Looking Beyond: How Does God See You?

Think for a moment about how you would describe yourself in three words. What are the first thoughts that come to mind? Depending on how you or others have shaped your self-image over time, the types of thoughts you have about yourself will differ considerably. Statistics show that nearly 85% of people suffer from low esteem. If you’re part of that whopping percentage, then you most likely had three negative descriptions of yourself come to mind. That is not the truth of who you are though. Experiences and old belief patterns have conditioned many people to believe they are far less than what they truly are. So who are you really then? Maybe it’s time to ask God about that. He has a way of revealing truth better than anyone else does. His Word is sharper than a double-edged sword and can pierce through any thick layer of lies the enemy has tried to blind you with. The enemy does not want you to see yourself through God’s eyes. He doesn’t want you to know the truth about who you are because that would make you a threat to all of his schemes and plots to keep you from realizing your fullest potential. God is just the opposite though. He wants you to live your best life, knowing you are capable and qualified to do what He has called you to do. He wants you to feel secure about who you are, because of whose you are.

Beyond Appearances and Job Titles

While setting career goals and taking care of yourself are worthwhile endeavors, they are not what qualify you when it comes to fulfilling your destiny. Your job title and credentials aren’t what grab God’s attention. And just because you don’t look like someone on the cover of a magazine doesn’t mean God can’t use you. 1Corinthians 1:27 says that “God uses the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” That should give hope to somebody! It’s exactly what happened when God sent Samuel to anoint one of Jesse the Bethlehemite’s sons as the new king. Jesse brought all seven of his sons out, except for the youngest. You see, his youngest son, David, was not even considered as a possibility by his own father and was therefore left outside to tend the sheep! One by one, Samuel had the older sons step forward and thought he had surely found the anointed one based on his appearance; however, the Lord said to him, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” David was a young, small-framed shepherd boy at the time that he was called by God. Everyone, including his own family, overlooked his potential. They couldn’t see beyond the human eye, and had no idea that a King was in their midst!

Beyond Social Status

Not only does God look beyond job titles and appearances, but He looks beyond social status as well. The bible talks about a woman named Rahab who lived as a prostitute. Of course, this type of lifestyle placed her on the low end of the social status totem pole. She was looked down upon by society and her deeds were considered sinful even in God’s eyes. Yet, when the time came for Rahab’s heart to be tested, she passed with flying colors! She demonstrated bravery and full-fledged faith by hiding the Israelite spies from the King of Jericho, knowing she could lose her life as a result. Her firm belief that God was with the Israelites and that He would give them victory over Jericho compelled her to act courageously. With one life-changing decision, Rahab the Harlot became Rahab the Hero! It was because of her faith that God spared her and her entire household. Regardless of past decisions or former shame, know that God sees greatness in you, as well, and can make your name great.

Beyond Family Lineage

Some people may be born into royalty, or with a silver spoon in their mouth, or perhaps just with a noble legacy passed down through the generations. And when used responsibly, these can be tremendous assets. I firmly believe God does desire for His children to create a legacy within their family and to provide an inheritance for future generations. However, not being born into this type of lineage doesn’t negate your ability to initiate the movement! One prime example from the bible is in the story of Gideon. God sent an angel to tell him, “The Lord is with you mighty warrior!” Instead of being encouraged, though, Gideon immediately questioned the angel about all the bad things that were happening. In his mind, there was no evidence that the Lord was with him at all! Graciously, the Lord replied, “Go with all your strength and save Israel from the Midianites. I am sending you to do it (Judges 6:14).” Now, one would think that surely this time Gideon’s faith would be strengthened, right? But Gideon had already established in his mind that he wasn’t capable of accomplishing the task. He couldn’t see beyond his own perspective of himself as evidenced by the excuses that followed. “But Lord, how can I save Israel? My people are the weakest in Manasseh and I am the smallest and the youngest in my family,” he reasoned. God once again reassured him that he would be victorious. It took some convincing, but Gideon eventually followed through with the Lord’s command and was victorious just as God had said. Gideon’s anxiety would have diminished sooner, though, if he had aligned his perception with God’s perception from the very beginning. All along, God saw the warrior in him instead of his weakness.

What about you? Are you able to relate to any of these characters? Do you have trouble seeing yourself the way that God sees you? It’s time to break through the limitations you’ve set for yourself and to trust God at His word. You have been chosen by Him and are called according to His purpose (1Peter 2:9,Romans 8:28). You may not see it yet, but you are royalty, heroic, and a mighty warrior!

MOVE. MEASURE. MARCH.

March On!

Letty Roy