Hi all Steemians , I was nominated by my amazing friend @nikolina to participate in #knowyourself challenge initiated by @tamacvet. You can read @tamacvet original post here or @nikolina's post here. They are both really quite good.
This is a very interesting challenge, in that I could go on for hours, but I will try and keep it brief. Also I have some strong opinions which might be new to you. So let's get started...
Know thyself by learning what God thinks of me
Here I like to start by going to the Holy Bible and finding out what God thinks of me. There are many mentions of this, but I will limit the list to 6.
I am God's Incredible work of art.
Ephesians 2:10
I am created In God's likeness.
Ephesians 4:24
I am God's child.
Galatians 3:26
I am greatly loved.
Romans 5:8
I am totally and completely forgiven.
1 John 1:9
I am a citizen of Heaven.
Philippians 3:20
Wow - this is really wonderful news and this makes me feel pretty good about myself. Oh yeah, the God of all creation loves me and I am His child. Now this puts things in perspective. Moving forward with this knowledge means knowing my worth and value in God's eyes.
What then do I think of me
Personally, I feel knowing the above makes this part easier. But again, I make mistakes and I need to take the time to reflect on my direction in life. Looking in the mirror and recognizing our faults and our blemishes is important. Taking a honest self examination on occasion is healthy.
One way I have found to do this is to ask God. Seriously, asking God a question that he loves to answer. Now understand, this question is loaded. I guarantee you will not like the answer you will receive. However, it will be a truthful answer. Here is the question, "Lord, what in my life is keeping me from a closer relationship with you?" Do not ask this unless you are serious about knowing.
Another thing I have found to be true, and is backed by the Holy Bible is this. God knows me better than I know myself. God created and designed me, just as I am. He placed the desires in my heart, and He gave me the gifts and talents I possess. It then makes sense that he knows me better than I do. In fact he even knows what would give me the greatest joy. This is why I desire what God has planned for me, over my own plans. (Jeremiah 29:11 and John 10:10) God has plans for my living an abundant life full of joy, I desire to walk on the path the Lord has for me.
Short version of my personal story
My personal story is a rather miraculous one. I was a 25 year alcoholic. At 42 years of age this became unbearable. I cried out to God. He delivered me from the bondage of alcohol and set me on a new path. Now I've been sober 16 years and still remember the day I felt as though the chains fell off my wrists. I thank Jesus for setting me free.
If you have an questions concerning my story, please DM me in the #gratefulvibes discord chat room here.
I will nominate a few friends now
I hope my friends will take part in this awesome challenge, here they are.
@escuetapamela
@janicehung
@estheromoyiwola
@thegoddess
@fretz
Thanks again to @tamacvet for creating this awesome challenge!!
And also a BIG thanks to @nikolina for nominating me to participate!!
you are also fearful and wonderfully made and a child of God, this is also a grat reminder to all of us
Amen my friend!!
Wow! A great contest. Thanks papa for nominating me, I will kindly participate.
I really enjoyed reading your post!
You always bring positive vibes to your readers.
I guess I was lucky to hear your personal story on Discord, it is amazing to see where you're coming from and how far you've got on your journey!
And I feel like this is only the beginning for you!
Much love! :)
You have uplifted my worried spirit... Truly God is amazing and I love him too unconditionally
Awesome testimony. I know for a fact how it feels to be free from bondage. May God protect you all your days and better yet use you to fulfill His perfect will.
Congratulations on staying sober and it was wonderful to read your story. You are a child of God and we all are protected. Regardless of religious or faith beliefs, I think it's important for people to feel an underlying safety within society. So thank you for bringing that forward. Following you - to your massive success!
This post has received a 18.59% upvote from @aksdwi thanks to: @paradise-found.
You have a good outlook on life and a great history that you have done the best you can with. You have learned from it and it makes you who you are today! Now, you are sharing this information to help other people learn how to work through something you have already been through. If they have the wisdom to recognize this, and listen to you, they will save themselves so much trouble. Keep it up out there and stay strong!
Spencer Coffman
Wow. So beautiful and thank you so much for sharing your story and how God answered your prayer and set you free.
God is amazing and so are you dear friend.
God Bless!!!
Your Bible verses are indeed striking my heart. You are not just creating words but you are speaking straight into the reader's soul.
I am also glad that you are no longer alcoholic with the help of God. Everything is achievable if "we trust ourselves" and "if we seek God's guidance".
Thank you for nominating me again Papa Bear. It's an honor to be nominated by you. :)
your story is always inspiring to me. I thank God for releasing you from the chains of addiction too because if not I would not found a wonderful friend for a life time. Hugs <3 and thanks for nominating me here.
Amen to that!
love this. you're such an inspo.
God bless you Papa...
You're an inspiration for all of us.
You deserve the best man.
People like you are the ones who I want most to meet!
Keep the good work and the good challenges!
@t-miles
you're a great man papa bear:) God has a purpose and plan for your life. God bless and continue your good deeds !!
You got a 22.27% upvote from @upmewhale courtesy of @paradise-found! Earn 90% daily earning payout by delegating SP to @upmewhale.
I would love to share about myself but I will be waiting if someone will nominate me, or make an initiative to post about myself so that people will know, however, I am not that popular here. I am only popular to my Big God because he has created me perfectly ready for all the challenge he will be giving me. I hope one day I can write about myself, I so loved too.
thank you for sharing your testimony.
God is good all the time.
HE alone satisfies all our need.
God bless you more and more..