1 Corinthians 13:12 "For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known."
When you look in the mirror, what do you see?
Many times I've looked at myself and felt disappointed with what I saw. My forehead is too big, my hair texture rough, my nose is too long, I have so many pimples, my teeth have a slight overbite, I'm too fat, I hate my body, and the list goes on.
Have you ever looked at yourself in the mirror and had similar thoughts?
Oftentimes, as teens and adults, we go through moments of insecurity. We don't feel pretty enough, talented enough, smart enough. But who are we trying to impress? What are we trying to prove?
When I think about the Bible, I see it as God's promise book for you and for me. I'm sure many people in your life have broken promises to you, but, we can rest assured that God's promises for us are true. Let's take a look at some of those promises:
When I feel like I'm not pretty enough…
God's word says:
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14
When I feel like God has forgotten about me…
God's word says:
See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49:16
When I feel alone and discouraged…
God's word says:
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
When I feel pressure to give up my purity…
God's word says:
Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
When I no longer want to live…
God's word says:
I will not die but live, and will proclaim what the Lord has done. Psalm 118:17
We serve a mighty God who loves us just as we are. His Word says, He created us in His own image (Genesis 1:27).
He loves us so much that He died for you and for me. So next time we take a look in the mirror and want to point out every flaw we many have, let us remember we are fearfully and wonderfully created in God's image and God does not make any mistakes.
In order for us to embrace our true beauty in Christ, we must believe His Word. People will have many negative opinions of us. They might make fun of our style, personality, the way we look and the list goes on. Our job is to love and pray for them and stand confidently on the promises of God's Word.
God's opinion of us is what really matters and guess what?
He thinks you are beautiful!
Ephesians 2:10 "For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
We do not fight this battle on our own, so let us encourage one another to believe the promises of God for our lives and see ourselves as the beautiful daughters He created us to be.
Blessings,
Jeanette Mercado