Something that I struggle with is pride. So often, the encouragement that God intends for good is twisted into me feeling capable of doing things without God's help. My human nature is so quick to jump in and take credit for what God has done through me as though it were I, and not the Lord, who had accomplished it.

                Pride is a slippery and sneaky sin. It is so easy to fall into thinking that you are worthy of God's favor. I know that for me personally I have to constantly be on my guard against feelings of self-righteousness. One thing that I often need to remind myself of is that God doesn't need me for anything.

Acts 17:25

And He is not served by human hands, as if He needed anything, because He himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

                God is divine, all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, and limitless. Who do I think I am that God would owe me anything? He does not need me, my service, or my sacrifice to be glorified because He is already glorious regardless of what I think, say, and do. God is not lacking. Sometimes I act as though I have the right to serve the God of the universe. Seriously, who do I think I am?!?!

                I am undeserving. In reference to Jesus, John the Baptist said, "But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie," (Luke 3:17). John the Baptist, a man who was devoted to God in prayer, fasting, and teaching, knew that he was unworthy of touching Jesus' shoes. Something that is important to remember is that it is my privilege to be able to serve God and it is not my right. I am a sinner who is saved by grace, not by what I do, and just like John the Baptist I am not worthy of even untying Jesus' sandals.

                When I am able to reject my prideful nature and recognize the things I am not, I am able to more clearly see who I am-a daughter of the Most High!

2 Corinthians 6:18

I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

                The idea that a person's identity should be found in God is completely contrary to what the world says to us. The world tells me that I am a student, sister, daughter, volunteer, employee, and friend. Satan does not want me to walk around thinking that I have any more worth than these things. All of those things I listed are true-I have a part-time job and three wonderful brothers. The difference between what the world wants me to think and the truth of God is that none of the things I listed define me. My value is not in the classes I take, my family members, or employment. These things may be good, but they are not eternal. The good news however, is that my value is eternal because it is found in my relationship with God.

                This is some of the best news ever! School can be stressful if you forget who is holding your life and where your value lies. It is so easy to feel like a failure when I receive a test score that isn't as good as I would like it to be. For any students reading this, listen carefully: if God has called you into being a student you need to be honoring Him with the way you study and spend your time, but your value is not in the grades you receive! That is not what the world tells students. The world says that students are only valuable if they get good grades and their education helps them attain a prestigious job. What the world doesn't seem to mention is that everything it can offer you is temporary. Even "good" things such as family and education can be a stumbling block if you find yourself storing your worth in them.

                If you find yourself placing your value in the things of this world, even "good" things, you will be disappointed because the world will fail you. Plans will fall apart, relationships end, and possessions disappear.

                God, however, will not. He is unfailing.

Psalm 46:1-3, 7

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though the mountains slip into the heart of the sea; though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains quake at its swelling pride. Selah. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.

                So, be encouraged, because if you are a child of God your identity and value are eternal! God is faithful.