You are not what you have done, you are what He says you are.

"See how they are repaying us by coming to drive us out of possession you gave us as inheritance.  O our God will you not judge them?  For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do but our eyes are upon you."

-2 Chronicles 20:12

The tingly warmth fervently fills cheeks bloomed red by a pinching delight.

And the fact that she feels anything is redeeming.

Did you know?

Do you want to hear something so exuberant I cannot help but laugh.

He already knows…

Yeah.. 

That dumb thing you did 6 years, months, hours, minutes, seconds ago He knows. 

You are not about to stun Him with your honesty or drive Him away with your waywardness.

Who knew our honesty in our downfalls would bring freedom? 

And are you ready for the kicker?  The thing that makes this whole life ridiculous...

They sat sipping draught and trial flowing memoirs of growth.  The communal thread, their uncertainty and His faithfulness.  For, He is good regardless of whether the sun is shining or the clouds hover thick with fog.  Especially in the doubtful haze is His goodness our guide.

 She shares a tale of God taking her where she never planned to go and captivating her with dreams she never planned to fancy.  After, a man reflects on a journey to places he did not want to go, but were exactly where he needed to be. 

They find humor in the clay telling The Potter what it should be. 

The rain begins to fall slow, as the three continue on in fellowship.  Those around move about and mosey inside away from the rain beginning to pour.  It mists on them but their placement is safe enough from the storm raging about them with the warmth blazing inside.  They talk about the past and hopes for the future.  Two family and a friend, sharing struggles and encouragements.

Because it's all so crazy that they are here and not there.

There is something ridiculous in the reality that not only does He already know, but he uses our honest vulnerability with community to bring redemptive healing not just for us but, others.

And He does not just stop there but he utilizes those struggles, failings, troubles to prepare you for something beyond yourself.  Because provision is not just finances but experiences and life lessons that He wants you to share with others. 

Do not worry about the lost and losing battles.  You already did nothing to win His love, so why are you fighting yourself so hard for perfection to keep it?  He has already covered you, He has already won.

Give it up to Him, then gift the story to help another out.

You are not what you have done, you are what He says you are.

"And nations shall come to your light,

    and kings to the brightness of your rising.

Lift up your eyes all around, and see;

    they all gather together, they come to you;

your sons shall come from afar,

    and your daughters shall be carried on the hip.

Then you shall see and be radiant;

    your heart shall thrill and exult,

because the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you,

    the wealth of the nations shall come to you....

...because he has made you beautiful."

- Isaiah 60:3-5, 9b

Your testimony is beautiful.

You are beautiful.

Share beauty.

"'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'

...'Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army.  For the battle is not yours but God's...You will not have to fight this battle.  Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, O Judah and Jerusalem.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.  Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.'"

-2 Chronicles 20:9 and 15b-17