So many people are wishing to be like someone else instead of being happy with who they are. Here are some examples;

1. I wish I was thin.

2. I wish I was rich.

3. I wish I had a big house.

4. I wish I could sing.

5. I wish I could speak.

6. I wish I could retire.

7. I wish I loved to read.

8. I wish I could clean like her.

Some of these things are silly when you look at them. Some things you could actually do something about and some you can’t, but to let it affect your happiness is something else completely.

I love what Paul said in Philippians 4:11; “I am not saying this because I lack anything; in fact, I have learned to be content in any circumstances in which I find myself.”

The dictionary defines this word content as being satisfied with what one is or has. Interesting. So many times I’ve heard people say, never be content with what you have but to strive for more. I may be playing with context here, but I think you get my drift.

Please hear me out. I’m not trying to bring confusion to anyone and I’m not telling you to give up on your dreams of trying to be a better wife/husband, mother/father or even a better person, I’m just saying that we can’t allow who we are right now to make us discontented, depressed and useless in the Kingdom of God.

Hey, I struggle with so many insecurities, I just refuse to give voice to them all the time. I want to spend more time focusing on the God who is in me and fortifying my spirit to be strong in the area’s I’m weak in so that someone somewhere can benefit from the gifts that are in me. What you focus on grows, what you starve dies!

As I’m typing this out, I’m thinking of an apple seed. I know, random, right? An apple seed is just that, a seed from an apple. Most of us discard them because who eats an apple seed? However, they are extremely useful when you want to plant an apple tree. If I want more apples, I plant a tree that yields apples, that way I can not only eat an apple, but I can sell some, give some away and perhaps make applesauce with them.

Do you see where I’m going with this? God made you you because He needs you to be you. Your good stuff, your bad stuff, the you no one else knows but He and you. The things you’re good at and not so good at. The skinny you, the fat you, the crazy talks too much you. God made you different than any other person on the face of the earth, so stop trying to change who you are and just be yourself. Plant yourself somewhere so others can benefit from the wonderful and tasty fruit you bear.

Father, forgive me for allowing my flaws to take me out of commission. The only time I fail is when I believe the lies the enemy whispers in my ear saying I’m not good enough. I am good because You are good and You live in me. It’s not about me, it’s about You. May I turn to You each time You ask me to do something I feel so unqualified to do, and depend upon Your ability to work through me. It’s in Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.