One of the things we pray over our kids is our church creed:
I am loved by God.
I cannot earn it.
I cannot lose it.
In Christ I am forgiven and made brand new.
I live with passion and purpose.
I am empowered by the Spirit
To be the Church in the world
And to live for the glory of God.[1]
This creed is my prayer for you, and I urge you to make your own version as your personal creed.
We have to get into the rhythm of preaching to ourselves: “I have the peace of God in me. The hope of the world lives in my heart. Yes, the storm may be raging outside, but I’m going to speak life. Everything may feel heavy right now, but I’m going to speak life. The situation may seem hopeless, but I’m going to speak life. I may be experiencing financial tension this month, no one notices the hard work I put into school or my job, my marriage is struggling, but I’m going to keep believing that God is working here. Jesus is with me now.”
I can’t wait to see what God does in your heart and life.
Isaiah 9 is the perfect response to the times we’re all living through:
Nevertheless, that time of darkness and despair will not go on forever. The land of Zebulun and Naphtali will be humbled, but there will be a time in the future when Galilee of the Gentiles, which lies along the road that runs between the Jordan and the sea, will be filled with glory.
The people who walk in darkness
will see a great light.
For those who live in a land of deep darkness,
a light will shine.
You will enlarge the nation of Israel,
and its people will rejoice.
They will rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest
and like warriors dividing the plunder.
For you will break the yoke of their slavery
and lift the heavy burden from their shoulders.
You will break the oppressor’s rod,
just as you did when you destroyed the army of Midian….
For a child is born to us,
a son is given to us.
The government will rest on his shoulders.
And he will be called:
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (verses 1–4, 6)
Wow, doesn’t that make you feel so empowered? The situation you’re facing today isn’t going to last forever. I promise, you’re going to come out on the other side.
Your home will be filled with glory. Your neighborhood will be filled with glory. Some of you are surrounded by some serious darkness, and you’re trying to be a light for your family and your neighborhood, but Jesus wants to be the light that shines through you.
I’ve been so captivated by the simple line from Galatians 4:4 telling us that Jesus was “born of a woman.” Do you feel that call? We are the Marys for this generation.
Take a minute and consider what God has called you to give life to. Maybe He’s already given you something to nurture—your career, your family, your neighborhood, a creative project, or a ministry idea. God might be preparing you, revealing ways you can strengthen your skills so that when the time is right, you’re ready to partner with Him in bringing light to the world.
You are called for such a time as this!
Remember, God has selected you and I to be alive at this very moment in history. You and I are here for a very real, eternal reason. This moment, this year, is the exact time He has positioned you for greatness. He has set you apart to bring healing to a hurting world. Your story, your example, your perspective, your highs and lows—God can transform them into a powerful road map for others to follow. It’s not by accident that He has called you to be on the earth at this appointed time. You’re not here by mistake or just to exist. You’re here because you bring so much goodness and life; you’re here because someone else needs what you have. So hold your head up high, and walk into the next room with confidence, knowing your time is now, the girl is you, and your heavenly Father has called you just like He called so many before you.
Let’s Pray
