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Greetings of love in the precious name of Jesus! This morning is chilly, but the sun is shining. I feel hopeful for something good to happen today. You, too? How are you feeling today? Can you trust those feelings, I wonder? You are wondering where that came from? Well, let’s share…
Recently, one of my little granddaughters had a birthday. She calls herself "Diana", though that’s not her birth name. I smile when I think of her innocence for the ripe age of four, but she’s so far ahead of the game of life already, I think. She believes she is a princess! That she is! God made her so! The only thing that could possibly make this any better is if she also loves the Lord and finds her true identity in Him. I have faith to believe that she will. She has parents who love God and are set on teaching their children the ways and the love of God.
Little Diana loves to dress the part of a princess. She’s very particular about her outfit for the day. We who love her, smile. She truly believes she’s a princess. I’m so glad. Knowing who she is will go far in this life and in this world in which we live today.
Several years ago, I was blessed with opportunities to speak at a few Mother’s Day banquets. God put it on my heart to speak about our identity in Christ. I dressed in a long, pink gown and wore a crown on my head. I passed out rings among the ladies to wear during the event. My theme was that we are royalty; daughters of the Most High King of Kings. Once we have asked Jesus into our hearts to be King of our lives, we belong to Him. We no longer need to be pulled down by waves of rejection in this life. We no longer need to strive for approval from others, or find our worth in the opinions of those who can’t see our worth. As Daughters of the King, He holds us in high esteem. We were worth Jesus to Him! We are dearly loved by God and cherished, no matter what the world may say. As a child who struggled so long with rejection, those thoughts have often comforted my heart. I pray that someone reading today who is struggling with rejection, will hear these words and find the courage to go to God and find her worth there. It’s not a place of pride, so please don’t misunderstand. Rather, it’s a place of humble thanksgiving for the honor of being called his Daughter. It’s a place of finding who God made us to be, and the freedom to be so. It’s a place of healing and of love. It’s a place of surrender to Him and to His will.
There’s so much confusion in today’s world having to do with our identity. God had a plan from before the ages. Being female is only the beginning. In Jesus, we are Daughters, yes, but so much more. We are lavishly loved by God. We are set apart for His glory. We are chosen; handpicked by God Himself to glorify Him just for being. We are His treasure. We are beautiful. We are wonderfully made and fully known. We are His. We have worth. We have belonging. No longer rejected. No longer cast aside. His. Forever free from the chains that have bound us for too long. Forever free from the emotions that have said we are anything less, that we’ll never measure up. He, our Father. We, His Daughters. It’s enough. It’s extravagant.
In my Bible reading today in John, chapter eight, I read of the woman caught in adultery. I noticed that though the crowd who brought her before Jesus to be stoned was set on her demise, Jesus was not. He simply said, "Let the one without sin be the first to stone her." The crowd quickly disappeared. Standing alone with Jesus, He said to the woman, "Where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She replied, "No one" and Jesus countered with, "Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more." Grace. Extravagant grace. Undeserved favor with God.
Dear sister…I don’t know your story, but God does. Maybe you’ve never committed adultery. Maybe you’ve only ever had evil thoughts of another. Sin is sin. God condemns sin, but is so merciful towards the sinner when that one comes in repentance and humility. I pray that today, no matter what burden is pressing you down with thoughts of unworthiness, you will see the freedom of coming to Jesus, finding forgiveness for whatever it may be, and knowing the truth of who God made you to be. You were made for Him. Know that Truth that will set you free, and live like the princess He calls you to be.
Soon, Mother’s Day will come again. I pray that you reading this morning will take time to reflect on the godly women in your life. The "Princess" in your life came at a price. It cost the blood of Jesus. That mom you love, that sister, daughter, aunt, grandma or friend, who has been faithful to live out her calling as a dearly loved Daughter of the Most High King of Kings, deserves your honor. Reward her lavishly for her sacrifice of love to you and to her God. Maybe, just maybe, there will be some little girl standing by, observing. She dreams of being a princess. Help her. Help her find her identity in Christ. Give her courage to rise up in this confused generation and proclaim, "Jesus loves me. I am His and He is mine. I am His Daughter, and I am worthy." Maybe Cinderella’s story isn’t so far off after all. Along came Prince Charming and whisked her off her feet and saved her. May it be so for all the little princesses. Thank You, Lord, for this high calling.
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Debby Renninger is a freelance writer and inspirational speaker. She holds a Bible study in her home in McVeytown, where seeking women are always welcome. She may be reached at (717) 250-7086 for speaking engagements.