Over the last couple weeks, God has been teaching me a valuable lesson about myself. I've known for a while that one lie I consistently struggle with is that I'm not wanted. I know deep down that it's not true, but when I get rejected, or when I feel left out, it's hard to take my head knowledge and make it heart knowledge. During our Beauty for Ashes retreat a few weeks ago, I was reminded of this lie I come back to, and I was encouraged to find verses to combat it.

The first verse I've been pondering is Ephesians 1:4. It reads,

"Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes."

This is such an encouragement to me, because it's a reminder that we are deeply wanted and desired by the God of the universe, and he chose us. 

During our Bible project team time a few weeks ago, we studied John 15 in depth. I've read John many times, but there is just so much goodness in it. A verse that also really stood out to me was John 15:16. It reads,

"You didn't choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name."

Yet again, God is reminding me that I am chosen by him. Not only did he choose me, but he loves me so much that he gave me a job to do - sharing his goodness with others. 

Through this learning experience, I can rest assured that I am wanted. I am wanted by the people around me, but even if I weren't, I am wanted by Jesus, the King of Kings, my Father.

I challenge you to ask the Lord what lie you struggle with believing about yourself. Where is that lie confronted in the Bible? It's been so cool to rest in the comfort of Jesus's words every time I feel that untruth popping up in my life again.

Thank you so much for reading! Praise the Lord, I met my last fundraising deadline, and I am now at $10,580 raised! Hallelujah! To all who've supported me, thank you thank you! My next fundraising deadline is coming up quickly on November 15th, and I'll need $12,000 fundraised! That means I need $1,420 in two weeks. Please pray about me meeting the deadline, and if there's any way you can help - prayer is so powerful, and even if you can't donate or already have, sharing my story with others is another huge way you can help me!

Until next time!