Blog by Marleis Scharfe
Like most teenagers growing up, finding somewhere to “fit in” was one of my greatest desires, and yet seemed to be one of the most difficult things for me to do. In most social settings I couldn’t quite find my place. Every time I thought I had found friendship or something I could be a part of, it would seem to quickly slip away. Of course what I was looking for was what we all desire: acceptance, love and a sense of confidence in who I was. Looking back, it’s crazy to remember some of the extremes I went to, to find that acceptance. When I didn’t get it, I would fall apart in the most extreme ways.
Truth is, you can spend your life looking for your place, somewhere to FIT IN, or you can simply pick up the grace and love of God. Instead of trusting in your own ability to become or be something you’re not, striving to get the approval of people, we should place the desires of our heart in the hands of our creator. After all, He made you to be YOU. The bible says it like this;
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
He’s the one who will keep you on track.
Don’t assume that you know it all.
Run to God! Run from evil!
Your body will glow with health,
your very bones will vibrate with life!
Honor God with everything you own;
give Him the first and the best.
Your barns will burst,
your wine vats will brim over.
PROVERBS 3:5-10
When I found God’s church, I encountered countless women who loved me, encouraged me and told me what God said about me. I learned that the church, by Gods brilliant design, provides a place for me to activate the dreams and gifts God has placed in me, a place I can sharpen those gifts to glorify Him. God showed me that putting myself into relationships and environments that will help me grow into the woman He designed me to be was not about trying to be something I wasn’t, or striving for acceptance from others. I needed to fix my eyes and heart on Him.
I’d love you to fully grasp this fact. God has already called you, already gifted you and already accepted you – You just needed to walk right on into that place where YOU BELONG. When we come together in a couple of weeks, remember this: You don’t have to do anything or be anything other than who you are. Devoted conference is about You, where you’re at right now experiencing the grace, love, and embrace of Jesus in an environment that will encourage and empower you for every season of your journey.
God, I pray that I would pursue before anything else, a desire to be the truest form of who you made me to be. Thank you for my individuality, my uniqueness and my originality. Help me to always find my confidence and trust in you. Amen
Counting down the days with great anticipation,
Xx
Marleis
YOU BELONG at Devoted Conference 2017
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