That One Girl

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She had always been one of those quiet girls—the kind which sat in the school cafeteria alone or who was easily left out of juicy gossip sessions. Often, she struggled with insecurities. Would she ever be considered beautiful? Did her friends really like her? Her introverted nature meant that any activity outside her beloved home meant feeling and acting awkward . . . as if she didn’t feel awkward enough already.

And then, one glorious day, that young girl met Christ. He revolutionized her worldview, starting with herself. No longer did physical beauty matter as much—God loved her despite her big nose and lack of athletic ability. She had learned that true joy came through acceptance and being content with her time of birth, her heritage, her gender . . . and she was happy. It didn’t matter if boys didn’t find her attractive for she was the bride of Christ and He would prepare His man to love her exactly as she was made.

However, the days were not always sunny. Whenever she took her eyes off of Jesus the petty things became menacingly important again. But this time her insecurities took a different turn: “What if God doesn’t really love me?” “Is He truly capable of caring for the nitty-gritty details in my life?” “Can’t He see the hurt I’m going through?”

Of course He does andis andcan but sometimes believing a lie appears to be easier than believing the truth.

And so, my imaginative readers, you can only imagine the pickle she often found herself in. When she wasn’t struggling with natural insecurities (oh, they are all looking at my acne! . . . As if all people love to look upon acne . . .) tack on the spiritual blues and you’ve got one terribly awkward, introverted gal. You can imagine what kind of witness that makes.

I wish I could give a happy report on this unhappy girl but I simply cannot. She still experiences the “I’m too fats” and the “I’ll never be forgiven” traps; but she has found an answer to her problems. (If only she would be prompt to remember it.)

And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

2 Cor. 12:9,10

Her advice to any struggling gal out there: turn to Jesus for His grace IS sufficient. His mercies ARE new every morning. His love is UNWORLDY. He is able to cleanse the most trashed mind, forgive the ugliest sin, and love the most unlovable creature. He just wants us to trust in Him.

So, dear one, trust. Trust in His Word and in His love. And live in the abundant life He gives.