The Best Version of YOU!

Reading Time: 3 mins. 33 secs.

Scripture Readings:

1 Samuel 16:7; Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16; Psalm 139:14-16.

Read Next Devotional: Blind Spots

Day 7: Published on November 29, 2016

How would you like others to view you? Have you ever asked yourself that question before? I mean, I want you to really take a minute to soak on this question. How much of YOU are you really showing to others?

Are you one way around people who barely know you and a whole different person when at home (1 Samuel 16:7)?

These are questions I’ve asked myself some years ago when I saw how inauthentic I really was. I was searching for who I was and in midst of trying to find myself, I began picking up bits and pieces from others I admired.

I didn’t know who I wanted to be.

I had so many people in my ear telling me who I should be. I struggled behind this tremendously! I’m sure the individuals who called themselves helping me to find myself, didn’t mean any harm, but it was never meant for them to help me do this.

Finding out who you are is something that can only be done by YOU! And, of course with the help and guidance of the Lord, you can discover the best possible version of you.

When I began to investigate myself, I began to dig deep into my roots. I observed my reactions toward happiness, fears, and hurts. What stood out within the cores of my heart was that I love people…And, I mean, I love H-A-R-D!

But, you wouldn’t ever notice this just looking at me. I tend to hide a lot. No one knows when I’m scared, sad, or in pain. I can hide things so well I’ve learned how to become invisible! But, is this what we are being called to do?

It’s not about being invisible. Because it’s our transparency that helps others overcome certain situations in their lives which may seem to them insurmountable (Ephesians 2:10; Matthew 5:16).

When I really began to dig deeper inside the crevices of my very soul, here is when I found who I really was. I mean, everything began to surface, the good, the bad, and all the in-betweens! I was so encouraged to work on my shortcomings. I was so glad to find out what they were because for a while I was blinded to my faults!

The things I had no control over, such as the wrongs that were done to me by others, there was nothing I could do about that. I knew I couldn’t control others’ actions. But, one thing I could do for myself was to forgive! Forgive all people of their offenses toward me and most of all, LET-IT-GO! Even though things were steadily being done to me over and over again.

Letting go of how certain people thought of me, letting go of things that was said to me, and most definitely what was done to me. I needed to let it all go if I wanted any chance at being free.

I became free in finding myself.

After dealing with all of the guck and grit, I saw what was sincerely covering my core. My organic heart! This is who I am. The one who loves freely! The one who loves so hard, that I don’t have to feel guilty anymore after being hurt over and over again. I love because this is my choice. This-is-me.

I challenge you on today. If you haven’t already done so, find out who you are. You will never be at your best until this happens. Let God help you find the best version of you (Psalm 139:14-16)!

Prayer: Lord, thank you for helping me in this process of finding myself. I want you to pull to surface any areas I may be blinded in. Help me to handle when you reveal things that I don’t necessarily like about myself. Help me to remain humble as you reveal my greatest strengths. Most of all, help me to see my organic heart, just as you see it. Lord, I reverence you and thank you. In Jesus’ name. Amen!

Quiet time meditation: Wait for the Lord to minister to you personally on what He may want to say to you. Be sure to pay attention to any areas that may pop up in your spirit (even silly things such as: how quick you may be to get angry with things or a friend or family member who has been bugging you with their problems.) This process could take anywhere from 10-30 minutes or longer. But, try not to rush this because you could be missing out on a great breakthrough. Within this quiet time the Lord wants to restore you in any broken areas and he wants to replenish your spirit for what has been used up.

Understanding what He means: This is a time to jot down some of those things the Lord has ministered to you while in meditation. Sometimes, the Lord may wait to speak to you throughout the day. Pay attention and jot these things down so that you won’t forget. You may even come up with more scriptures that may come to mind.