Struck Down But Not Destroyed

Hola amigos! (No, I'm still in Slovakia, I just wanted to speak in Spanish). This photo was taken in Budapest by a friend of ours who helped us out with some photography stock. Several of the girls with us were gracious enough to let us use them as models and we were able to make some fantastic shots. It's really a huge blessing for our publications.

Yeah, but that's me attempting to look serious. I love being behind the camera, but I hate being in front of it. Oh mah word, I was so uncomfortable the whole time. It made me realize how very awkward I can be. I'm not apologizing for it -- it's who I am -- but a girl does start to wonder sometimes, "am I too awkward?"

So that started me thinking on all of the awkward, ridiculous things I've done in my life -- of all the mistakes I've made, my embarrassments and my regrets. As a result, I laid in my bed in a fetal position last night wishing I had chocolate to gorge on, feeling insecure and regretting the person I was. It was a pathetic sight, but all joking aside, Satan knows my weak spots and he wasted no opportunities to try and destroy something that the Lord and I have been working on for years.

He came close, but he didn't succeed. Jesus pulled me up out of my saddened heap and so gently reminded me of who He is and who I am because of Him. I know who I am in Christ. How can I ever doubt the love of my Savior who died for me? My identity may be challenged, but the love of God steps in every time like a faithful hero to save the day.

So how about you? Do you have "identity crisis?" The Almighty God sent His beloved Son to die for you so that you could experience true love and purpose. Are you experiencing it?

"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed," II Corinthians 4:7-9.