Living a glorious life

Pastor Wen Liu

In my childhood, I used to look myself in the mirror. I saw someone I did not recognize.  I asked myself: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? As I grew older, I began to ponder other issues in life: What is the value of my life? Why do I live? Later, I realized that these questions about my identity, self-worth and the meaning of  my existence were actually from the depths of my soul. We raise these questions because our hearts are seeking recognition and approval from the outside--from society and from other people. It shows that we do not know who we are, and that we feel empty in our souls. We need something outside to fill and satisfy ourselves. We work and study hard to achieve great things so that we can show to the world that we are indeed of great value and that our existence is indeed meaningful.

We strive to achieve success and greater social status in order to fulfill our self-worth, which is good thing. However, while we work hard and fight to attain that goal, we are influenced by worldly standards, which are sometimes wrong, unfit or misleading. As a result, we waste our money and energy by following these standards. Another thing that happens to us more often is rejection or exclusion from others. For example, if you are excluded by others, they might accuse you of lacking social skills, having too strong a personality or not being easygoing. Sometimes we adjust our behavior to suit others and tread carefully so as not to offend them, though they might still reject us in the end. Other times, though we try to prove our abilities through our achievements, others still do not approve of us. Because of their disapproval and contempt, we are discouraged, and lose our enthusiasm and hope in life. At night, we ask ourselves: What is wrong with me? Who am I? What road should I take in life?

In fact, you may have done nothing wrong. This fallen society and human sins may have contributed to your life situation. What is my identity? What do I value most in life? Our lives are like our cars. When the car breaks down, we bring it to the mechanics for repair. In the same way, when we encounter problems in life, we turn to God for help. He is our Heavenly Father who created us. He is also our Lord and savior. We are created in his likeness, a reflection of his image. Before you were born, God gave you a unique value. He sees you as if you were the apple of his eyes. In his eyes, you have your own uniqueness and value. No matter what life throws at you, your worth in God’s eyes will never be diminished. Just like a brand new one million dollar bill, its value will always remain the same. Even if the bill gets worn out or tainted from everyday use, its value will always be one million dollars. Our value in the eyes of God has nothing to do with our outward performance. The fact that we are precious and valuable in God’s eyes will never change. God loves and accepts us just as we are.

God says: You are my love. You are created in my image and likeness. Your life is of distinguished and unique value. I accept you when others reject you. I lift you up when others put you down. When people oppose and attack you, I fight for you. I am the Lord God Almighty the Most High. I am with those who are contrite and lowly in spirit. I will give them glory and lift up their heads. I increase the power of the weak and uphold all those who fall. To those who lose heart, I renew their passions and to the hopeless I give hope. I heal those who are crushed. I am the Lord your God. I am your shield, your stronghold, your reward and your life. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish these things. Dear friends, how blessed we are to have a God like his. Because of him, we have power, faith, hope and the assurance of victory.

Now straighten up your back and lift up your head proclaiming your victory in Jesus:                   

Dear Abba Father, You are my God, my strength and my life. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for sacrificing your life for my sins and give me hope of victory. In the name of Jesus, I reject all the negative and pessimistic thoughts as well as feelings of despair and failure. I refuse to accept any kind of accusation or condemnation. I declare in the name of Jesus that I am successful. I have God's favor and honor. I am unique and precious in the eyes of God. God will make my path straight and remove all obstacles. He will deliver me from all suffering and hardship and lead me into the glory of victory. God is my high tower, my fortress and my strength. No weapon forged against me will prevail, but be destroyed by God. I am a winner and I am an overcomer because my Lord has risen in victory. Amen!