Faith and Self-Worth

A counselor tells a student she doesn’t have the ability needed to reach her dream profession and that she should aim for something that requires less skill. A job supervisor refuses to nominate a highly qualified person for a promotion, and instead, the less qualified person gets the job. He says this person has unique talents. You are told your idea won’t work, and then your boss earns praise for your idea after making a few subtle changes. Life experiences like these are designed to lower your self-worth. But don’t let them discourage you. Believe in yourself. Your life is to be lived according to God’s expectation of you, not anyone else.

While reading the scripture, “Faith is the evidence of things not seen,” I had a moment of insight about self-worth and value. Christians agree that faith in God is our proof of God. I believe that faith in God is also proof of my human value.

The Almighty Sovereign God believes wholly in you. You must believe in yourself. You are a special part of the evidence that God exists. There will always be people who will treat you with ridicule and contempt. Pray for them. There will be those who try to frighten you. Fear God instead. Stay true to God in mind and heart. “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you” (Isaiah 54:17, NIV). In other words, pay no attention to people who use disempowering words. Press forward toward your dreams with holy confidence.

Whether you were raised by your biological, foster-care, or adoptive family, you are in the family of God with a specific mission on this earth that only you can fill. If you don’t do it, it will be left undone. You are proof that God exists.

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14, NIV).