Made to Reign in Life

There are so many voices in media, government, and in so many sectors that marginalize people. You know the ones I mean. They tell you that you're not good enough. They say you're too smart, too dumb, too dark, too light to be somebody. So we answer them by defiance, hanging onto and over-exaggerating whatever feature of ours they say isn't right, to the point where that feature becomes our identity. Or we sit obediently in our margins and feel trapped.

But if we do either of these things, who is the one ruling our lives? Even living in defiance of negative voices is giving them a say. The reality is, however, that you were created to reign in life! You were made to have the world's opportunities at your fingertips no matter where you were born or how much money you have. But how do you reign when the marginalizing voices are so weighty?

You turn off the noise. You stop asking blogs and articles if you're successful, and you stop asking the fashion industry if you're beautiful enough yet. We all want to know if we are loved and unique. Many sources will tell you that they can answer these questions for you, but they cannot. They don't even know you, and they have no grid for understanding the intricate and precious creation you are.

So ask the One who made you. Sound far-fetched and nebulous? Try it. It's easy, because God is not far from any one of us. Go into a quiet place where you can be alone (maybe your bedroom or a large walk-in closet where no one will distract you). Close your eyes and say, "God, what do you think of me?" Listen closely. You may here a word in your mind, you may get a strong impression, or you may even see a picture in your mind's eye! Perhaps you'll feel some tingling, or a cool breeze even though you are indoors. God speaks in so many ways! Don't be alarmed; remember He loves you and is so very gentle. His encounter with you is an invitation into His love and care over you.

When you let Him tell you how He feels about you, society's negative dictations over your life will fall away. Then reigning in life will begin to be your reality. Let God begin to guide your decisions about career, relationships, family, home life and all sorts of things. He has so many great plans for you, and He wants you to be a part of shaping those plans instead of being moved by how the world's systems think you should live. So take time to here from the One who made you, and get ready to soar!