weaknesses but by Who loves us. Let’s not see ourselves in light of our worst moments but through the eyes of grace. Let’s not label our hearts with lies but instead lean into the truth of what Jesus did for us on the cross.
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” {Php. 1:6} Whatever we’ve been told or believed, God alone gets to have the final word on who we are. Only He gets to finish our story.
XOXO
Holley Gerth
P.S. This post is inspired by my devotional What Your Heart Needs for the Hard Days. If you need truths you can hold onto, this devotional is for you, friend.
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Right now, we’re doing a special link-up series to celebrate Fiercehearted: Live Fully, Love Bravely. You’re a fiercehearted woman so I’m asking you to pour out a little love and courage with your words every Wednesday {the link-up goes live at 5:30am CST}. Simply write an encouraging blog post, especially if it’s about living fully and loving bravely, and then share it here. Don’t have a blog? You can still write an encouraging comment. If you’re reading this by email, go to holleygerth.com to see all the fun and join in too.
When you link up your post, take a moment to leave an encouraging comment on the one that’s linked up just before yours. Thanks, friends!
I’m having Coffee For Your Heart with my friend Holley Gerth!
{click to tweet that you’re joining me here today}
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