See Yourself through God's Eyes
"Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:5. NIV
I don’t know about you, but it can be intimidating to view yourself through God’s eyes. His view of us is likely a version of ourself, that we have not yet become. While it is very exciting, it is also scary to believe we will become that person. No matter your age, you are constantly growing, becoming, and evolving. Each year brings more wisdom and resilience as you overcome life’s obstacles.
The scripture highlighted today is one of my favorites, because it reminds me that God knows me better than I know myself. He formed each of us, and knew us prior to placing us in the womb. We were set apart. He has an intended plan for our lives, and we need to see ourselves through His eyes so we can go after our purpose confidently and assuredly.
Every person God used in the Bible, was perceived as lacking by their fellow man. Noah was a drunk and a gambler, who people laughed at for years while he built the ark. God still used him. Moses stuttered, yet God called him to speak for His people and lead them to the promised land. David was overlooked by his father, his brothers, and Samuel due to his appearance - but God called him to be king. What has God called you to?
The issue with examining ourselves through human eyes, is that we completely overlook what God sees. We seem to forget that, “the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7 NKJV). We have all been guilty of prejudging someone based on the world’s standards, and then becoming surprised by their effectiveness. This also applies to how we view ourselves. There have been times I have been given a task or project, that I didn’t feel equipped to handle or lead. Each time I walked away amazed thinking, “who knew that was in me?” God did. He knows what He placed in each of us. We tend to give more weight to what disqualifies us, than what qualifies us.
This week, one of my friends suggested that our old Bible Study group reconvene for a three-day Bible-app devotional. During our discussion, we began unpacking how each of us have suffered from “imposter-syndrome” at one time or another. Each of us had experienced this in different areas. Who told us we weren’t qualified to be where God called us? We had been quietly telling ourselves this untruth.
We forgot that God set us apart. He called us to be where we are, to prepare us for where we are going. We are not imposters, and we will not allow that lie to prevent us from reaching our full potential. I can honestly say that I am just now starting to reject the notions of that syndrome. I am choosing to see myself through God’s eyes.
Seeing yourself through His eyes, frees you from the bondage of fear, comparison, and stagnancy. Pray to God, and ask Him to transform your vision. Whether it’s concerning how you see yourself, the world, or others . . . spend time with Him, asking that He gives you His vision for your life.
I hope each of you have an amazing week, and see you next Sunday!
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