EPISODE 76: BE WHY & HOW YOU ARE
A MESSAGE FROM MONICA:
When I first volunteered to take the Why and How portions of this series, I thought it would end up differently. With eager anticipation in my heart, I thought they why would be because of Love; that God created us because of an all-consuming love that knew us before we were even born.
And while that is true — entirely, 100% true — it surprised me as much as anyone else where the episode landed. And just like God, He directed it that way because He knew it was exactly where I was living.
It’s been a weird year for me. I’ve slowly and quietly believed the whispers that have told me to isolate from community; to not fully embrace authenticity or vulnerability or unity. Because if I do, these lies whispered to me, I’ll just end up hurt, because I’m not fully known anyway.
Can anyone else relate?
And then I started praying and preparing for this episode — Be Why and How You Are. And as I began seeking God for what He would say, everything I came cross…EVERYTHING…pointed back to community. To relationships, authenticity, vulnerability. And I felt God whispering to me that it’s time to let the carefully constructed walls crumble and stand naked, fully seen again.
UGH.
The thing I’m discovering about myself is that no matter how much it hurts, my true heart’s desire is to be transformed…and I want that more than I want to be right. And if I need to Be Who I Am for the sake of community and authenticity, then that means I have to walk it out. I have to come out of hiding, refuse the temptation to isolate, and be willing to be known.
Is it going to be easy? No. But I know I can do it, because I can do all things through Christ. It’s His strength that enables me to do hard things, anyway.
Bottom line:
We need to Be Who We Are for the sake of community and authenticity in the body. And we do it by embracing the gifts, talents and works God has prepared for us and in us.
Be in the Word (this week’s verses):
During this time, as the disciples were increasing in numbers by leaps and bounds, hard feelings developed among the Greek-speaking believers—“Hellenists”—toward the Hebrew-speaking believers because their widows were being discriminated against in the daily food lines. So the Twelve called a meeting of the disciples. They said, “It wouldn’t be right for us to abandon our responsibilities for preaching and teaching the Word of God to help with the care of the poor. So, friends, choose seven men from among you whom everyone trusts, men full of the Holy Spirit and good sense, and we’ll assign them this task. Meanwhile, we’ll stick to our assigned tasks of prayer and speaking God’s Word. (Acts 6:1-4)
The word of God prospered. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased dramatically. Not least, a great many priests submitted themselves to the faith. (Acts 6:7)
For we are the product of His hand, heaven’s poetry etched on lives,created in the Anointed, Jesus, to accomplish the good works God arranged long ago. (Ephesians 2:10)
Be Educated (additional resources):
1. Keeping it Real: The Truth About Authenticity. This is the article Monica referenced in the episode.
2. Take Your Masks Off: The Value of Authenticity. Another great article geared toward women on how to embrace authenticity and debunk the lies we tend to believe.
3. What Are the Good Works God Has Prepared for Us? Article from The High Calling referenced in the episode.
Be Doers, Not Just Hearers (practical application):
1. Pray & seek God about what your natural gifts and talents are. Watch for patterns & open doors, and take note of things that come naturally to you.
2. Ask God to confirm or rebuke. As you begin to paint a picture based on the above things, ask God to confirm you are on the right track.
3. Walk through the open doors. As God opens any doors for the works He has prepared in advance for you to do, prayerfully walk through them! Be willing to take a step through the door, regardless of fear or discomfort.