You are What You Believe: does your background define you or does the power of the Lord?

In this psychoanalytical world where we’ve grown accustomed to define nearly every action of ours, whether that be good or bad, by what happened to us as a child. But how often do we look to God to define and transform us? 

I used to feel bound by my background, environment and the effects relationships had on me. I used to look with envy at “normal,” “healthy” Christian kids who grew up loved and led by believing parents. I felt that they were able to draw closer to God because they did not have as warped of a view of the Heavenly Father as I did. 

When we allow our circumstances, background and weaknesses to define God, we diminish Him to someone who is merely human. But this is not who the Lord is! By us simply gazing at Him, we become transformed into His likeness! Just by looking at Him (2 Cor. 3:18)! He is more powerful than our weaknesses, our insecurities and our family backgrounds. He created all things in heaven and on earth, the One who is holding it all together is the one who is holding my heart and yours (Rev. 2:1). 

Though it hasn’t been easy, the Lord has drew me near, sat me on His lap and transform my paradigm of who He is year by year. I now see His arms extended to me, His eyes swelling with love and pride and His patience clearer than I did just a year ago. 

Christ alone possesses the power to change a human heart. He promised to take us from glory to glory, He is and will continue to do what He said He would do. He will not let us down.

I love how the Bible is full of broken people who encountered the goodness and the power of Almighty God. Look at Jacob or King David. They had pretty messy lives and pretty broken families. But God changed Jacob’s name, he worshipped God even upon His death and David is remembered in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart who was fulfilled everything the Lord called him to (Heb. 11:21, Acts 13:23,26). 

Thank You Abba, that You are so faithful to lead us onto the path of life. Draw us even closer to You, help us not limit Your power. Amen.