(This first posted in 2018.)
We all have an idea of who we want to be, who we think we are, and who, in Christ, we’re becoming. Sometimes those “identities” contradict one another, leaving us feeling confused, frustrated, and defeated. If you’ve entrusted your life to Jesus, Ephesians 2:10 says you’re His masterpieces, handcrafted for a specific purpose, planned before you took our first breath. As my guest today illustrates, the more we allow God to chisel and mold us, the more we discover who we truly are–who God created us to be.
Becoming What God Desires
by Katie Clark.
It’s hard to live as the person God created me to be. Sometimes this contradicts who I think I am. Other times, discovering her involves pain and heartache. I criticize, talk down to myself, and obsess over all my failures.
Broken dreams, failed plans, and unexpected roadblocks have diverted my vision and altered my steps. Instead, I find myself on a different path—the one God put me on.
I’m slowly learning how to be whom God designed instead of the person I thought I would be. I’m also learning, even in my broken places, I’m still the person I always thought I was. I’m broken and
whole. Broken because of the path my life has taken, but whole because of how Jesus put me back together.
I struggle with knowing whether I can be both at once, but I know it’s true because I’ve lived it. 1 Peter 2:9 tells me I’m chosen, whether I feel this or not. Daily Bible reading, devotions, and prayer time are my most trusted means of coming to terms with who God made me to be.
But I’ve also found being this person—this broken yet whole person who struggles with grief and pain—allows me to connect with others in a way I never knew was possible before. I can see the brokenness in others now, and I want to help them. I believe serving others can bring healing and wholeness in a way nothing else can.
I still struggle with self-degradation and living in regret. Questioning all my choices that led me to this place. But through a gentle walk with God I’m learning I don’t have to listen to those negative voices in my head. I can stand boldly in Christ and be the person He fashions me into each day.
What about you? How do you find strength and courage to step into God’s role for your life? What are some ways you combat negative, self-defeating thought patterns? Share your thoughts, tips, and examples with us in the comments below, because we can all learn from and encourage one another!
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Get to know Katie!
Katie Clark started reading fantastical stories in grade school and her love for books never died. Today she reads in all genres; her only requirement is an awesome story! She writes adult inspirational romance, including her novel Securing The Handyman’s Heart, and her Christmas novel Radio Wave Romance. She also writes young adult speculative fiction, including her romantic fantasy novel, The Rejected Princess, her supernatural survival novel, Shadowed Eden, and her dystopian Enslaved Series. You can connect with her at her website, on Facebook, or on Twitter.
Check out her latest release, The Rejected Princess:
When Princess Roanna Hamilton’s parents arrange a marriage with a prince of Dawson’s Edge—the 
mysterious and backwards kingdom to the south—Roanna reluctantly agrees. But when Roanna is introduced to Dawson’s royal family, strange mind-bending anomalies are awakened within her, and she discovers the Dawsonian royal family holds secrets of their own. With threats growing daily, Roanna comes to realize the danger she is in. If Roanna is to save herself and her future, she must stall her marriage and squelch the growing rebellion—all while discovering how deeply her power runs.
Before you leave, make sure to catch the latest Your Daily Bible Verse podcast episode.
I can relate to the Broken part, I myself still broken and think God is putting me back together peace by peace everyday and when he finishes with me, I will be new again, so I feel that everyday is a struggle to live up to Gods Standards or ways, I struggle daily with myself, my attitude my personality etc. there are times when I don’t feel like doing anything at all not even reading the word of God, my life turned upside down 4 years ago , and I am slowly recovering God is good to me too good to me but I am still waiting to be completely healed from my broken heart!!!!
God Bless to all!!!
Hi, Sandra, praise God for His healing and growing work in your life! And for your perseverance to keep moving closer to Him!
Thank you for sharing, Sandra. I have MANY days where I still feel completely broken. I’m sorry for your pain. I’ll be praying for you! ♡
Thank you for having me Jennifer!
I love that we’re both broken and whole in Christ. I love that He was broken bread for us, while also completely three in one. A Divine mystery 🙂 It’s a challenge to redirect thoughts back to what is TRUE about ourselves. Thanks for reminder about our identity being found in no other person but Christ.
Thank you for stopping by, Mary! <3
Such a rivoting post, Katie. Love that our brokenness is intended to make us lean on Christ, though him all things are mended.
Great post Katie….we’ve all been broken at some point but God promises healing
Good luck and God’s blessings
PamT
Thank you for stopping by Pam and Kelly. <3