You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body
and knit me together in my mother’s womb.
Thank You for making me so wonderfully complex!
Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.
Psalm 139:13-14 NLT
Sometimes it can be tempting to look at ourselves and be critical of what God has made. (Amen? I know it’s not just me.) Really, God, with the ADHD? And why would you make me with limited vision? What exactly were you thinking with these hips? And the anxiety? Really, God?
The psalmist is convinced that God is the One who made us, and I’m going to believe that an intentional God had a purpose when He made me. And when He made you.
I don’t pretend to understand God’s intentions, but if I use my prayerful imagination, I can perhaps begin to explore what God might possibly have had in mind. For example, I’ve heard that folks who aren’t neurotypical, or have other types of physical or emotional challenges, can have a tender heart for those who face their own challenges. I’m not going to pretend to know why some folks struggle with anxiety or depression, but I do know that God is very present to those who know they need Him.
Your one-of-a-kind design by God likely includes some incredible gifts and passions, and it also may include some challenges. And I’m confident that God can use those challenges for your good and for the good of others. Ask God to show you how.
Consider the ways in which you have been critical of how God made you. Then, one by one, offer those to God and ask God how He sees each one.
God, I believe that You are the One who made me, on purpose. Give me Your vision for the parts of myself I don’t yet love, and show me what You have in mind for me. Amen.
Dive into a 100-day devotional by Chrystal Evans Hurst, 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You, about being who God made you to be in the midst of life’s challenges. When our plans don’t succeed, when turmoil arises, or when we have to take unexpected detours in life, it can be difficult to trust what God is doing and our place in it. But understanding the depth of God’s love and the truth of His Word can help us retrench, rebuild, and move forward. Over the course of 100 days, Chrystal will steward readers through this process and help them discover their unique gifts, emerge more confident in God, and become more excited about the future He has in store. Here’s a peek inside 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You at a word from Chrystal:
“Have you discovered the gift of you?
If you’re like many women I know, it’s possible that you aren’t yet entirely convinced that you are a one-of-a-kind wonder — a gift from God to the world.
And I get it. Maybe the last few decades just didn’t unfold the way you once imagined. Or perhaps there was an unexpected rupture — a death, a medical challenge, a divorce — that you never expected. Or there may have been other obstacles that kept you from living the dreams you had for your life. I understand.
And I also believe that you can embrace the gift of who you are.
I know that you’ve been doing your best. I know that you wake up and make the most of each day that you’re given. And I also know that who you are is worth naming and owning and celebrating. And I believe that embracing the gift of who you are is possible. I believe that, wherever you are today, you can discover the gift of you.”
What a great pep talk! This is exactly what you’ll find in Chrystal’s new book, 100 Days to Discovering the Gift of You.
Order your copy today. . . And, enter to WIN one of five copies that we’re giving away*! Leave a comment on this article and be entered to win.
Then be SURE to tune in to the (in)courage podcast this weekend for a conversation with Becky Keife and Chrystal. Listen on your favorite podcast app!
Thank you for this opportunity to win a copy of the book.
Very encouraging word Crystal. I will definitely be asking God to change my view of the things that I don’t like about myself. After all he said I’ve been fearfully and wonderfully made.
Thank you for the opportunity to win this encouraging devotional! Some days we just need a pep talk. This will help us to meditate on the gifts God has given us and the gift that God created us to be!
Isn’t it awful how we, at least I am, are so hard on ourselves? And as I think and say those critiques of myself, I know I shouldn’t it. Why is it so hard to see myself as a wonderfully made child of God? Others so often see what I don’t. Thank you for being honest. A daily pep talk is certainly a great way to start the day!
I appreciate this so much Ms. Chrystal. Thank you for reminding me that despite all my flaws and imperfections ; I am one of a kind. Fearfully and wonderfully made by God.
Lately I have had the taunts of the enemy continue to put in my head thoughts of not being good enough …. not worthy, not talented enough… Lord calm my heart and give me the courage to surrender all to you. Use me as you would and flow in and thru me to do ‘the work’ you have planned for me, for my good your purpose and glory! Amen
Wow thanks for this encouraging message. We all need to hear this. I am going to start praying just like you suggested about what I see as my flaws.
I have a friend who needs and deserves this book!!!
Accepting that God has made me exactly who I am, especially at this midpoint of my life when my body is changing in ways I really don’t like, has always been a challenge for me. In some aspects, I have abounding confidence and in others, a stark self-doubt. I want to learn to embrace all of me with the confidence that God had in my creation.
Chrystal thanks for what you wrote. God knew us before the beginning of the world. God knew who be our parents who type of person we be. There is lots in psalm 139 about how wonderfully we are made as you have already said. God knit us in our Mother’s womb God also knew then we would be born. We are unique beautifully made in God’s eyes made in him image God knew even before we were born what colour of hair we have what colour of eyes we’d have too. If we look like our Mum or Dad etc. God also when we got saved made us do what he wants us to that is show the world his love. I was told this by a Salvation Army Officer once that I am Daughter of the King. That King is Jesus and Jesus is our Father who loves me enough to go Calvary for me and the whole world. No greater love could Jesus have given me and the whole world by doing that for me and you. Like the kids song that says “He’s got the whole world in his hands. In his hands he got the whole world and he’s got me and you bother” How true that song is it teaches us that. Even though it people who say a song for kids. But I think it good even for us as Adults too. Like alot of the songs people say are for kids. They in my eyes are just as good for us as Adults too. Another one is ” Jesus loves all the children of the world red ♥️ and yellow black and white ” so true also. So with that we can know God loves us and made us we are precious to God he treats us with the love of a Father. I say Amen to that. Thank you again for this beautiful message Crystal. Love Dawn Ferguson-Little Enniskillen Co.Fermanagh N.Ireland xx
At my age (I’m retired), I find it challenging to know what gifts I could possibly have to offer to others. I’ve been following Crystal for years, and I’ve loved everything I’ve read or heard from her. This sounds like a book I would enjoy and that would benefit me and others.
Yes, I’m interested in the hundred day devotional
I’m just kind of wondering what the letter print is like
I have a hard time reading, small print and I’m wondering if it’s a larger print and what the cost would be
And please put me in for the free drawing
This sounds helpful in learning to accept who I am. I have been working on this over the past decade since my divorce but it’s still very hard for me. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Chrystal- thanks for the reminder that we are to love ourselves as God made us. I have several frustrating, though not life threatening, health issues. I don’t like that God made me this way and I question Him. Would love your book to learn to accept the challenges and love myself as God loves me. Thanks.
Oh how this resonates with me! Most of my life I’ve felt imperfect, different and not good enough. Then 3 years ago I became involved with a women’s group that nurtures, loves and supports other women who have been impacted by incarceration. Through this marvelous ministry I have healed and grown spiritually in so many ways. Helping other women wade through their trauma has helped me heal and knowing Jesus is with us all has changed my life. I still struggle at times but my ‘tribe’ is always there for me.
Leann, I praise God that you have found a supportive community! That is so important. May God continue to bless your ministry.
With the changes in my life and the world, I have been trying to discern who I am and the path God wants me to follow now. Taking the time to journal with God might be just what I need. Thank you. God bless you.
Very beautiful! It’s nice that we can celebrate ourselves, despite what life throws at us.
Would love to win a copy of Know Who Made You by Chrystal Evan’s Hurst.
Thanks
This article was filled with such encouragement and great reminders. I resonate with this because of my cerebral palsy and some other health issues I’ve been facing more lately. It can be hard to find a balance and know that there is a purpose and beauty in it.
Love this! Thanks for the reminder