By Effie Rolfe, Chicago Crusader
You still have value—regardless of your life’s journey and the challenges you’ve faced. I believe that we encounter obstacles to bend us toward the direction that leads to our best self. Regardless of the numerous mistakes, God can fix your mess and give you a message. Your life is not in vain. Thankfully, His ways are above ours—so don’t even try to figure it out. Just know you are here for a reason and that you have value.
OK, you messed up…it’s called life. We experience mistakes and missteps everyday. If you’re fortunate to recognize them, you ponder ‘why me’ and pray it never happens again. “For I do not do the good I want to do; but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.” Romans 7:19.
Just like death—mess-ups are inevitable. If you were totally perfect, chances are you wouldn’t be alive. Growing up, I honestly thought that being a Christian meant perfection. Now I wonder if one can ever become perfect in this life. Furthermore, Proverbs 24:16 reminds us ‘For a righteous man falleth seven times, and riseth up again; but the wicked are overthrown by calamity.’ God is just and merciful to forgive as long as we remain with a heart towards Him.
I recall speaking for a substance abuse ministry. During my presentation, I reminded the audience that as long as you have a pulse, you have a purpose. Everyone has issues and no one is exempt. Yours may be different, but if you are alive you will have some challenges. Regardless of the vice, yours is no better or worse than mine.
Take a minute to examine a $20 bill. How much is its value once it’s been stepped on, dropped in the mud, and flushed down the toilet? Perhaps it blows 30 miles away in a tornado and ends up in another city or state? What if it’s wrinkled and faded after being tossed around? Once you take that $20 dollar bill to the bank—the value is still $20. Based on the circumstances, the value may actually increase before it decreases.
The same applies to you amid your struggle with substance abuse, or food, or spending that has been out of control for the past 10 years. Perhaps you ran with the wrong crowd and made some terrible choices. Maybe you weren’t the best father, suffered an abusive relationship or didn’t meet your goals.
Because you are still alive—God has purpose for your life. He takes your misery and gives you a mission to encourage someone else not to go down that path. Share your wisdom as a mentor to someone. Help deter them from the road you’ve already traveled. Allow your test to be a testimony. “For all things work together for the good of them that love the Lord” Romans 8:28. Yes, even your missteps can be turned around for the good.
Remember—God specializes in the impossible. What seems useless and hopeless in your sight is just right for God.
You should never feel worthless or undeserving. Our heavenly Father takes nothing and produces life-changing miracles. Get over yourself. Your life is not about you. God made you and He made all of creation for His glory. Your purpose is much bigger than you, so allow God to use all of your life. Allow Him to turn your past into a glorious future.
Whenever you ask, God is willing to forgive whatever you have done. In fact, He throws your sins into the sea of forgetfulness to be completely washed away (Micah 7:19). How dare you hold yourself a prisoner of your past?
Life is a process. In the meantime, bask in the beauty of freedom and live life with purpose. You are blessed from the womb to the tomb. You must go through the fire before you come out as pure gold (Job 23:10). Remain confident. Know who you are and whose you are. Most of all, never give up on life because God will never give up on you.
You still have value.
© Effie Rolfe is Author of “Supersize Your Thinking,” Media Personality and Motivational Speaker. You can contact her on twitter.com/effiedrolfe Listen to her show daily from 10 a.m. to 1p.m. (cst) on urbanpraiseradio.org (2015 Stellar Award Winner for Best Internet Radio Station)
