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Now You See Him...


 I have a secret. Well, if I’m being completely honest, I have many secrets. There are things about me I don’t like. I have a past that, with God’s help, I die to daily and continue to move forward. I’m easily hurt and offended, mostly by my biggest critic-ME. I spend WAY to much time in my head thinking about the what if’s and wondering if people really do like and respect me. Which shows how insecure I am in myself. Interestingly, all of these “secrets” are all about me. How self-absorbed am I?!

 As it turns out, I’m not the only one who struggles with this. We spend hours on social media waiting on those “likes” and comments to affirm that we are interesting, popular, well-liked. But what is the deeper need here? We want to feel valued as individuals. We want to be respected for our looks, our humor, our wisdom. But why?

 The world says we are golden. We are never wrong. We are the most important person in the world, and anyone who doesn’t think so is a bully. Whoever doesn’t like me, well, it’s their loss because I am worth liking. And whoever doesn’t believe like me is wrong.

This kind of thinking may be slightly beneficial for those who truly struggle with insecurity in moments of self-pity, but if I’m not careful, it becomes a trap of the enemy. I begin to wonder about my worth when I don’t see the “likes.” When the words of affirmation don’t flow forth to give me that boost of confidence. When I’m alone with me.

The good news is I’m never really alone. The God of the universe who know all my secrets, my insecurities, my past, chooses me every day. That’s some pretty significant affirmation.

I’m reminded of John the Baptist. Some of his followers came to him complaining about this new guy on the scene, Jesus. They were fussing because Jesus’ followers were baptizing people in His name rather than in John’s! Can you imagine how offended they must have felt that their leader had been cast aside for someone new and fresh. But John didn’t get angry or jump on their bandwagon of complaining. His simple, profound statement was, “He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.” (John 3:30 NLT)

John understood that in the grand scheme of life his job wasn’t to win popularity. The guy ate locusts for goodness sake! What he knew is what I have to remind myself in the self-pitying moments when my flesh grabs ahold. It’s not about me. It’s all about Jesus. If I don’t die to me, Jesus can’t really show Himself through me the way I desperately want Him to.

My “secrets” are no secret to God, and He wants to use me in spite of them. He wants to use you too, friend. He sees us, He loves us, He desires relationship with us.

Now do you see Him?

© Jill Cook, Unbroken & Undone Ministries. All rights reserved.


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