Embracing Your Purpose: God’s Truth and Encouragement for Women
Introduction
This morning, I went out for a run. I took my phone and my headphones—just one headphone because I only run with one. Where I live, you might see deer, or you could even see a bear. Not only do I watch out for ferocious dogs or bad guys, but I also keep an eye out for many animals, including snakes.
The Run and Reflection
As I was running, listening to my devotion or a talk from Francis Chan, I was reminded of the first scripture I had written to you, my readers, that told how amazing you are. In Psalm 139:13-14, we are told that God has created our inmost being and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. The original Hebrew word for “wonderfully made” (??????????, nifleiti) means to be created with extraordinary and unique craftsmanship. It emphasizes how each person is made with exceptional care by God.
The Heart Behind the Blog
When I started writing these blogs, my heart was that I could share with other women that they’re amazing. During this particular run, I listened to an instructor from my running app who tells me how long to run. She will say things like, “It’s been five minutes” or “10 minutes,” until I reach the goal that I am aiming for. About a minute and a half before I get to walk, she will say, “You’re amazing.” And I always thank her like she can hear me, but this morning I was reminded of how God tells me every day how amazing I am and how fearfully and wonderfully made I am.
God’s Truth
My heart does not always feel like I’m amazing, but God’s truth speaks to me, telling me that I am. I love this scripture because it makes me know that I was thought of even before time. Even before I was born, He was thinking of me. Scripture tells me this.
As I continued listening to my podcast, Francis Chan began to share about running. How ironic but how perfect and fitting it was. During his run, he shares how he prays for his family. Then he reads the scripture in Ephesians and lets the people he is speaking to know how much God wants us to know that He loves us. Here’s the scripture he shared:
A Prayer for the Ephesians
“For this reason I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” (Ephesians 3:14-21)
Encouragement
I want you to know that He loves you and that you’re fearfully and wonderfully made, and that you have a purpose. No matter how you feel this morning—whether it be tired, burnt out, sad, or even a little bit mad at something or someone—you are beautiful. God made you and this wonderful body that you live in for a reason.
So when I share with you or try to encourage you to look at food as fuel or to move your body so that you can live your best life, it’s because my heart wants you to know that you have a purpose. Your body is designed to carry that purpose around so that you can share God’s love with family, friends, and others. You can read my blog, Beginner’s Guide to Exercise, to get great tips to get you started! I am here cheering you on!
Most of all, I want you to know that the body He created is designed fearfully and wonderfully made. And it is beautiful. Love you, my friends. I am praying for you this morning.
References:
- Psalm 139:14, The Holy Bible
- Hebrew definition from Strong’s Concordance
- Francis Chan, Crazy Love Podcast
- Running App
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