What do I have to offer? That question arose after I spoke reminding local women that they’re chosen, called, and adored by God. But insecurity sets in and we worry we don’t have what it takes to do the big things God asks of us. We feel insignificant against the backdrop of those already living the call we’re entering. But if we don’t step in, a great loss occurs. What do you have to give that others don’t? You have the key to freedom for another person written in your story!
Did you know that we’re all just a bunch of busted up, broken down, sinful people? You just don’t always see everyone’s junk. Or you see them post-transformation, after they’ve started following Jesus, the only One who can make pure beauty out of our imperfection. Truth is none of us have much to offer on our own.
And really, our communities don’t need more fakers with puffed up chests acting like they have life all figured out. They need you and me to tell our real stories and show how Jesus has stepped in and redeemed our hard, forgiven our sin, and restored our hearts bringing about change in our lives.
Here’s what it looks like:
Our story + Jesus’s grace = the key to someone else’s freedom.
Were you an angry mom who wanted peace in her house and the only way you found it was praying and following God’s prompting? Tell people. You aren’t the only one struggling with that.
Were you addicted to alcohol in the suburbs and Jesus showed you grace and real freedom as you came near to Him? Tell your story. There are more stuck in that same cycle who need someone to relate to.
Did God help you grieve? Did He heal your marriage after adultery? Did He pull you out of depression and anxiety??
For the love please tell people! Because someone else is hurting and you could give them hope as you point to Jesus’s love in the storm.
But Insecurity is the enemy’s favorite tactic to keep our stories silent.
Satan, the one at work to hurt God’s people, keeps us stuck in fear because the longer we’re stagnant and keeping our stories to ourselves, the longer others feel alone in their hard and the easier it is for him to beat them up with shame and guilt.
What do you have to offer?
Freedom. As you’re bold and take others under your wing, sharing how God loved you and loves them too.
You can’t control their outcome, or if they validate your story, or even care. But you can obey as God calls you to go and tell of His goodness to broken people just like you.
So no matter if it’s listening and encouraging a friend or co-worker, or starting a blog, or a women’s group at your church or in your neighborhood… YOU have the most important thing to offer. Freedom and healing in Christ.
Find your voice in the conversation on Facebook. P.S. Jesus is so incredible! I’m so excited for you as you get to know the One who wants to be your EVERYTHING!
**Here’s how to GET MORE free encouragement from me right to your inbox! Join the Glory-Be sisterhood, you matter to me, and I’m so grateful you let me serve you:)
Andrea Chatelain’s mission is to meet women in their struggles and love them forward with God’s truth. She’s a Midwest mom of three, faith and family writer, and college English instructor to immigrants and refugees. She believes Jesus transforms lives when His people boldly seek Him. Her writing reflects her love for Jesus and heart for fellow believers.
Find Andrea also at WhollyLoved Ministries and her devotionals with WL on YouVersion Bible App and Crosswalk
Andrea Chatelain 