Tuesday, March 18, 2008

God's Masterpiece...Who me?

You've got to be kidding me? If I didn't see it for myself in God's Word I wouldn't believe it. But, here it is:

For we are God's masterpiece, He created us anew in Christ Jesus so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Wait a minute. This cannot be right. I don't feel like a masterpiece. I certainly don't look like a masterpiece. But this verse says I am a masterpiece. And not just anyone's masterpiece, but God's.

Masterpiece- showpiece; blockbuster, success; gem, jewel, prize, treasure...these are the synomyms (words that mean the same) for masterpiece.

God loves what He created, so shouldn't we too? I struggle so much not to get down on myself. I focus on what I do wrong more than what I do right. I look in the mirror, try on some clothes, compare myself to someone else and I feel just blah. Yea, blah. Like, what's special about me?

But that's not what my Creator thinks. He's up there saying, "Oh Melissa, you don't always get it right, that's true, but I love you so much. Look in My mirror and see what I see; my beautiful creation; My treasure; My masterpiece. And the sooner you see yourself for who you really are, the sooner you can begin your reign as My priceless princess with a purpose."

Repeat after me, "I am beautiful." And mean it this time. Because you are.

Love,

Melissa

14 comments:

Ashley said...

You are so beautiful! And take it for what it's worth...it's a compliment. I just love you already, girl. Thank you for creating this website and I plan on going back and reading all the blogs since I just found this website.

Natalie Jackson said...

I struggle with the same thing a lot. My husband and pastor tell me I am beautiful, but it hits a wall. I have trouble seeing what they see. I am not even sure what God sees in me. You are beautiful. Have a good day.

Chef Diane said...

Isn't it great when God sees us and loves us warts and all. I am beautiful and thank God for beautiful friends.
Great blog today,
Diane

Anonymous said...

I also struggle with realizing how beautiful GOD made me. My husband tells me all the time that I am but for some reason, I struggle with this truth. There are days however when I look into my eyes and see that my beauty comes from within and not what is on the outside. Thanks for reminding me that I am a princess and what a gem I am.

Happy Heather said...

My Latina Bible study just memorized that last week in Spanish, but I loved that version of Ephesian 2:10, which one was that? Masterpiece, huh? Workmanship, doesn't sound as good as masterpiece, but it's true. We are beautifully designed and lovely even when we "FEEL" ugly. God can really work in us and that makes us beautiful. OR we don't have to do anything, and to HIM we are still gorgeous (or as my college friends and I used to say, we are S.W.O.G.s= Sexy Women Of God) In His eyes, we are HOT tamales, even if the world doesn't seee that or we don't feel like that.
Thanks again,
Heather Alegria

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing your heart with us. I linked through the Proverbs 31 devotional today, which hit home for me. Thanks for reminding me that I am not the only one that is not perfect, and TODAY is the day to start drawing closer to the Lord. God bless you!

KnewMe said...

Melissa...thanks you for your honesty with us..your words came at just the right time...I needed to know I am not alone in my struggles.

Deb said...

I struggle with the same thoughts. It's nice to know I am not alone. My husband always tells me how beautiful I am even when I don't feel beautiful. I am glad God sees us as his masterpieces. Thanks for opening up to us.

Deb

Joyful said...

Melissa..you ARE special! Your life is beautiful...YOU are beautiful. Do you have any idea at all how you have blessed my life? Just weeks ago I was living like a drowning victim...then God sent you to touch my life and speak such words of hope and encouragement. You ARE a treasure! God loves you and is using you to touch the hearts of so many, of whom I am just one.

You know I enjoy the "Princess" theme. I have so many "Princess" reminders around my home (just small ones so that I don't drive my husband crazy). I have a little "Princess Angel" suncatcher on my bathroom mirror, so that every morning, no matter how I feel, I can't forget of my royal position in Christ. I also have a hand-held mirror. The top of it is actually in the shape of a crown and at the base of it is written "Princess", so that when I hold it up to see my reflection the image of a crown appears on my head and again I see the words that God has written across my life.

Know you are His priceless, one-of-a-kind masterpiece today.
Hugs,
Joy

Unknown said...

I am so glad I've found your blog--your message is timely and encouraging. Thanks again and don't be too hard on yourself===you're beautiful and a blessing to give encouragement to me who understands what you're saying all to well!

Jennifer

Jodie Wolfe said...

I struggle with these thoughts as well. I look in the mirror and see all my faults and blemishes, and extra weight... Sigh. Some days I remember that I am God's masterpiece, but not always.

Amy L Brooke said...

I think you are beautiful!

I'm working on the me being beautiful part.

On a play on words related way -- I got a face lift -- a bloggy one that is! Come see!

Did you get the book? I sent it on Saturday!

Anonymous said...

I feel God's presents in my life, but I just want to be normal. Even if I need medications to control me I wish the doctors could find the right one. God will not give us more than we can take! To look at me you can't see my depression, but I live with it everyday. Prayer & Praise to help me.

Unknown said...

In my darkest times through depression God was my only light. Last year becoming born again and putting all my trust in him I no longer have depression and my depression almost lead to my death but through a a dream where Jesus played the piano and turned to me shaking his head no the next day the doctor who the previous night warned me of a possible transplant needed the next day delivered news with no explanation not knowing how everything was normal.