Savage2Saint Sobriety April 6, 2024

"Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth." 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)

We all try to prove ourselves to the world in an effort to shape how the world sees us. Whether it's proof that we're living our best life or proof that we're doing better than our friends and neighbors, we are all trying to show proof that everything is fine and only good times are being had over here. Look no further than Facebook if you want to see this going on each and every day.

I remember the days I gave to my addiction, I did everything I could not to let people know that I had a problem. I thought I had it under control and that as long as no one else knew I was using, my life was a picture-perfect model of what life should look like. I was trying to show everyone proof that I was not using drugs. From my mom to my boss, I made sure to not show that I was high and nothing was wrong. My mom would ask how I was and I would say I'm great. My boss would ask why I was late and I would assure him that I was okay by trying to work harder. It never occurred to me that they were only asking because my actions were speaking louder than my words ever did.

Some of us who have dealt with addiction have battled depression, too. We put on a smile or try to look happy to hide what is really going on. We silently suffer. When the lie becomes too hard to sell, we isolate ourselves, so no one has to see the real us!

Since I started living for Jesus, I stopped trying to prove myself to the world and started putting my focus into what pleases God. I no longer have to hide anything. I can tell Him when I'm sad, scared, or just so-so. Because of this freedom, now the person people see is who God wants them to see, not the person I'm trying to act like. I'm showing people proof that God changes everything. For so many years, I tried hiding who I was, now all I want to do is broadcast who Jesus is and what He's done for me. I want to be walking proof of God's endless love, His grace, and His mercy. I have nothing to hide anymore. I have been set free from my life of addiction, the life of lies, the life of me trying to prove that I was someone else.

Oh, but God! I'm so thankful that the Lord has never left me. He loves me on my worst days and He loves me on my best days. He believes in me, and without Him I would be lost. Stop trying to be someone other than the person God created you to be. Giving up control of your life can be scary, but giving up control of your life to God is the most powerful step you can take in becoming the person you aren't ashamed of.